The Strange Land

Pioneer Operating Budget

Special Provider

Psalms 145:15  “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.”

We worship God with our resources because He often makes provision for our needs even before they arise. In a dream, the Lord informed Pharoah about the 7 years of severe famines that would strike Egypt. However, before the beginning of the crisis, he provided 7 years of abundance. Under the inspired leadership of Joseph, they could save the surplus and adequately prepare for the crisis. God provided before the need. Joseph told his brothers about the God who acted in anticipation: “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Gen 45:7). Our needs and emergencies of today never take God by surprise or put Him off balance.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a family had witnessed how God acted in anticipation of their needs. Because they were staying in a foreign country, the wife had to renew her employment authorization. The process took much longer than expected. After some few months of waiting, her current work authorization expired, and she was terminated from her job. The family budget was not balancing anymore. At first, they thought that the authorization would come in a few days. It was not so. Interestingly, exactly 7 months before she lost her job, the week that many companies were closing down and dismissing employees, causing a record high unemployment rate, she miraculously held onto her job. This allowed the family to consolidate their emergency fund not knowing the challenge they would soon face. Regularly, they would check the status of her application. The waiting time grew from 3 months to 4 months, 5 months, and finally up to 9 months. It was a testing time. During this extended time, their consolidated emergency fund kept them afloat. More accurately, it was the work of God who makes provision even before needs arise.

This week as we worship with our tithe and regular offerings let us show our gratitude to the Provider who already has solutions for our unforeseen crises.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

If you did not attend the last ASM potluck at the Village Fellowship Hall on November 13, you probably have not had a chance to RSVP for the Christmas Banquet to be held at the Village Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 11, at 1:00 PM.  Aside from the 55 people who already put their names on the Banquet list that day, here is how to RSVP now and be included: *Call PMC (269-471-3133 if you are a member at PMC). The deadline for calling these numbers is December 6, in order that the caterer can order and prepare enough food for all who are coming. This is a PMC-sponsored program and the food is paid for by PMC and Village churches. Thank you very much, and we look forward to fellowshipping together with PMC and Village pastors!

The memorial service for Sharon Dudgeon will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Pioneer Memorial Church. The family will start receiving family and friends at PMC starting at 1:00 PM. All are invited to attend to celebrate the life of Sharon.

Can you believe that our last Soup for Students was three years ago? If you’re new, Soup for Students is a practical way for Pioneer to show love and care for our University students during final’s week by providing some fresh hot soup and salad. This is taking place on Tuesday, December 13th, at 6 PM in our PMC Commons. We need 30 volunteers who are willing to bring a pot of soup. You can also be involved by helping serve or clean up afterwards. For more information or to register text the word SOUP to 269-281-2345.