Welcome 2019

      Whether we’re ready or not, a new year is crossing our threshold. Welcome 2019!  At the end of each year, via the public media, we are bombarded with the memorable events, the political shenanigans and the notables who died during the past year; so we won’t spend any time on that.  We can, however, spend a little time reflecting on our blessings of the last 12 months.  And they are many, even during the tough times, God has been present, helping us to “be strong and of a good courage.”  With great joy we can report that Holland Bible Church continues to share and proclaim the Gospel, enjoy good fellowship and, occasionally, break bread together, thanks to our having made sure that we include some great cooks within our congregation.
    As we face a new year - depending on the individual, we anticipate with great hope, or yawn with boredom, or approach with dread, the coming 12 months.  In reality, we shall each of us probably have moments of great expectations when happiness bubbles up around us and dreams come true.  We shall probably each have moments when we are tired of whatever we’re going through and just wish it were past.  We shall each of us probably have moments when anxiety overcomes us, grief surrounds us and we need our friends close by.
    Our special blessing is that all of these circumstances are shared.  Sometimes we feel as if we are alone, or that no one understands.  The wonderful blessing is that  those around us, friends, family and church family, care and have us in prayer, sharing the joy or sorrow or challenge of the moment.  Their caring and prayers might not be visible, or they might be shared with hugs and listening and love.  The greatest blessing of all, however, is the knowledge that through each moment, our Lord is sharing our joys.  He comforts us when we’ve lost hope.  He strengthens us when we’re afraid or worried.  And we have the utmost confidence that He will be with us throughout 2019, just as He was in 2018.                                                                                                                                                                                             Virginia  
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid … : for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
                                    Deuteronomy 31:6