The election is just around the corner: Angela and I voted yesterday, and I have yet to ask her about her votes. I wonder if we both voted the same way, or, if we might have done what my parents often joked about: canceled each other's vote? At any rate, we both voted, and, in this crucial and historic election, I think that is most important. One of the great gifts we have here is that of actually choosing our leadership. Sometimes that elevates our nation to great heights, and sometimes it condemns us to hardship and ordinariness. Perhaps this election will produce leadership which is both inspirational and groundbreaking in the most positive fashion. For all of you, I encourage you to vote your convictions, and to prayerfully consider your convictions before you vote. I would also encourage all of you to examine the positions and the candidates and make your vote based on your thoughtful and prayerful understanding.

Secondly, the economy.
Our church is largely made up of ordinary people who work ordinary jobs. The economic ramifications of the downturn in our economy is painfully felt by our membership. Jobs have hours curtailed, some people get laid off, and some businesses are in danger of going under. We ask that you pray for our leadership to make the right decisions to lead us out of this danger, and to pray for those in our number who are hurt by adjustable rate mortgages and jobs being at risk.

And, thirdly,
We pray for our church and its position in the immigration struggles. Our members are painfully aware of immigration issues, and we pray for a logical resolution to the immigration debacle in which our nation is embroiled.

Curtis Rivers
October 22, 2008

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