Outreach Center Network News Letter

September 2019

In this issue:

Stormy months

My Shelter – a Devotion

From the Jefferson City Outreach Center

From the Bay City Outreach Center

Final thoughts

Each article will begin with ###. You may move to the next article by searching for this.

### Stormy Months

It has been a stormy summer. Severe Storms cause damage. Because of this, they also bring fear. The devotion therefore is focused on the storms of life and our hope.

As I write this Dorian is moving up the east coast dumping huge amounts of water and causing damage. At least six outreach centers will feel the impact of this storm.  Please keep them in your prayers.

As you know, this news letter was not posted for five months.  Summer can be busy for me as I substitute for pastors on vacation. Due to that and several other things, I simply haven’t had the time to write. I hope and pray things will slow down once again.

Last, please send me updates or news that is going on at your centers. You may think it’s nothing, yet others in other centers will be encouraged. Thanks.

Pastor Dave

### My Shelter

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress my God, in whom I trust.”       Psalm 91:1-2

The summer of 2019 has experienced lots of storms and periods of extreme heat. From these we take shelter and protection. In the Midwest basements are naturally cool and afford protection from the extreme heat. Even more than that for us who live in the tornado belt of the Midwest, basements are necessary shelter from these powerful storms. Winds hail and driving rain can cause damage and disasters. Tucked away and sheltered from the storm, we may hear it; fear it; but we are safe.

The one who trusts in God, finds protection and shelter from the spiritual storms of life. Not only did he create the world, but with a word, Jesus calmed the storm which assaulted him and the disciples. Matthew 8:24-27

Cancer treatments, rising insurance costs, a family member or close friend who has gone blind, long lonely days; these and many more things are the storms of our lives. The impact of any storm can shake and rattle our frail bodies. We might be overwhelmed with swirling emotions.

Remember……God is our shelter and protection throughout life. Jesus weathered the storm of the cross, death and the grave. He rose. He is victorious. Because he did this, we know he is faithful to be our shelter in and through all storms of life.

Look for opportunities to help those in need and tell them that shelter is found in God’s caring hands.

Pastor Dave

### The following notes come from Brian, the leader of the outreach center in Jefferson City Missouri:

Hello Pastor Dave:

Hope this finds you doing well; things are going okay here in Jefferson City.

The Blind out reach is still going okay; we have about most months 7 to 10 members and we have our volunteers from Trinity Church.

Back in 2012 We did training here in town with you and a gentleman that lived near St. Louis I believe his name was Dale; I was wondering if you still hear from him and if He is still in the Blind out reach down there where He lives.

Do you know if there is still a Blind out reach center in Columbia Mo.

Sometimes I would like to go to one close to me and see how they do things at their Local Blind out reach center.

Well take care for now.

In May of 2019 Brian wrote:

I hope this finds you doing well; just wanted to give you an update that I am doing okay and made it through the storms and tornado on Wednesday night.  It did a lot of damage in town but thankfully my neighborhood was okay.  I checked with the other members of our local Blind Outreach Center and they are okay too. We still have our monthly Blind outreach gatherings at Trinity Lutheran Church and try to recruit new people when we can. Well take care for now.  

Warmest Regards, Brian

### From the Bay City Michigan outreach Center

Our May meeting was a time of celebration.  We have been meeting for 7 years in May.   We celebrated with cake and ice cream.  Since the Senior Olympics began later in May, we had some one talk with us about the senior Olympics at this meeting as well. 

We had 8 to 13 people in our meetings during summer for our Sight and Sound group.  We received some good information about the Bay City Transportation System in June. 

     In July a representative from Baker hearing and the Central Michigan Auditory Department came and spoke with us. 

     In August Rev. Rynearson lead the Bible study. He was the director of Lutheran Blind Mission from 1985 to 1998. He also celebrated 60 years in ministry this July.

Meetings for the Bay City Outreach Center are held at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City. Russ Zimmerman is the blind leader.

### Final Thoughts

In upcoming issues we can and will look at many of the same topics as well as others. If you have questions, thoughts or suggestions, please send them to me or post them on the blind ministry email list.

Pastor Dave