Weekly Uplook September 17

Dear Seattle Saints,
It is with a sad heart that I am writing this afternoon.  I have received news that our District Superintendent in the Philippines, Rev. Joey Ruiz, collapsed and later passed away due to a heart attack in the past couple of days.  He was 49 years old and leaves a wife and 4 children.  Please pray for Sis. Gigi (his wife) as well as their extended family.  Also pray for the work in the Philippines…We know none of this has taken God by surprise but we certainly need wisdom and discernment as to future leadership for the Gospel work there.  As Director of Asia Work for the Apostolic Faith Church, it falls to me to travel there for the funeral, meet with their Board of Directors, and discern together God’s plan for the future.  Beyond that, Lori and I have traveled there enough that we will be called upon to “pastor” the Ruiz family during this tragic time.  We would appreciate your prayerful support as Lori and I will depart, Lord willing on Tuesday 9/20 and be back in Seattle on Sunday night 9/30.  In my absence, Bro. Alex and Bro. Taiwoo will bear the load of preaching and running meetings along with Bro. Richie (as his work schedule may allow).   I appreciate your prayers and support for our brothers and sisters across the world in their time of loss and grief.  I should still be available to respond to any emails/texts although response time is quite likely to be slower than usual. 
Beyond the sad news above there is some good news.   Tomorrow our regular service schedule will resume with Sunday school at 9:45 am followed by Morning worship at 11 am.   We will resume IN PERSON Sunday night services tomorrow as well at 5 pm.  The Sunday night services will be broadcast via our website platform to Youtube & Facebook and we will be training and testing for the next several weeks before also moving Sunday Morning services to this same format.  Please pray for a smooth transition. 
Once again, Lori and I will be in church tomorrow for both services and plan to depart Tuesday.  Feel free to share any questions or concerns should you have them. 
In Christ,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor