hristians often struggle with trying to know where they fit in God's plan. Sometimes we are tested by life to the point of wondering if we are part of it at all. We may also be tempted to ask if God is doing what we think He should. At Hillside Sunday morning we studied from the book of Joshua. We read about God's plan for conquering Jericho. "The Plan" seemed to be questionable in human terms. Surely the participants wondered how their role would have any effect. What could marching in circles have to do with tearing down huge stone walls?

We all face some of those huge stone walls in our lives. There are times of great questioning and searching that cause us to wonder what God is doing and are we really involved at all. We can learn from Joshua's example that it is vital that we first appreciate who God is and how holy His will is. Joshua fell to the ground and took off his sandals when God's messenger instructed him. We have to start in total submission before God. A second major principle in Joshua's success was his total obedience to God's methods. They were given to accomplish God's holy will and not necessarily fit the plans or comfort zones of those involved. The army with Joshua had total success as partners with God because they did exactly as He commanded. When we face discouragement or loss we have to ask if we are truly following God's plan our something else. He is totally faithful and involves us in His work for our own good and spiritual growth. God didn't have to have the marchers to knock down Jericho's walls. The marchers had to follow God's plan to be part of the victory and them praise Him for it. The Father above works the same way today.

This is a big week for our congregation. Seven of our youth will be part of a group of about eighty presenting their message of positive Christian living in the Young Auditorium this Sunday morning at 10:30 am. Marshfield will be their last stop after touring the country for sixteen days. This group is one of two tours that will conclude with a combined performance at Ozark Christian College in Joplin Sunday evening. We are proud of our young people for making the commitment and giving their summer time to this great ministry.

We are excited about our week of Vacation Bible School coming up soon. It will start July 6th at 6:15 pm. The evening sessions will run till 8:30 pm. The closing program will be at 6:30 pm on the following Friday. The theme will based on a county fair and feature the " Fruits of the Spirit". Children of all ages will have a good time and learn a lot about the God who loves them. Transportation can be arranged by calling the church in advance of the first session at 859-6072.