The Lamplighter
V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 2 F E B R U A R Y
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
From Pastor 2
A Woman Who Fears the Lord
Brian’s Desk
“Many women have done excel-
Why Believe 3 lently, but you surpass them all.
Moses? Pt. 1 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is
vain, but a woman who fears the
Wednesday 3 LORD is to be praised”
Prayer Meeting
Proverbs 31:29-30 (ESV)
Too EarlyPoem 4 laundry soap, and the rest is
This February seems like a good
Church 4 time to follow the lead of the
Library
writer of Proverbs 31 in cele-
Battalion brating the goodness of God by
4 senior year we both pretty much
providing for me a wonderful and
godly wife. Why this February?
New Sunday 5
School Class
· February 14th is Valentines
Birthdays/ 5 Day! Need I say more?
Anniversaries
· Jody's birthday is February 7th!
Church Lockup 5 · 2010 is a significant year for us.
Schedule I met Jody as a freshman in col-
lege 30 years ago. This is also the
Quizzing 6 year that we will celebrate 25
years of marriage!
Haiti Earthquake 7 swer was that I had hoped to be
Giving Update If there were ever two people
you would NOT expect to see
Katie Wells 8
married, it would probably be
Update
Jody and I. We are both VERY
Bulletin Board different. I grew up in Phoenix,
9 never really stopped). I knew
Arizona. Jody grew up on a farm
in Marshalltown, Iowa. Through-
out my growing-up years, we
moved a lot as a family. Jody
grew up in home that has been in
her family for well over 100
years. Our personalities are also
very different. Perhaps the best
“symbol” of our differences has
been the thermostat. We never
seem to find the same tempera-
ture mutually comfortable.
Whether it is the house thermo-
stat, or the refrigerator thermo-
stat, we can never seem to leave
it at just one setting. No doubt
about it—we're different!
Pastor Rob (1980)
Jody (1980)
And yet, I am thankful (most of
the time) for those differences!
We simply do not grow as per-
sons or as Christians when eve-
rything is done our way!
As I already stated, Jody and I
met as freshman in college (note
the attached freshman pictures).
I followed the lead of my pastor
and decided to attend school in
Iowa. It was certainly NOT love
at first sight between Jody and
2 0 1 0
myself. In fact, our relationship
blossomed out of pity! Jody
found out that I was doing my
laundry with raspberry shampoo!
As an act of kindness (and
mercy) she bought me some
history.
We dated on and off through our
college years. However, our
went our own directions. After
graduation, I moved back to
Phoenix, and Jody moved back to
Marshalltown. Any future rela-
tionship seemed pretty well out
of the realm of possibility.
In 1985 I accepted the role of
pastor for a church in Kansas. In
my time of candidacy with the
church I was asked if I had any
prospects for marriage. My an-
married within a couple of years
(to whom?)! I moved to Kansas
in May of 1985. Four weeks later
I got to thinking about Jody (I had
that as a wife, God would never
provide me with anyone better
than Jody. She was most defi-
nitely committed to Christ. So
after more than a year of not
seeing Jody (or dating her), I
called her up on the phone and
asked if she would marry me. To
my surprise and delight, she said
YES!
(Continued on back page)
 PAGE 2
From Pastor Brian’s Desk
Spiritual Discernment
“Hold fast the pattern of sound
words which you have heard from
me, in faith and love which are in
Christ Jesus. That good thing
which was committed to you,
keep by the Holy Spirit who
dwells in us.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14
“Take heed to yourself and to the
doctrine. Continue in them, for in
doing this you will save both
yourself and those who hear
you.” 1 Timothy 4:16
“Guard what was committed to
your trust,” 1 Timothy 6:20
“Nowhere is I preface my article with these
scriptural admonitions in order
Scripture given
to highlight the fact that we as
the place of pastors are to “keep” that
good thing, scriptural truth,
prominence or
which was committed to our
trust and to guard it diligently.
uniqueness that
In other words, we are to be
it demands of concerned with preaching and
teaching sound doctrine and to
itself.” warn the congregation of
those who would distort or
pervert the gospel of Christ
(Gal 1:7).
The Shack is a currently popu-
lar book that includes distor-
tions of the scriptures and the
Christian faith that should be
exposed. Tim Challies, editor
of Discerning Reader web site
and author of The Discipline of
Spiritual Discernment, has
written an excellent review of
The Shack. His multipage in-
depth review is available on
the table in the foyer for you
to pick up.
THE LAMPLIGHTER - FEBRUARY
Some brief quotes from his
review regarding specific scrip-
tural points are listed below in
order to help you see the
areas of contention that Tim is
dealing with in this book:
On the doctrine of revelation
“Young (the author) consis-
tently down plays Scripture at
the expense of personal ex-
perience … Nowhere is Scrip-
ture given the place of promi-
nence or uniqueness that it
demands of itself.”
Salvation
“Though the cross is central to
the Bible and central to the
Christian faith, it appears only
sparingly in The Shack. A per-
son who is unfamiliar with the
Christian faith will not be able
to glean from this book a bibli-
cal understanding of what the
cross was for and what Jesus'
death accomplished. Nor will
he understand how God saves
us and what He saves us
from.”
The Trinity
“... while Young's portrayal of
Jesus may be based on some
fact, his portrayal of the Father
