Glad to be back home!

Janie and I were away for a little over a week. We rented a little mountain cabin about 5 or 6 miles outside of Bryson City, North Carolina. It is still a part of the Great Smokey Mountains. We had a little 1 bedroom cabin isolated up on the side of a mountain. Directly at the foot of the mountain was the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Our goal was to relax and unwind and take a hike or two. We went on 5 different hikes ranging from very easy to “why in the world did we do this one!” Sometimes it seems like those mountains are uphill both ways! We went tubing in Cherokee on the Oconaluftee River. Ocanaluftee is an old Native American word for “Don’t do it”. I got stuck and hung up at least once on every rock in the river. If it was not for the nice kids helping me, I might still be there today. Besides that we did accomplish our goals to rest and unwind. We are so thankful for the time off.

This next week we are sponsoring a Sports Camp for Riverland Terrace. At last count, Joanne had over 50 children signed up. Two sister churches are travelling to help us in this outreach event. Please pray for a little more moderate weather, safety for all volunteers and participants and for those who might respond to the Gospel Presentation. “Dear Lord, bless this attempt to join You in reaching the lost souls right around JIBC. Amen.” The Sports Camp Is Monday, July 22 through Thursday, July 25 with a Celebration Worship service and a Banquet on Thursday evening.

*For your mission calendars, we will have a Backpack Back To School Giveaway on Saturday, August 10. It will be held at James Island Outreach. Sponsored by Emmanuel Baptist , James Island Baptist and James Island Outreach. Be watching for more details.

BEACH BAPTISM is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30ish! We will meet at the Folly Beach County Park. Look for our “feather flag” and smiling faces! Want to be baptized? Contact the church office by calling Neale at 843-762-0244 or email her at Neale@jameislandbaptist.com

Pastor Tom