I lost my cell phone!  I remember putting it in the pocket of my pants and thinking, “I better not let this phone fall out!”  Then I went on my bike ride/prayer time.

Later, when I started to leave for work, I couldn’t find my phone.  After looking all over the house, I realized that it must have fallen out of my pocket during my bike ride.  It’s happened before!  How dumb can a person be?  I retraced my path that I had ridden on my bike.  No phone.  I asked people along the way.  No phone.

Later in the day my son in Brooklyn tracked the phone.  He said it was at the US Bank in the Safeway on Arden.  That seemed strange, but I drove over there.  The bank didn’t have it.  Customer Service at Safeway didn’t have it.  Then I saw a machine where you can turn in a phone and get cash for it.

Someone had evidently picked up my phone and decided to get a few bucks for it.

I came back to the church and called the phone number emblazoned on the side of the machine.  I was then sent to a website that needed the IMEI # of my missing phone.  Then I had to go to the Verizon store to get that number.

The man serving me was so kind!  After he looked up my number I invited him to our church.  I was thinking, “Maybe something good can come out of this fiasco1”  I then asked his name.  He said, “Elijah.”

“Elijah!” I said.  “I’m preaching on Elijah Sunday morning!  I’d love for you to come to our church!

Indeed, I’m preaching on “Invite” from 1 Kings 18:19-38 where Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a duel.  I’ve been to the very spot where this took place!  We’ll talk about “Invite Everyone, verses 19-20; “Invite Everyone to Choose,” verses 21-24; and “Invite the Lord to Work Miracles,” verses 25-38.  Please come and invite your family, friends and neighbors.

Also, invite people to our Anniversary Sunday September 20, with Bible Study at 9:00, worship at 10:30 and cake afterward.  It could be a life-changing experience for all.

Love,

Jim Meek