From the Pastor

            Whew!!!  There has been a lot of work done and still a lot of work to do, but I am extremely excited that God has called our family here to partner with you in carrying out the Lord's mission for Forest Heights.

            As I have already said innumerable times (and I'll continue to say it until I quit believing it), Forest Heights has great potential to make a significant impact in our community, our city, our state, and literally our world.  With over one-third  of the population (87,600 people) of Tallahassee living within a three mile radius of our church facilities, Forest Heights sits strategically poised to make a difference for the kingdom of God.  With one of the countrys leading universities less than 2 miles away and the states largest community college only 4 miles away, our church has the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of students. Most will resettle themselves all over the country and world after their time of study has concluded.  If we have the opportunity to invest in them while they are here, they will hopefully serve Christ upon completion of their studies.  Wouldn't it be great to have that kind of an impact?  We haven't even mentioned the impact we could have on children and youth and their families as well as the businesses, schools, and community organizations that are situated near the church.

            I mention all these things to say that we, first as Christians and then as members of Forest Heights, need to reclaim the vision that Jesus Christ himself had for other people.  I am reminded of the record of Jesus' ministry in Matthew 9:36-37:

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

            People in our community are harassed and helpless, not to mention that they face a bleak eternity without Christ.  We have the eternal hope, truth, and love that they are desperately looking for.  We must first see others the way Jesus saw them and then be sensitive to His leading as we seek to reach them.  As far as I am concerned, all options are on the table.  We must do whatever it takes to reach them with the Good News.  I encourage you to look for small ways you can touch others in your family, in your friendships, in your community, in your school, at your place of work, etc.  Wherever you go that you interact with others, be sensitive to how you can meet a need in the name of Jesus Christ.

                                                                                    Whatever it takes,

                                                                                    Jim

P.S. 

The church has provided me with an email address:  FHBC.Pastor.Jim@comcast.net.