Encounter,
I hope this message finds you well and blessed. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am praying for a peaceful, joyful, blessed day for you, your loved ones and friends.
Carolynn and I are in NYC and we have been praying for each of you with all the faith and love we have. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you!
It was a year ago this month the ministry of Encounter was prayerfully beginning. We had no idea the impact we would have on so many lives and where we would be this time of the year. I am going to write a year- end letter detailing everything God did in 2017, but the one thing I do know is that God uses people to accomplish His purposes here on planet earth.
Whether you are new, or just started coming to Encounter, or have been with us all year, God has been using you to accomplish His purposes at Encounter.
On this Thanksgiving holiday, I want you to know that you are loved, valued and appreciated. We could have never accomplished what we did in 2017 without you and we need ALL of you moving forward. I am praying that the gratitude you have in your heart will compel you to get better plugged in at Encounter by serving and attending every Friday we open our doors. And yes we will be meeting this Friday for another epic great service.
Many of you are traveling like we are to be with family. Please be careful on the roads. Be peaceful in your conversations and be on guard to not let anyone steal your peace and joy this Thanksgiving. Let the love of Christ, which is your life to be on display for all to see. Be determined to love more, forgive more, give more, and be like Jesus more than anyone and God will bless your Thanksgiving.
Focus on what you have and where you are going instead of what you don’t have and where you have been.
Be careful traveling back. We are flying back to be with you this Friday and we will be ready for another great Encounter this Friday.
The message for this Friday will be “Good Grief.” Everyone deals with loss and pain. And this time of year the issue of grief can cripple you if you don't handle it well.
It will be a great prelude message for our Christmas series, A “This Is Us” Christmas.
I hope to see you all there for a much needed service right after a holiday.
I am thankful for each of you and love you all with the love of Christ. Thank you for being a part of this life changing chain-breaking ministry where hope can be found!
Be Blessed and Thankful
Bill Rieser
Encounter Pastor
bill@thehopeencounter