and the Holy Spirit in human
form is sinful and expressly
forbidden within the Bible.”
“While the author affirms the
equality of each of the mem-
bers of the Trinity, he denies
that submission can be present
in such a relationship.”
Distinctions
“...it seems that within The
2010
Shack the distinctions are lost
and the persons and roles
begin to blend together.”
Presence of God
“One of the most disturbing
aspects of The Shack is the
behavior of Mack when he is in
the presence of God. When
we read in the Bible about
those who were given glimpses
of God, these people were
overwhelmed by His glory ...
But in The Shack we find a
man who stands in the very
presence of God and uses foul
language … , who expresses
anger to God (which in turns
makes God cry) (92), and who
snaps at God in his anger (96).
This is not a man who is in the
presence of One who is far
superior to Him, but a man
who is in the presence of a
peer. This portrayal of the
relationship of man to God
and God to man is a far cry
from the Bible's portrayal.”
All of these statements, and
many more, can be seen in
their context with quotes from
the book and from the Bible in
the full article. I would strongly
encourage those who have
already read the book or are
considering doing so, to pick
up this article from the table in
the foyer.
Let us use discernment when
choosing and reading books or
when evaluating someone's
teachings. Jesus warns us of
false teaching and the need for
discernment when He says,
(continued on page 5)
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE
Why Believe Moses? Part 1
The answer to “why believe
Moses?” was given by Jesus Christ
while addressing unbelieving Phari-
sees some 2000 years ago — “For
had you believed Moses, you would
have believed me, for he wrote of me.
But if you believe not his writings, how
shall you believe my words?”
John 5:46-47
Similarly, there is the account of the
rich man and poor Lazarus wherein
Christ finally admonishes — “If they
do not listen to Moses and the Proph-
ets, they will not be convinced even if
someone rises from the dead.”
Luke 16:31
Essentially, Christ warned listeners
in these two separate instances of
the need to fully respect the writ-
ings of the prophet Moses. In other
words, Christ gave Moses His seal
of approval.
Amazingly, some Christians today
continue to struggle with key writ-
ings of the prophet Moses. This is
Wednesday Prayer Meeting
"You have heard that it was said, 'You
shall love your neighbor, and hate your
enemy.' But I say to you, love your
enemies, and pray for those who per-
secute you."
Matthew 5:43, 44
Now for some of us, a few of those
neighbors could also be perceived
as our "enemies" or "persecutors."
In this month the world dedicates
to its own idea of "love," a true way
we can show that is by praying for
our neighbors - whichever side of
the fence they fall on.
One method of doing this is called
Prayerwalking, or "praying on-site
with insight." It is intercessory
prayer that is targeted for the place
surely a shocking statement but
look no further than disbelief in the
opening chapter of Genesis! Al-
though we do not know how
Moses came to learn of the events
he revealed in Genesis chapter one,
we readily realize only the Creator
Himself knew a thing about it since
no earthling was around until the
creation events were nearly over.
Recall, not even Adam and Eve
knew what occurred prior to their
appearance in Eden unless informed
of the actual events and their timing
by the Creator Himself.
Friend, this is a staggering realiza-
tion in light of the smorgasbord of
man-made schemes devised since
the early 1800’s superimposing
various pet theories over Moses’
creation account. There are today
four major alterations of Moses’
account in Genesis: 1) day-age the-
ory (the Genesis 24 hour days be-
come metaphorical); 2) gap theory
(inserts a supposed geological gap
after verse one); 3) theistic evolu-
you are walking.
One type involves going from
house to house, asking for prayer
requests and then praying with the
people on-site. Another way is by
walking (or driving) through the
neighborhood and praying - with
your eyes open - for everyone on
those streets.
Actually seeing your prayer target
can inspire you with better ways to
pray, so that your prayers will be
more effective.
Two of the C&MA's core values
are:
· Lost people matter to God.
3
by Todd Carsten
tion (surmises God used evolution
to create); 4) progressive creation
(Hugh Ross’ version of day-age
theory).
Sparing the reader a further analysis
of the above schemes, suffice it to
say that each is a corruption of
what Moses actually revealed in
Genesis. In this light, let us recall
that Jesus Christ knew for certain
that Moses’ writings were accurate
since He Himself was present at the
creation — “For by Him [Jesus
Christ] were all things cre-
ated” (Col. 1:16).
Accordingly, we Christians must be
extremely careful when handling
the Genesis creation account, say-
ing only what Moses revealed (and
Christ endorsed). As Martin Luther
simplified Genesis matters for the
Christians of his era: Be careful
about pretending to know more
than the Holy Spirit.
“Lost people
matter to God.
Prayer is the
· Prayer is the primary work of the
primary work
people of God.
of the people
So, keep praying for your neighbors of God.”
and your neighborhoods!
And, as always, we invite you to
participate in the prayer time at
church on Wednesdays, 7 pm in
the Butternut Room. If you have
prayer requests, please put them
on the back of a Welcome Card,
contact the church office or email
me at LPetry9153@aol.com.
Prayerfully Yours,
Larry Petry
 PAGE 4

