“We all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” – 2 Cor. 3:18 (ESV)

A story is told of students visiting a silver smelting plant. They watched the precious metal being subjected to the heat of the furnace time and time again. Each time there was slag or impurities which were removed from the silver. One student asked the smelter how he knew the process was complete. He answered, “When I see the reflection of myself in the metal, I know I am done.”

We know from Scripture that the purifying, sanctifying work of God’s Word and Spirit will never be done so long as we are living our mortal lives. Our sinful nature persists and we confess, “I am sinful and unclean and have sinned against God in thought, word and deed.” Yet by His grace, we submit to God’s smelting, purging, pruning process as His Word works in us to will and do His sanctifying work. The hymnwriter Tom M. Jones wrote:

                “Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
                All His wonderful passion and purity,
                Oh Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
                Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”

Early last summer, FLBC alumni Zach and Katy Kupser had been married eleven days before flying to Naknek, Alaska to begin mission work. Katy wrote: “We were filled with joy and thankfulness being given the opportunity to begin our marriage serving God and doing His work. Both of us have grown so much in this experience, as a couple and how we view ministry…. We have been so blessed seeing God working through us to love the kids of Alaska while bringing them the message of Christ. Our team had a beautiful opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ with children who may not get reminded of it everyday.”

Please join us in thanksgiving and prayer for:

• The FLBC staff and Board of Trustees, professors and students that the “operation” of our campus may efficiently and effectively support the mission God has given us.
• More people to find our website and take advantage of resources and events
• God’s provision, His hand of protection, guarding from danger, keeping from evil, endeavoring to find a closer personal relationship with Christ
• For students to engage with church homes away from home with service opportunities
• We thank God for 102 FLBC students who began classes this year. Sixteen seminarians include: 2 Seniors, 5 Middlers (2 of which are part-time), 5 Juniors and 4 interns are preparing for their calling as pastors. Ask the Lord to fill the campus to capacity with those answering His call.
• Upcoming campus events: check flbc.edu/events to register
     October 20-21– Up Close free event for high school juniors, seniors or recent graduates
     October 21-22 – FLBC Alumni Basketball Tournament
     November 10 – Friends of the FLBCS Banquet
     December 2-4 – Christmas at FLBC

Thank you for joining this important part of Kingdom work, praying back to God what He has placed in your heart. Please check our website at flbc.edu and encourage your friends and family to do so as well.

On behalf of our Intercessor Team,   

Pastor Wayne Hjermstad 
FLBC Congregational Connections Coordinator