July at Living Church of Five Mile

Aug 5
3 min read

A Month of Freedom, Legacy, and Holy Fire

July was a month filled with celebration, worship, and reminders of the freedom we have both as Americans and, even more importantly, as followers of Christ.

🗽 🎆 ✝️ We began the month with Freedom Sunday, celebrating 250 years of the greatest nation on earth. We were blessed to welcome The Freemans, whose ministry in song encouraged and inspired our congregation. Throughout the month, Rev. Jeremiah Purdin delivered two powerful messages—opening July with a message on freedom and closing it with The Stepping Stones to Salvation. Both sermons pointed us back to the life-changing freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.

💦 🙌🤍 One of the greatest highlights of the month was witnessing three members of the same family publicly declare their faith through baptism. Husband and wife Raymond and Jerikah Derossett, along with Jerikah's mother, Jennifer Morris, experienced the joy of true freedom as they were baptized. It was a beautiful reminder that God is still changing lives and drawing entire families closer to Him.

⚓ 💍 🙏July also brought moments of celebration and new beginnings. Our church family gathered for a special luncheon to honor Dawson Davis as he prepares to serve our country in the United States Navy. We ask that you continue to keep Dawson in your prayers as he steps into this new season of faithfully serving and protecting our nation.

Another joyful milestone came as our own Kayla Sullivan married Jordan Wolfer in a breathtaking mountain ceremony. We rejoice with them as they begin this new chapter together and pray God's richest blessings over their marriage.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ❤️ Looking back through the pictures from this month, one thing stands out above all else......we are a family of families. We worship together, pray together, serve together, and grow together. From the youngest child to the oldest saint, every generation plays an important role in the Kingdom of God.

July also gave us a beautiful picture of spiritual legacy. Former Youth Pastor Wendy Purdin watched as two lives she helped shape stood behind the pulpit. Her son, Rev. Jeremiah Purdin, and her former Sunday School student, Rev. Taylor Jimenez, both ministered God's Word this month. It was a powerful reminder that the seeds we faithfully plant today can continue producing fruit for generations to come. Ministry is never just about today, it is about investing in tomorrow.

🎶 🤝 ⛪We concluded the month by gathering with churches from across the denomination at the General Assembly in Goshen. Our praise team had the privilege of leading worship, and as Pastor often says, they truly "rang the bell." Pastor Don White also delivered a powerful message on Missions Night, reminding us of the importance of carrying the Gospel to the nations. For many of our newer members, it was a meaningful opportunity to visit the place where Pastor was saved and hear the incredible story of how God used Rev. James Earl McKinney and his unwavering determination to reach the lost.

During General Assembly, both Bishop Don White and Bishop Danny Hutchens were honored with plaques recognizing their faithful service and dedication to camp ministry. Camp has always held a special place in their hearts, and they work tirelessly each year to ensure that every child has the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a fresh and life-changing way.

We closed General Assembly week with one of our favorite annual traditions, welcoming Bishop Job Ikemson to minister at Living Church of Five Mile. In a world filled with heartbreaking reports from Nigeria, it was encouraging to hear firsthand that the Gospel is still advancing. Bishop Job asked us to continue praying for Christians in Nigeria, that they would have boldness and that many Muslims would come to know Christ.

🌍 🔥 🙏 Before leaving, Bishop Job gave our church one of the greatest compliments we could receive. He told us that every time he visits, he can feel the fire of God burning in our congregation, that we are a church on fire.

As we move into the final months of the year, that is our prayer as well. May we carry the coals from the fire that burned throughout General Assembly back into our homes, our communities, and our church. And may those glowing coals grow into a wildfire of revival that spreads far beyond our walls.

We are excited to see what God will continue to do in the months ahead. The fire is still burning, and we believe He's only getting started.