Too Early From the Church Library

By Dorothea Dyer
It is too early to get out the seed catalogs
It is too early to think about Spring.
It is too early to look for the song birds
And all of the joy that they bring
It is the month of February
Still several months of Winter to go
A lot of cold weather ahead
And mountains of ice and snow
The deadline for If we would skip February
We will lose Ground Hog Day
the March issue of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day
Will be lost along the way
the Lamplighter is
If it is snowing and blowing
Sunday, February It is a good thing to recall
That when it comes to February
21st. Please submit
It is the shortest month of all
your articles to the
And as we go forward
church office. We really can be sure
That for the month of February
The word of the month is “endure”
Have you seen the new -
empty - bookcases! If you
have grown accustomed to
the present organization of
the books, watch for the
inevitable shifting, allowing
room for growth in all sub-
jects.
Teen gals, we've added Danae
Dobson's Let's Talk: Good
Stuff for Girlfriends about
God, Guys and Growing Up
[249.6 Dobd]. Danae's goal is
to help you make sense of the
stuff you face in life: "it is
possible to be a Christian and
still be cool".
A new-to-us title that I am
eager to read: End of the
Spear: a true story, by Steve
Saint. Saint brings us back to
the group in Ecuador known
to us as the Aucas - "savage
killers" - who are really the
Waodani people who killed
Steve's dad, Nate Saint along
with four other American
missionaries. When the Wao-
dani found their culture in
crisis, they asked Steve to
return to live among them and
teach them how to interact
with the encroaching outside
world. Find this book among
the biographies. [B Sai]
Speaking of finding this mis-
sionary biography, where
would you look for The Pil-
grim's Progress by John Bun-
yan? Answer: this book is
fiction and so look for it
among the fiction books:
[F Bun]
Good reading!
Jean
Palmer

