Happy Winter              

Pastor Gail Mitchell

OK.  So you wanted warmer weather and no snow.  Isn't the ice beautiful?  I enjoy looking out my window to see the trees covered in beautiful, clear ice.  But it was a pretty good struggle getting the car into the garage, and helping my neighbors get the car into the garage, etc.  Then I thought about those who don't have a garage to get their car into and realized how easy I have it.  I hope you have stayed safe and warm in this warm, no snow week. 

I heard the other day that US citizens had donated 240 million dollars to Haiti relief.  Seeing how long it has taken Iowa City and Cedar Rapids to recover from the flooding of '08, This earthquake recovery in one of the world's poorest countries seems impossible.  My prayer is that after this initial short term relief effort, some how the country will be made totally new, with a new, efficient government and new economy and a commitment to trust and follow God.  If you wish to give to Haiti relief, put it in the offering plate, with Haiti relief somehow indicated on the envelope.  We will make sure that it is sent to the Converge Worldwide and will be administered through local churches in Haiti. Or give through the link to the left under the Haiti Map under River Links.

On February 6 the Iowa Baptist Conference will meet in Des Moines to complete our merger with the Minnesota Baptist Conference.  The Minnesota leadership just came through town last Saturday.  Pastor Dave gave them all IOWA tee shirts.  It was great to see these Minnesota people all "dressed up" for their meeting in Muscatine on Saturday evening.  It looks like it will be a great opportunity to work together.  They are already in the process of starting 13 new churches in a 2 year period in Minnesota.  We hope this promises great things for Iowa in the next few years.  I have been dreaming that perhaps we could start another new church here in the Iowa City area.  I can see a need for at least 2 new churches: one in the South West side of town, and one for internationals, perhaps downtown.  Will you pray with me about these possibilities?.

The leadership team is working on finalizing pastor's job descriptions, and setting up the new budget.  This has been a great team to work with.  You have been well represented. 

Other News

The Big White House Services Begin
5:30 pm Saturday January 30th

Come out and worship with us on Saturday nights! We will have the same message as The River and Genesis, but a more intimate atmosphere and a warm fireplace! Bring a friend and join us! We will meet weekly on Saturday nights at 5:30 pm.

Year End Giving Statement

It's tax season again! 2009 year end giving summaries are out for you to use. Please check your mail slot at The River or see Barb Broffitt on Sunday at the information table in the foyer before or after the service on the 24th.

Prime Timers Catered Dinner
Noon, Sunday, February 14th

Sign up now to attend this meal to celebrate Valentine's Day with the Prime Timers. This is a fun group for people 50 and over that like to fellowship, learn and serve together. Check out the other things we do. The cost for this dinner isrvery reasonable . Please let us know if you sould like to attend and then pay Marvin Bailey. Bring your sweetheart or a friend or two to celebrate with and meet some new friends too!

Women of Faith
Des Moines March 12-13, 2010

God is not stingy. He does not weigh out his love for us grain by grain; he doesn't squeeze out forgiveness one tiny drop at a time. Not our God-he pours out mercy in a flood. He loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He's unrestrained. excessive. outrageous. Over the Top.

Are you interested in attending the Women of Faith in a couple of months? Contact Marge Mitchell in the next few days if you are, she has available tickets and rooms at a great price. The extra tickets need to be turned back in by Jan. 31st.
Look here for more information. http://www.womenoffaith.com/desmoines/.

Go and Share...

the Love of Christ Here and Around the World!

Lewis Update

Please pick up a copy of their newest prayer letter in the office. They have several prayer requests that aren't available here.

Send International

The project that I like to share with you comes with a fantastic offer!  Send has been ministering in Japan for over 50 years and Send was founded in Japan and the Philippines by US GI's after WWII.One of the two major ministries is using a Bible Camp that is open for churches to be used also to introduce Japanese unbelievers to Christ.Two US donors now offered to quadruple a matching gift to build a new center at Okutama Bible Chalet.  That means for every $1 gift we will grow to $4!

The Next Generation for Christ project for Okutama Bible Chalet in Japan is a $750,000 project.  This camp has between 3000 and 3500 campers each year.  With about 100 converts to Christianity each year, it is also the most "productive" source of new converts for our entire ministry in that country.  The project will tear down a building that has served its day and build a new one that will enable the camp to expand the number of campers to over 4000 per year.   We have just received word of two new matching grants for this project that can work in parallel.  Without getting into the details, $10 given by a donor will become $40 through this double matching effect.  So, if we manage to raise $100,000, we will have $400,000.  If we add that money to our existing cash and commitments for the project, the project will be complete -- we will be at $750,000. 

You can see a short note on the Send website at www.Send.org Please send your gift to Send International  PO Box 513  Farmington, MI 48332

Thanks so much for your consideration and your partnership in the Gospel!

Martin & Judy Kolczyk

Community News

Dead Seas Scrolls Exhibit
Science Museum of Minnesota
Opens March 12

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century-The Dead Sea Scrolls, which include the earliest known Biblical writings.