FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. 

If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

This week our dear brother in Christ, John Ott, husband of Robin Ott, went to be with the Lord.  It was quite sudden and Robin is still "in shock".  When speaking to Robin I was not sure what to say but then recalled an article I read. I have posted it below. I hope it helps you too when you are struggling for the "right words to say".

Ten things that are good to say and do. 

1. “I love you.”
   Short, simple, profound. We can never say — or hear — it often enough.
2. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
   This is the heartbeat of sympathy: shared sorrow.
3. “I’ll be praying for you.”
   Even better, be specific: “I’ll pray for you every morning at nine on my way to work.” Not only will your promise comfort them each morning, it also opens a door for you to call and check on them: “What can I be praying about this week?”
4. “Here’s something I really appreciated about your loved one.”
   If you have a brief story or memory to add to their collection, they’ll be grateful to hear your words and will cherish them for years to come.
5. Show up. Be there. Visit.
   At the viewing. At the funeral. At their door, if and when it’s appropriate. Flowers are nice, but hugs are better.
6. Weep with those who weep {Romans 12:15}.
   Not everyone has a ministry of tears, but if you do, bring tissues.
7. Listen.
   Save your questions and suggestions for another time. Concentrate on making eye contact and nodding.
8. Provide food.
   Bring a meal. Do their grocery shopping. When they’re ready, take them to a restaurant. People in mourning may forget to eat. Help them remember.
9. Keep in touch.
   Send a sympathy card or note a month later, when their mailbox is empty.
10. Include them in your life.
    Invite them over to watch a movie or play board games or bake cookies or whatever’s happening at your house. The less fuss, the better. Think family, not company.

The day will come when your friends will be ready to put aside their heartache and rejoin the land of the living. If you’ve walked that hard road with them, then you’ve lived out His truth: “A friend loves at all times” {Proverbs 17:17}. 


WE ARE PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST - Health, Wisdom, Strength

And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:18

Darlene Atkinson
Bill & Muriel Beers
Hugh & Lily Boyd
LaReign Hodges
Betty Hyta
Kristen Largen
Walter Rohm
Robin Ott
Carol Smoke  

MISSIONS UPDATE - Hungry Persecuted Christian Families

OpenDoors is needing help to feed the thousands upon thousands of persecuted Christians forced to leave their homes due to the Islamic State.  If you can help with a donation to feed Christian families ...please go to their website www.opendoorsusa.org and donate.  These are our brothers and sister in Christ whom we are commanded to care for and help in any way we can.  This is a real issue that we can do something about. Just $50 a month will provide a family with a food kit - enough to feed an entire family for one month! Please pray for these families and provide for them.