Battalion Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

It doesn't seem possible, but me such a beautiful card when I

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
New Years have come and
gone. Now Battalion is begin-
ning another year. January is
typically a slower time for us
as we continue with our stud-
ies and prepare for our next
activity. Currently we are in
our Skit Production Unit
which everyone seems to be
having a great time with.
Many thanks to Valerie Car-
sten, who is helping us with
this unit. And, a special thanks
to all the young men and
leaders in Battalion who sent
was out of commission a while ago.
But, I am back in the saddle now,
and preparing for our Father/Son
Winter Retreat at Path of Life
Camp outside of Binghamton in
Port Crane, NY. We look forward
to sledding, a winter hike with
winter fire building, survival shelter
building, and just a great time of
fellowship!
LaFayette Alliance Battalion
Respectfully Submitted, Members
Ken Hubbell

THE LAMPLIGHTER - FEBRUARY 2010

 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 5

From Pastor Brian’s Desk

(Continued from page 1)
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is
the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For
false christs and false prophets will rise and
show great signs and wonders to deceive, if
possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 24:23-24
Until He comes may we give attention to
the reading and to the doctrine of scrip-
ture, and not be among the deceived.
For the true gospel,
Pastor Brian
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
Pastor Brian's Sunday School Class
What's The Difference? - Manhood and Wom-
anhood Defined According to the Bible
John Piper’s ten, 30-minute DVD sessions will
lead our class in discovering what the Bible
teaches about true manhood and womanhood
and the impact of living out God’s design in
the context of our society, the church, and in
our marriages.
The class will be a combination of a 22-30 min-
ute DVD teaching by John Piper followed by
interactive discussion of the topic. Our first
class will be in mid-February (be watching the
bulletin for more specifics) and will meet in the
double room off the gym. Session topics will
include secular feminism and culture, the role of
men and women in the church and in the home,
Biblical headship, God's design and complemen-
tarity, and recovering Biblical manhood and
womanhood.

New Sunday School Class

"...Personal study of the Word in daily reading and
meditation is necessary for growth in godliness. Al-
though God plainly promises the Spirit's work in
conjunction with gospel preaching, there is also a
Birthdays & Anniversaries
great feast to be had in daily consumption of the February 2010
Word. Whether you read through the Bible in a
year to gain an appreciation of the broad sweep of
history of redemption or narrow down your study 2 - Dee Butler, Meghan Camilleri
to a deeper perusal of shorter passages, the primary
means of God's grace to you will be found in his 3 - Randy Ortlieb
Word.” - Elyse Fitzpatrick
4 - Jeff Kline
Jody Gates will be starting a new class using the
5 - Jonathan Roberts
book Continue to Live in Him: Colossians and Phile-
mon. The class will begin on February 7th. See Jody 6 - Emily Malara, Maggie Titus
if you would like a book.
7 - Jody Gates
8 - Gerald Browning
9 - Kyrie Kline, Joan Simmons, Hans Smid

Church Lock Up 10 -(Eric & Patti Reed)

12 - Allison Livingston

Schedule 13 - Nicholas Kolceski

14 - Rick Brown, Adele Greeley

Th.is is a reminder for church officers who are on 15 - Dan Johnson, (Bill & Linda Bitler)
the lock up schedule for the month of January 17 - Ben Johnson, Cathy Lang

February 1 Mike Gettman 18 - Steve Smith

February 8 Larry Petry 19 - Madison Brown
February 15 Mark Johnson
February 22 Dick Standford 22 - Alex Stowe
23 - Rachel Coulter, Molly Livingston
If you are unable to be at church on the day you are 25 - (Han & Elly Smid)
scheduled for lock up, please arrange to change with
28 - Nate Malara
someone on the schedule.
 PAGE 6
Quizzing
What an awesome weekend we had at Winterna-
tionals at Sacandaga Bible Conference Center.
There were fourteen teams from Eastern Canada,
Metro NY, and our District, totaling fifty nine quiz-
zers. We took three teams, eight quizzers and
combined our teams with three quizzers from Syra-
cuse Alliance. Teams quizzed six times Saturday in
preliminaries. Then, based on how they did in pre-
liminaries, Sunday teams quizzed to determine who
was the number one team.
Saturday night they held a “Quote Off”. Any
quizzer who wanted to participate was given
verses, like in a spelling bee. There were over
twenty quizzers who participated. Then when it’s
down to eight quizzers they move to the quiz seats
and have to jump to advance to the top two. A
quizzer from Metro was the first to advance. Nick
Murgia and a few other quizzers each had three
successful jumps and needed just one more to ad-
vance. Nick got the jump and quoted his fourth
verse and moved to the head to head portion with
the Metro quizzer. The first one to get four right,
“After the final or the one ahead after seven questions would win
it. Nick got off to a quick start getting the first few
quiz, awards were questions. He ended up having the most right
when they got to the seventh quote. It was very
handed out. Nick exciting and fun to see all the kids congratulating
Nick!
Murgia took first
Sunday morning we had a wonderful time of
place! Sam worship. Larry Petry (son of our Larry), gave a
Benedict got the
trophy for tenth
place.”
“Team Broken Jars of Clay”
Sam, Caleb, Nate, and Noah
“Team Puppet Rulers of America”
Nathan, Taylor, Andrew, Aaron, and Jeremy
THE LAMPLIGHTER - FEBRUARY 2010
wonderful message from I Corinthians 13. Then
we had an activity that broke us into groups of
seven or so. We were given a slip of paper with a
story about a person that we might find hard to
love. We were asked to come up with practical
ways we could show God’s love to those people.
Then we shared our results. It was really a great
time of seeing how we can really apply God’s Word
to our everyday lives.
Sunday afternoon was the last quiz was for the
Championship. Even though we didn’t have a team
in the top three, it was still exciting. During the
match at every timeout there was something excit-
ing going on. One team from Canada made up
songs for each of the teams and would sing the
songs during the timeout. During one timeout, a
team of Americans stood and started to sing the
Canadian National Anthem. So we all stood and
those who knew it sang along. The Canadian’s
loved it. During the next timeout we all stood and
sang our National Anthem. It was very moving.
I’ve never seen anything like it. A first-time team
from Canada ended up winning the tournament.
After the final quiz, awards were handed out. Nick
Murgia took first place! Sam Benedict got the
trophy for tenth place. Our teams finished in sev-
enth, eleventh and thirteenth places. Although we
didn’t have the results we had hoped for, the kids
all had a blast and want to attend next year.
“Team Borne Supremacy”
Heidi, Nick, and Colton
Nick (right) accepting 1st place trophy
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE 7

Haiti Earthquake Giving Update

CAMA Services - As a congregation, we have sent $1,309 to CAMA Services to help with the relief effort in
Haiti. CAMA is partnering with the Haitian Associations of the C&MA, the Southeastern and Metropolitan Dis-
tricts, and sister organizations such as World Relief and Samaritan’s Purse to respond with immediate humani-
tarian aid. But CAMA’s help will not stop when these critical needs are met. It will remain involved in long-term
rebuilding and development efforts, demonstrating the love of Christ through practical expressions of compas-
sion and care for years to come.

