From the Pastor’s Desk – August 2019

Greetings to all lovers and servants of Jesus Christ. To those of you who are reading our monthly newsletter, my church at East Alton First UMC would like to offer you our thanks and praise to God for the time you always give to check up on our ministry. And at the same time, lovingly asking you to pray for our faith community as we go forward to reach out to our brothers and sisters locally to further spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Somehow, we find it easier to go beyond our walls and community not even bother knocking at the doors of our nearby neighbors. 5 months have passed, as new Pastor of EAFUMC, we desire to go, grow and glow before our Lord. Your prayers will be of great blessing to our Church.

We just concluded our 2019 4th of July celebration. Honestly, I have never experienced 7 days of Fireworks display. Only here in this part of the USA. I used to live in NV and CA and freedom day,  is only one night, always on the 4th. My family and a couple friend watched it over at Bethalto May 30 and it went through to July 7 nightly. I believe most of them were free. Talk about Commemoration… they were all spectacular.

Well in line with our faith, we believers in Jesus have our own independence day. Some have dates, like day, month and year. I remember mine was in the school year 1986 back home in the school grounds of our University. The year when I found Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. How I wish I could remember the exact date but unfortunately not. But I am glad, I can say, Jesus found me that prompted me to be who I am now. A Pastor ….. and having a blast with Jesus, the greatest Boss ever.

You know, in my chosen work, complaining is not an option. There is just no room for it. What else is there to ask for? He gave HIS life to suffer and die for the crimes that I have committed. I deserve the punishment indeed, but he took the blame, thought of me above anything or anybody else including himself. Jesus Christ, the greatest Boss… right? Here is the thing, my independence day even became clearer. That Easter Morn in Jerusalem, the city where my Savior was born, the same City that crucified Him. But this was also that exact place where He became alive. He rose from the dead, He conquered the grave, destroyed evil and sin, witnessed by 500 people, walked and spoke with them, ascended to heaven and now sitting at the right hand of GOD. And as promised, I will be with them one day forever. What a day of rejoicing that will be. Here is the good news my dear friends, if you have received and believed in Jesus, then you are also bound to be with our Lord. If you have not believed, there is still time. Make that decision to make Jesus your Savior. All you have to do is to pray a simple prayer. Confess your sins to Him, for he is faithful and just to forgive you ( 1 John 1:9). For whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16) You must willfully believe and receive His gift for the bible said for by grace you have been saved through faith not of your works lest any man should boast. Acknowledge His presence in your heart. That’s it! One more thing, pray in the Holy Spirit and watch how HE will grow, teach and guide you all the days of your life by reading HIS word (The Bible).

As God is my witness, receiving and embracing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior will forever be your Independence Day.  This is Pastor Ed, may the 4th be with you and God bless you.    

Edward Granadosin

Pastor East Alton First UMC