Jesus lays out how he pursues lost people and also his heart for those who wait for them. We see a couple of examples here in Luke - a lost sheep, highly valued by it's shepherd and a lost coin, a woman's significant asset. But the joy is really not about the item's recovery... would life go on if the sheep or the coin weren't recovered? Yes, and that's the very reason why the third example of the lost son hits a bit differently - its personal. Jesus wants us to feel heaven's joy when one lost soul - one human person - repents and follows Him. The younger son who chose to wander and squander in the far country made a mess of his life for sure, but what a beautiful image of repentance and forgiveness between father and son and ultimately our Heavenly Father and his children.

Grandparents can serve a very special purpose in the lives of their grandchildren. Cheerleader, confidant, instigator and participant in all things FUN... but most importantly, prayer warriors. Praying for your grandchildren - that they would make good choices, follow the Lord in their hearts and lives and grow in the truth and knowledge of God - is so important. Building a godly legacy should be a grandparent's highest goal and honor.

What a wonderful location and opportunity to dive into what the Bible says about the spiritual practice of solitude - what is it, where can we find it and why is it important to our spiritual life and growth?

We are wrapping up a month of special updates by our local Mission & Prayer Partners. We have been so blessed by all of them! This week, Mark Nicholson will share his amazing experience in Africa this summer where he brought needed supplies and ministered to and served young people who wish to gain employment and business experience.

Additionally, our Thailand Mission '25 Team will be introduced and learn a bit about their upcoming trip in December.

Please welcome Rachel Wilson from First Image/Ava Health Centers and Jeremy Waldridge from Pure Life Alliance this week as we continue to feature local mission & prayer partners.

Prayer Partners are local Christian ministries whose work came to the attention of the Missions Team through a member of MSCC who has an active affiliation with the organization. The Missions Team seeks to support these ministries through our most important work – prayer.

Josh and Katie serve with Josiah Venture whose purpose is to "equip young leaders to fulfill Christ’s commission through the local church", investing in the next generation of leaders here in the US. Josh & Katie served as youth pastors at MSCC from 2005-2010. Sharing their heart for disciple-making, they encourage us to stay focused on Jesus, even when ministry is hard and to not grow weary in doing good. We hope this will encourage you in your own walk of faith!

Prayer is such an integral part of our knowledge of God. We can go to Him in confidence, asking, seeing and knocking. Because, by His very nature and name, he is honor bound to give us more of Himself... Father Son, and Holy Spirit. Whatever we are praying for or about, it is more about God's provision than our own persistence.

Craig & Megan Hammond are serving at a public high school in the Salem-Keizer School District where Craig officially serves as the Chaplain for North Salem High School. He also acts as an assistant coach and Megan is present in many ways for the students and staff. The opportunities that God has given them are resulting in hearts and souls being won for the Kingdom—not every day, but bit by bit and little by little, love wins through the Hammond's work.