Dominican Republic Missionaries – The DR Church has responded positively and has appointed a commit-
tee to oversee the relief response to Haiti. They have connections with at least 20 Haitian Churches that iden-
tify themselves with the C&MA. They plan to wait a week or so to begin transporting items into Haiti after the
immediate rush of help has ceased from the secular world. Their desire is to minister through word and deed.

If you would like to give toward the Relief effort, you can give directly through the church. Please designate your
monies to either “CAMA – Haiti Relief” or “DR – Haiti Relief”. We will keep you updated on the relief
effort and the amount given.
 PAGE 8

Katie Wells Update

God is moving in so many ways, seen and unseen! I
am always humbled and amazed that God would
desire to use me to advance His kingdom!!! Yet I
need to always remember that the “how” and
“when” are in His hands! James 4:13-17 convicts
me! Whenever I see anyone from church, I am
asked when I will return to Bolivia. In June I said I
would return in October… In October I said I
would return in January, and now in January I real-
ize I AM NOT IN CONTROL OF WHEN I
RETURN! God is. It is a matter of relinquishing
control… not that I ever had it, but it is an emo-
tional and spiritual surrender. In telling others my This is the front of the church, where the “street”
return dates in the past I may have given a date, is. This picture was taken from the backside. I am
followed by “God willing”, but really I meant “Katie not sure what the cement box on the ground is.
-willing”. How often do we make plans and ask Behind the center vertical wall, and towards the
God to bless them… or tell God to bless them… back of this building (front of this picture) “my
BUT THEY ARE NOT GODS PLANS. I continue house” is being built. Yes, it’s under the same roof
to learn that God’s ways are so much better than as the church. This picture was taken in September.
mine. I can nearly hear God now telling me…” I am told that since this picture was taken, “my
Now listen Katie, it’s not really about the money… house” (the rooms I will live in) are nearly finished.
Together let us because that is coming, it’s about this other issue I
have to work on in the mean time IN YOUR
CHARACTER, or IN BOLIVIA… IT’S JUST NOT
encourage the READY YET.” Well, perspective is good to have.
God is hammering out the pride in my character,
local Christians in and refining me as we speak, I can feel it.

San Fernando, From January 21st until February 20th I will be taking
a course through JAARS (a Wycliffe support minis-
Bolivia as we reach try) in Waxhaw North Carolina called Intercultural
Communication Course. It will cover subjects such
the rest of their as interpersonal skills, crisis management, multicul-
tural teams, world view, language and culture acqui-
sition and spiritual vitality. The hope of this course
village and all of is to prepare missionaries to be spiritually fit, rela-
tionally mature, culturally sensitive and technically “My house”/ few rooms will be behind this
eastern Bolivia for competent. God is working in my character… “sanctuary” wall. These are the only church
when it was suggested by my mission that I attend pews.
Christ! this class, I was reluctant… I thought I could teach
it, not have to take it!

It is exciting to think about God’s timing! I
am so humbled and amazed to see how He is rais-
ing up more people from LaFayette Alliance Church
to partner with me in my ministry to San Fernando
Bolivia! I want you to feel ownership of this minis-
try too! So here are a few pictures in and around
the church (my new home) in San Fernando!!!!!
Thank you for those who have been praying for my
support raising and sacrificially giving!!! I hope that
every one else at LaFayette Alliance will catch the
vision for this little town in the woods of Eastern
Bolivia and join my team of faithful supporters!
Together let us encourage the local Christians in
San Fernando, Bolivia as we reach the rest of their
village and all of eastern Bolivia for Christ!

