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September 2026 From The Pastor’s Desk: “Love Does Hard Things!” Dear Mt. Carmel Family, This summer has been a season of transitions in our family. On June 29, my oldest daughter and her husband, who have adopted two brothers in the last two years, learned that they had a baby sister born by the same mother at the end of May. When they received a call for an emergency placement from “Fostering Hope,” the foster care agency in Catawba County, my daughter did not think twice about it. She and her husband immediately agreed to take her in. It was about 10 o’clock on a Monday evening when Jordan called me to announce this new addition to their household. She asked me to bring diapers, bottles, formula, and clothing. They were unable to pick those items up at the store because it was late, and they had to wait for the social worker to drop by with the infant. Incidentally, children in foster care who arrive via emergency placement rarely have anything but a small bag of personal belongings or only the clothes on their backs. I hurried out to my neighborhood Walmart in Winston Salem. I was the last shopper in the store (they close at 11pm). I was able to get the baby formula and supplies and arrived in Hickory around midnight. I found the baby cradled by my daughter’s arms, and her husband making room for the supplies. I knew they had a long night ahead of them and just thought to myself, “Love does hard things.” I share this story not just for my memory, but also for your reflection. Have you had a similar experience when God gives you an assignment that requires you to respond quickly, maybe even sacrificially, and always in faith? My guess is that you have, and that it ended up being one of the best blessings in your life. Love does hard things. Jesus is the ultimate example of this sacrifice. He did this so that all of us could be rescued from sin and find our place of belonging in God’s household. We see in Jesus, God’s plan that all of us would be adopted and His sons and daughters once and for all. The apostle Paul wrote this beautiful affirmation in Ephesians 1:4-5: “For God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” We have this incredible opportunity to adopt some school children and pour into their hearts the truth of God’s grace this Fall. On September 9 a team from our church will be going to Kimmel Farm Elementary School to lead a weekly Bible club from 3:00pm-4:30pm on Wednesday afternoons. We will be doing this under the mantle of the “Crossroads Kids Club.” According to the Crossroads, Kids website, there are over 50 clubs in public schools across the United States. The mission of CKC is “ to share the Good News of Jesus, nurture Christ-centered character, and connect children and families to local churches. Clubs are designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment where children feel loved, included, and supported . The program also supports families and fosters positive mentorship, helping children navigate challenges like anxiety and loneliness. ” ( www.crossroadskidsclub.org ) What can you do? First and foremost, you can PRAY for the children and their households that the door of their hearts would be open to receive the Gospel. You can also PRAY for the volunteers as they do this important ministry. Second, you can PARTICIPATE. If you are reading this and feeling a tug from the Holy Spirit to volunteer, please come and see me. We have trained 12 volunteers but can always have more. Even if you are not able to go with us each week on campus there are other helpful jobs such as organizing lesson plans, calling volunteers, and gathering snacks and supplies. Third, you can PARTNER with us financially. Because we will be meeting on school grounds, the policy of the WSFCS is we have to pay rent of $40 per week. We believe this is a small price to pay for a big return on this investment. It is an unprecedented time to be permitted to bring prayer and the Bible to Kimmel Farm Elementary School! If you would like to give, please direct your gift to the Evangelism Fund which can be found on our website giving page. Love does hard things, but the blessing of serving is always greater than the sacrifice! Whether it is a call at 10 o’clock on Monday evening or 10 o’clock on Sunday morning, the key to not missing out on what God is blessing is your immediate availability to respond to His call. Rev. J.D. Walt the founder of Seedbed Ministry’s Walk Up Call shared in this week’s devotion what the word “risk” means when it comes to faith: “Releasing Investment to Serve (God’s) Kingdom.” (www.seedbed.com/wakeupcall) Are you ready to release God’s kingdom in the lives of our children? In Christ Alone, Pastor Mary (“Mimi”)