Emmanuel Baptist Church
Marion, Kentucky

Welcome to www.ebcmarion.com from Pastor Rob Ison and Family

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up…Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

-- Ecclesiastes 4:9,10, and 12

As a father I enjoy watching my family express the gifts that they have been given. Our precious children are a blessing and as they grow, I am constantly learning more about them as well as myself. When they were babies they could do very little for themselves and where completely dependent on their mother. Soon they could communicate their feelings, at any hour of the night, and began to transport from place to place without assistance. Their imaginations are inspiring and the dreams they dream often seem without limitation. Before I know it, they will be off to school, playing with friends, and rarely at home. As they leave the nest, I'll be reminding their mother and myself that they must find ways to express their gifts outside our presence.

As a pastor I enjoy watching our wonderful church members express the gifts they have been given. They are a blessing and I love to watch them grow, I am constantly learning more about them as well as myself. As young Christians they could do very little for themselves, spiritually. Soon they learn to communicate their personal testimonies and travel from place to place looking for someone who will listen. God has created them to use their imagination and be inspired such that their dreams are without limitation. Soon, they will be ready for bigger and better forms of ministry. Some will be called to other churches, communities, and even to Heaven. My prayer is that God will be glorified through their choices and the lives they sacrifice for His honor.

When we learn from our family and our community, much is revealed about the character of God and His wishes for His people. There are times in our lives when we are forced to be alone. But God does not mean for us to have to stand alone for long. He is faithful and He sends us others to help magnify the joys of life and comfort us during times of sorrow. God places us in families for this reason. He then chooses a community for our family and weaves us into the local inner circles of other families, churches, businesses, and organizations. As we express who God is and enjoy interaction with each other, our lives are lived to the fullest. It is then that we grow deeper in our faith and gain a greater understanding for our Creator.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

-- Proverbs 4:18

I hope that you are willing to shine the light in your family, church, and community. If you will submit yourself to God's will, He will use you in great and mighty ways.

Bro. Rob Ison, Pastor