Sweet Thank you so much for your encouragement and

people in support.
the San
Fernando WITH JOY!
Church.
Katie Wells
Joshua 1:9

THE LAMPLIGHTER - FEBRUARY 2010

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 PAGE
New Church Officers
We welcome the new officers who were elected at the
Annual Meeting on January 20, 2010:
Bill Bitler, Governing Board Secretary
Mike Gettman, Treasurer
Larry Petry, Financial Secretary
Marty Andrews, Elder
Mike Maloney, Elder
Matt Coulter, Deacon
Clayt Roberts Jr., Deacon
Pat Buff, Trustee
Eric Reed, Trustee
Mark Johnson, Trustee
Matt Walker, Trustee
Diane Smith, Head Deaconess
Want to Support Katie Wells?
If you wish to support Katie Wells
through our church, a fund has al-
ready been established. Simply include
your gift in your offering, clearly des-
ignating the monies to “Katie Wells—
SAM”.
Ladies Bible Study
Chris Buff will be leading a new Bible study,
Overcoming Fear and Discouragement (Ezra,
Nehemiah, Esther) starting on Monday, Febru-
ary 8th, from 7:00 –8:30 pm. If you are inter-
ested and would like a book, please sign up on
the Butternut Room door. The books will be
approximately $7.
9
Womens Discussion Group
There will be a new womens discussion
group focusing on a woman’s role in be-
ing a complement to her husband: pri-
marily in areas of marriage and family.
Please sign-up on butternut room door.
Books are $11. The class will start on
February 11th from 6:30-8:30pm. We will
meet on the second Thursday of each
month. If you have any questions, please
contact Beth Ortlieb @ (607)749-2450.
Senior Ministry Luncheon
Attention all Seniors— This month we will have a
luncheon on Thursday, February 4th here at church at
noon. Join us for a meal together and a great time of
fellowship.
Please bring a dish to pass. Feel free to invite a friend
and enjoy a relaxing, fun time.
This month we will be hearing from Pastor Brian as
he shares his thoughts on “Senior Servants.”
Volunteers Needed
I am sending out a plea for help in Children’s
Church! We need workers for February, March,
April, May and June! We are flexible; you can
volunteer for 1 week, 2 weeks, or a whole
month. I appreciate any help. Maybe you have
teens that need volunteer hours? Thanks so
much for all of you who already have helped this
year! God Bless! Please contact Stephanie Dow if
you are able to help.
LaFayette Christian & Missionary
Alliance Church

P.O. Box 150

6069 Cherry Valley Turnpike
LaFayette, New York 13084
Phone: (315) 677-9810

Rev. Robert Gates, Senior Pastor

rfgates@twcny.rr.com

Brian Mandigo, Associate Pastor

blmandigo@twcny.rr.com

Ellen Coulter, Office Administrator

ecoulter@twcny.rr.com

Our mission is to know Jesus Christ; exalt Him as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, Coming King,
and complete His Great Commission.

We’re on the web!

www.lafayettealliance.org

A Woman Who Fears the Lord

(Continued from page 1)
On November 9th, 1985, we were
married in Iowa. Here we are just
about 25 years later (and with four
great kids!).
ner in our relationship with each
other and more importantly with
Christ. Jody continues to inspire me
with her devotion to Christ and her
daily discipline in maintaining that
relationship. I thank God for my
precious wife. She has been both an
inspiration to me as well as the in-
does him good, and not harm, all the
days of her life.” Proverbs 31:10-12
(ESV)
Thank you, Lord! Trusting You for
another 30 years with the one I love
and trust!

Marriage is NOT easy. Bringing two
sinners together under one roof will
either aid your sanctification, or it will
tear you apart. I'm thankful that it
has been the former and not the
latter for us.
strument God has chosen to confront
so much of my own natural selfish- Pastor Rob
ness. She most definitely deserves
her due as a woman who fears the
Lord and loves her family—especially
me as her husband.

In the four pastorates we have I close with these words:

served, I never had to bring with me a
reluctant partner in ministry. While “An excellent wife who can find? She
Jody has always recognized my head- is far more precious than jewels. The
ship in our home, she has done so heart of her husband trusts in her,
with vital input and as an equal part- and he will have no lack of gain. She