Jason Kite opened the service by sharing about the urgent need for foster families. He spoke about how there are far more children in the foster care system than there are families to take them in. He encouraged the church to prayerfully consider stepping into this calling, reminding us that children need godly people to raise them. If you feel called to open your home to a child in need, take the step. Those interested can see him for more information.

From the very beginning, humanity has struggled to keep their eyes on God. Adam and Eve were given everything they needed in the Garden of Eden, yet they allowed temptation to pull them away. They had an abundance of God’s provision, but they chose the one thing He told them not to touch. In the same way, we let sin into the world when we take our eyes off Jesus.

Pastor Tom shared the incredible survival story of Juliane Koepcke, the daughter of two zoologists. She and her parents traveled frequently by plane to study animals, but one night, while flying over the Amazon, lightning struck their plane. She fell 10,000 feet and miraculously survived. Without panicking, she knew exactly what to do next because her parents had prepared her. Knowing that survival meant finding water, she followed a stream that led her to safety. Eventually, she found a cabin where hunters took her upriver to get help. What seemed like an impossible situation had already been prepared for. God had equipped her ahead of time, just like He prepares us for the challenges we don’t even see coming.

1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Genesis 3:4-5 – “But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”

Matthew 26:39 – “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”