Vol. 10 No. 5
July 2016
The Cascade Connection
A Newsletter to Inform and Equip the Body of Believers at Cascade Bible Church
A Word from Your Pastor (rewritten)
People are special because God created us... we need no other affirmation! Our “selfimage” comes only from our Creator, not our abilities, accomplishments, or opinions of
others. We must focus on three interconnected and unchangeable Biblical truths:



God created us male and female (Genesis 1:27).
God created us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-28).
God created us about 6,000 years ago (Genesis 5 and 11).
For best results, we must “follow instructions of Maker” (1 Peter 4:19). Society will only work well and correctly when
it accepts and submits to the fact that...
“God created man is His own image”
(Genesis 1:27)
Creating us as male and female means that we all have unique roles as God’s
appointed representatives on earth – we have authority over creation. Embracing
these roles brings real joy, peace and satisfaction. Rejecting and abusing these
roles (homosexuals, transgenders, pornographers, etc.) will never satisfy mankind
or glorify God, but will only bring disappointment and disaster. We must submit to
our Creator as partners in His work.
Creating us in God’s image means that we have the responsibility to rule over God’s creation
with righteousness and justice (Genesis 1:26). As God’s ambassadors to the earth we are to
carry out His commands, as if God were doing it Himself. "Image" is seen in
Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue (Daniel 3); in Jesus Christ as the servant (2 Corinthians 4:4); and in
the Antichrist himself (Revelation 13:15. We must submit to our Creator as His princes on earth.
Creating us about 6,000 years ago means that we have an actual relationship
where we report back to the one true God who made us. We were lovingly created
with strict accountability. We were not infinite, but limited... not autonomous, but
dependent... not isolated, but in close fellowship. Sin brought spiritual and physical
depravity – DEATH. Christ brought perfect atonement for sin – LIFE. We must
submit to our Creator as people who fear Him.



As Representatives – God’s image has not been marred, but neglected and disobeyed.
With Responsibility – God’s image will not be ignored, but lived out in true believers.
In A Relationship – God’s image cannot be erased, but exists to bring Him glory.
As God’s image-bearers everyone must make a choice: either follow the world’s turmoil by
rejecting and denying God as Creator (Romans 1:18-32); or honor our Creator who alone is worthy
of our worship and praise, by submitting to and serving Him alone (Revelation 4:11). Which choice
have you made in your life?
Jack Ebner
Focus on Ministry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Assistant Pastor Update – We continue to look for God's clear direction and timing in filling our
position of Assistant Pastor. Our first candidate, Justin Stewart, was here the first weekend in June
(with his family). After many hours together in ministry, discussion and prayer, the Stewarts let us
know that they did not believe God was leading them to serve here. So we are updating and clarifying
the ministry posting and continuing the search for God's perfect will.
As of July 10th we have $33,798.00 in the account for a new Assistant pastor. As we continue to look for God's
wisdom for this ministry, please be seeking Him daily in prayer. A home will be provided, and the
designated funds will first be used toward the $24,000 initial base salary each year, and all
additional funds will be used for the Assistant Pastor's other needs - candidating, moving expenses,
health care, Mission House utilities, etc. Thank you for continuing to pray with us.
Church Activities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------There is much to do in the summer, but let’s not forget our Lord’s commands for us to meet together around the
Word, to fellowship with one another, to pray for one another, and to encourage one another. Don’t forget our
various meeting and prayer times and make sure to put the Camp-In on your calendar – August 12th to 14th.
Administrator News ------------------------------------------------------------------------A few things to share:
 Mary Leavitt has moved to Portland where she is living at Parkview Christian
Retirement Community. She has already made friends there and is working to
arrange and decorate her apartment, room #1751 (the same as the street
address). Her new address is: 1751 NE 108th Avenue  Portland, OR 97220
 Parking Lot – Lately someone has been cutting “cookies” in our parking lot at night. If you’re driving by at
night, please glance over and see if there are any cars in the parking lot and try to get a description or
license number. We try to keep the lot smooth so that folks don’t sprain an ankle or fall. If you have some
time, feel free to come and rake out the “divits”.
 Make sure you visit our web site at: http://cascadebiblechurch.org/ We strive to
maintain a current calendar and keep the newsletters posted there.
Missions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Remember to regularly keep these folks in prayer and provide support as the Lord leads:
Michael and Jonna Payne continue to need prayer as they minister to military members
and their families in these days of great stress and demand on them. They will be back in
the States this fall and will be based out of the Denver, Colorado area. Pray for them as they
serve at Cadence headquarters and Michael does work on their computer systems this
winter. They may be able to go back to Korea after their time in Colorado, so pray to that
end as well. Korea requires foreign missionaries to be out of country for 6 months every
5 years, so that is what brings the Paynes back to the states.
Colombia Grace (the Harpoles and Riffles) please continue to pray for the Lord’s leading in their ministry,
outreach, and teaching as they seek to minister in God’s will. If you desire to send them support, please make
checks out to Colombia Grace Foundation and send them to: P.O. Box 626  La Pine, OR 97739
Persecuted believers around the world need our prayers as they love God and seek to tell others about Him,
but receive resistance, opposition and bodily harm for doing so.
Continue in Prayer --------------------------------------------------------------------------Please continue to pray regularly for the spiritual and physical needs below,
asking for God’s will to be done. Don’t forget to praise God for His continued
blessing and opportunities He provides for our benefit.
 The assistant pastor that God wants us to have. Justin Stewart and his
family visited with us and we had a great time together. They have declined
our offer so please pray for them as they desire to do what the Lord would
have them to do. Pray for the leadership as they work to strengthen our job
announcement and re-post it at schools and a ministry web site.
 Boldness and maturity for each one of us to not only share the gospel, but to follow-up and disciple
believers.
 Continued wisdom and patience for many of us dealing with aging parents, siblings, etc.
 Those among us suffering with cancer and other physical challenges.
 Pray for more among us willing to share the ministry load by stepping up to serve in one of very many
areas in this body. With so many leaving and moving on, the work is falling on fewer and fewer people.
 Our parking lot needs engineering and site preparation before it can be paved. Why does it need paved,
you may ask? Well, that is one of the requirements for churches in
Deschutes County and we aren’t able to move forward with other things
until the parking lot is paved. Jodie Breneman’s son, David, is willing to
do the surveying for us when he is on a project in the area. Once the
surveying is done, an engineer will need to plan the site preparation to
include sloping, rainwater drainage, and pavement needs. Then, site
preparation can be done, followed by the actual paving. Please pray for
the right timing on these things and for God to provide the funds
needed.
Jim Stone
Cascade Bible Church
P.O. Box 580
La Pine Oregon 97739
“God created man is His own image”
(Genesis 1:27)