I would like to start by saying that I hope everyone is having a wonderful month, and that all is going well with each of you. Here in the States we are (thankfully) in the final stages of summer, and it's been a tough one for many of us. Texas has suffered a terrible heat wave and draught, and here in Georgia it's been no picnic either, and many other places have also suffered terribly this summer. But I do believe we are through the worst parts, and Fall will be here soon, praise God!

I would like to thank everyone who has responded to my call to visit the bulletin board more often. We've been experiencing some great fellowship there, and I pray that will continue. I've had a very positive response to the new policy of posting a new graphic on the bbs every day (or just about), and I'm pleased that so many of you have found these useful for your own sites and projects. If you haven't been visiting the bbs, most of the graphics in this newsletter have been posted on the bbs over the past few weeks, and many others as well. It's a great way to get new graphics for your own use, and to take part in discussions with other members also.

Just a quick reminder, the weekly chat sessions are still off for the month of August, but will be back on in September. For the record, our next chat session will be on Monday, September 7, starting at 8pm and going till 10pm Eastern. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Again I'd like to invite everyone who's interested in pursuing advanced biblical studies to visit The First International Church Of The Web School Of Biblical Studies where you'll find many free lessons and other study materials, and even an inexpensive method of earning your Ph.D in Biblical Studies.

Brother Lance informs me that the Teddy Bear Monastery is just about finished. As you know, teddy bears Theodore and Tilly-Bear lead the Teddy Bear Monastery, and their main goal is to tell children all over the world that "Jesus Loves You!" What a wonderful message, and certainly one that children need to know. In this picture, you see Tilly-Bear praying for God's anointing on her brother Theodore so he can lead the monastery. Be sure and visit the Teddy Bear Monastery by clicking either the link above or the graphic link near the bottom of this page. I also believe the message of the TBM is important enough to keep a link to it on the front page of our church web site.

I would like to thank everyone for keeping our sister Denise, whom many of you know as PurplePlum, in your prayers as she battles leukemia. In a break with tradition, I'm posting here a letter I received from her recently.
"Brother Dave, I just wanted to thank you for mentioning me in your newsletter again this month regarding my battle with AML (acute myelogenic leukemia). I have several more sessions of chemotherapy to get thru over the next few months. Meanwhile, I have received wonderful news that one of my four brothers is an identical match! Praise the Lord! I have been told that identical matches usually come from identical twins...we are 11 months apart in age. I have a consultation appointment at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle for a bone marrow transplant. I am trying not to be nervous. I know that the Lord has His hand in this and is in total control. Thank you again. God bless you. purpleplum"
God bless you, sister. We're still praying for you!

I would also like to again ask that everyone keep Augusta Street Ministries in your prayers. We are reaching many homeless people in the Augusta area with the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We have many needs, so if you'd like to help, just contact me. We especially need small, pocket-sized New Testaments and Bibles. I did contact the Gideons to see if they'd help provide these, but was turned down. It seems that, since we're not a "shelter", but are truly a "street ministry", we don't fall within the guidelines of organizations they'll help. So Bibles remain a very needed item for this ministry. I'd also like to say a great big "THANK YOU" to the individual who recently sent in a gift to the street ministry. You know who you are. Thank you, Brother.

Finally, let me again ask that everyone keep our fellow members in your prayers. Many of our members are experiencing hardships, illness, marriage difficulties, or losses of loved ones. Let us remember each other always in prayer. Please remember to pray for this church, as well, that we will continue to be able to reach the world with the Good News. May we continue to be a blessing to all who come here. I also ask for prayer for myself, that I may continue to be allowed to serve you in this way. And I would like to thank each of the prayer warriors of our church who continually visit our Prayer Request Page and respond to the prayer requests posted there. You're doing a wonderful job.

Well, dear brothers and sisters, that's going to do it for this edition of our newsletter. It seems I had so much more I wanted to share with you, but as usual, I have forgotten it - I'm sure I'll remember it after I've sent this out, and I'll slap my head and say "D'oh! Now I remember!" Oh well. Just know that I love you, and you are in my prayers at all times. God bless you.

Yours in Christ,
Brother Dave