Weekend Reflections

Wow, I’m completely drained. This weekend at PVC was absolutely incredible, emotional, and rewarding. God was obviously at work in a significant way, challenging us as a church family with what it means to be the body of Christ during crisis. Here’s some thoughts…

• I wrestled Tuesday night and Wednesday with changing the message and dealing with the Haiti crisis. I really felt God was leading me to speak into this; so glad I listened to Him.
• We asked the question “Why?”.  Ultimately, we’ll never know why this side of heaven, but 3 things we do know…
  • We live in a fallen world, so we will have crisis.
  • We have a mission, so we must respond.
  • We have a loving Father, so we can trust Him!
• The worship music was incredible. Thanks to Derrick and the team for putting their heart into it!
• Sean went way beyond the call to put together all the special elements for this weekend. From print, to web, to video in service, he did it all in 2 days.
• The people of PVC have truly wrapped their hearts around our ministry partners in Haiti. I could sense a great empathy in our body for the people of Haiti.
• Right before the 8:30 service this morning, we heard from Joaquin in Haiti.  He tells us the pastors are discouraged and hurting as they minister to the people.
• 70 pastors in the Haitian Baptist Association died in the quake.
• Praying hard today for Maison Des Anges, the orphanage run by Gladys. 80 kids displaced, running out of food and water.
• Haiti Arise is a partner in Petit Goave, the technical school was damaged.
• The ministry center in Petit Goave collapsed. Pastor Franklin escaped with minor injuries.
• Our church building in Value is destroyed. Pastor Emmanuel is okay.

  No word yet from Julien. Praying for them tonight!

  I was deeply moved by people leaving their shoes today, walking out barefoot. Not only did they provide shoes for Haitians, they identified with them by walking home barefoot.  Hundreds of pairs of shoes were left on the stage; don’t think I’ve ever seen such a beautiful altar!

  

Changing Direction This Weekend

Haiti Relief

We have spent much of this last week horrified by images from Haiti on television and coming across the internet. Just watching makes us want to jump in and do something to help. At Palm Valley Church we want to make sure that we respond to the immediate needs as well as the long term needs of the Haitian people.

This weekend we will hear more about the long term plans to assist the people of Haiti and we will also have the opportunity to address some of the immediate needs.

We are partnering with the Haitian Disaster Relief of Arizona to send medical supplies to Haiti. We will be collecting items this weekend on the patio and also during the week at our offices (Tues- Fri 8:30am- 4:30pm).

We would ask you to bring the following specific items:

crutches, slings, medical tape, gauze, absorbent bandages, misc. bandages, antiseptic, alcohol pads, and water treatment tablets

If you have questions you can email dconner@palmvalley.org

Pictures for the names

As you join with us in prayer, I thought it would be helpful to put some pictures with the names of our friends in Haiti…

Our team with Franklin, the ministry director in Petit Goave:

Daniel with Franklin

Greg with Guillo, the national Ministry Director (Pastor) in front of Value Baptist Church:

Greg and Emmanuel (Pastor of Value Baptist Church):

Greg and Lori with Joel, our driver and friend in Haiti:

Franklin

Just received an email that Franklin is injured, but okay.

All the reports we receive are that there is massive damage and loss of life in Haiti.

Orphanage

just heard an update on the orphanage we visited run by Gladys.

The building has suffered damage, but all the kids are fine.

Update

The news is really tough coming out of Haiti.

Guillo, who oversees the pastors in Haiti,is okay, as is his family.  However, he says that there is great loss of life in Port Au Prince.

The ministry center we work with in Petit’ Goave, collapsed.  Franklin, our missionary who runs the center was badly injured.  Please pray for him.  Lori and I and our team stayed there with Franklin and his team in November, so our hearts are heavy.

We are still trying to get work from Value and Julien where our church buildings are.

Haiti Earthquake

We are aware of the earthquake that occured today near Port Au Prince, Haiti.  We are trying to reach our ministry partners there to assess the damage and also opportunities to aid in recovery.

As soon as we have information we will pass it on via this blog and also www.twitter.com/gregrohlinger

Please pray for the people of Haiti, our hearts are heavy for them right now.

Weekend Reflections

• Incredible momentum at Palm Valley right now. It seems like everything is clicking in our weekend services, and most importantly LIFE CHANGE is happening all around.
• Met two guys who are 10 days into recovery; Palm Valley is their life-line and they love it!
• 16 people went to the Fresh Start table this weekend to indicate they had given their life to Jesus Christ. Awesome!
• Loved “Glory To God” by the praise team this weekend, very moving.
• this message was so basic, which is why it was so helpful.  Keep it simple!
• Loving the Clean Slate series, people always need a fresh start.
• HIs mercies are new every morning!
• Lots of buzz about the new building. We’re in demo, and about 3-4 weeks away from starting build-out.
• Info meeting Tuesday at 7:00 pm for anybody who wants to help with the construction. At Desert Edge in the cafeteria.
• Children’s and Student ministries continue to knock it out of the park. Love their passion for young people.
• Special shout-out to the safety team; thanks for keeping us safe every week.  The fact that we don’t notice you says what a great job you’re doing.
• Yes, the Milk Dud story is true.  Can’t believe how many people asked that.
• Our small group did a potluck party Sunday and watched the Cardinals game together.
• Can you believe the Cardinals game!!
• Yes, we did Bible study together after the game, and it was better than the game!
• Our small group is all going to CLASS this week at Palm Valley together.  Make sure you’re there!!

January 2 & 3 @ Palm Valley

We are looking forward to a new series beginning at Palm Valley Church on January 2nd and 3rd.

Here is a promo video for you to check out.