Rob Ketterling

CHURCH PICNIC

Wow! What an amazing Church picnic! I can hardly contain myself with all of the emotions that are running through me! About 130 baptisms, and 2500 people in attendance, awesome! I can't wait until we start seeing all of the pictures posted on Facebook! 

Thank you to all of the Deacons and volunteers that made it the best church picnic ever! We were all blessed from your hard work! 

LET'S FILL THIS PLACE!

 
The new Apple Valley youth center is ready and it looks so good! Now I can't wait until we fill it full of teenagers finding and worshipping Jesus! The grand opening is scheduled for September 7th so let's pack this place and make it be "the place" to be in Apple Valley for teens! Here are a few pictures of the space to let you see the latest look.
 
Also, thank you to all of you that participated in Kingdom Builders and made this space a reality! Generations will be changed because of your generosity!

JOSHUA 6 VS. JUDGES 6

Joshua 6 - God spoke...So Joshua...And it happened...Joshua Spoke...The people moved...Shouted...Walls fell...

Judges 6 - Angel of God spoke...Gideon questioned...God said...Gideon still questioned...God said...Gideon wants a sign...Obeys in fear at night...God says...Gideon wants another sign...God says...Gideon wants another sign.

As I contrast these two stories I am struck with the "First word" obedience that Joshua has and the hesitancy that Gideon lives with. Eventually Gideon does obey and does what God says (God is  so, so patient!) but I believe with all of my heart that God loves first word obedience. Even more than that, I believe He loves aggressive obedience! What does that mean you ask? I believe He loves obedience that looks to do what pleases His heart, without Him even havingto say anything. It's just something that we as His children want to do to make Him happy so we go do it!

So what's it going to be? Will you obey at the first word? After a while? Or will you live a life looking for ways to please God even before He speaks?! Let's be aggressively obedient to God!

HOPE 360

This morning I found out that an article was written about Doug Kaufman and his new ministry, Hope360 and I couldn't wait to read it! I'm so happy for the way Doug has taken his hurt and his pain and embraced the call to help others. What an amazing example of being "Jesus" with skin on to a world that needs some hope. Well Done Doug, keep up the good work!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Just wanted to announce that Becca and I tied the knot 23 years ago today! It has been amazing and more fun than I ever thought it would be. I told Becca that if I knew marriage was so good, I would have gotten married sooner! (She reminded me we only knew each other for two years total before getting married and had I done it sooner it probably wouldn't have been to her! So I'm glad I waited!) Happy Anniversary Becca, you know I love you!

I'm really looking forward to our 25th wedding anniversary in 2 years, but today we celebrate 23 years of marriage and I'll give you one tip as to how to make your marriage great. Here it is, Listen to the Holy Spirit. If you do that, He will convict you of your sins and shortcomings and also prompt you to do the right things in your life. I know that this advice doesn't only apply to marriage but it really works if both people are committed to the Lord and listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He has a way of telling you to say you're sorry and telling you to offer forgiveness like no other marriage counselor in the world!

WONDERING ABOUT THE LOTTERY

Just was wondering, is it wrong to hope that the winner of the PowerBall lottery would give a few million to River Valley Church? The winner has never been this close to us before and if the winner lives in Dakota County, maybe they might be somewhat loosely connected to River Valley.... Just was wondering... I personally don't play the lottery in case you're wondering, don't encourage it and guess it probably won't ever happen but it was a thought I had once I heard the winner lives near us.... It would be great to be debt free! Oh well, until then, I know it's not wrong to tithe and support your local church so all non-lottery winners, you have my permission to tithe and give! (I do tithe and give and encourage it!)

WHO WE'RE PRAYING FOR TODAY

Today our staff is all praying for the following people: Ray LaHood (Dept. of Transportation), Bob Doebbler (Sr.Adults Minister MN), St Michael's Church in Farmington, Canvass Church in Northfield, Felisha Willaert (Intern AV Campus), Ryan & Stacy Decker (and Kayden) (Deacons AV Campus), 3 Life Group leaders, Global Team Ecuador, GO VBS at Minnetrista on August 10-12, Motion service August 14th, Rock Academy Aug 15-19, Aganya Omot (Missionary to Ethiopia), and 20 families that have their last name start with G! (We pray through the church alphabetically, 20 names at a time!)

Join us in praying for these people and any other needs you might have! Be blessed!  

BIG BLOG LAPSE

I had a huge, huge blog lapse because of travel and honestly, because of Twitter. (It's shorter, in the moment etc.) So here's my question, what's the value of the blog as a pastor? Do you feel that when I share events, you connect with me? Do you enjoy hearing what's on my mind? Could a once a week Monday morning blog do the trick? I honestly am blogging for the people that read it so if it's of value, let me know, otherwise, Twitter might be the way we need to connect! I'm 50/50 on it so your feedback will push it one way or the other. Thanks for your comments!

(Silence is also a vote I will consider so if you don't need the blog, silence will work just as well!)