There are not enough words in the English language for Debbie and me to thank our First Baptist Church Family. The love and care that has been poured out has been overwhelming to our hearts. Your love for our family has been overwhelming, humbling and graciously accepted. The love you have shown our family was extended to the hospital staff. The nurses, doctors and hospital staff were deeply moved by the spirit in which our church family ministered to their pastor. While you ministered to us, Debbie and I worked hard to be good examples to everyone who worked in the hospital and because of your love shown to us, 2 ladies, a nurse and her assistant prayed to receive Christ and we are working with 3 others. I also must thank all the Deacons who came to the hospital and stayed all night with their pastor. Also, I need to thank all the staff and our secretaries that have gone above and beyond their regular duties to help their pastor. With the doctor’s permission, I am hoping to return the 2nd full weekend in August.  
    While home recovering, I have been studying and praying about the next series of messages the Lord has for us at First Baptist. Please join me in prayer as the Lord leads my heart in preparation for these messages.
    I have learned the Greatest Commandment really works. ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27 (NKJV) To love others through the eyes and heart of Jesus is the greatest act of Christianity.
    Last, I am very concerned about our summer budget income. I realize we are in the deepest recession since the Great Depression. Many of our members are living on less income than in prior years. Debbie and I really understand, we have already found out what our health insurance will not pay. But our first response is the Lord was not taken by surprise and He is the one who pays our bills. We know we can trust the Lord in all things. It is truly more blessed to give than to receive. Help us to recover from our summer financial slump! Trust the Lord and give a full tithe to the Lord’s House! If you have been on vacation, please honor the Lord with your tithe. Then, as many as possible, let’s give a gift over and beyond the tithe to the General Budget. I know this, when you trust the Lord with your tithe and offerings, the windows of heaven open up and bless His people.
    Thank you again for your support during these difficult days. We are so blessed you are our family!!! May the Lord richly bless each and every one of you and may He bless our special fellowship at FBC McAllen!
    Serving Him Together!!!
        Bro. Mike and Debbie Eklund