Myrtlewood
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Praying for Our Churches
Life on the Oregon coast is both an adventure and a challenge. The coastal regions are beautiful and small towns dot the 101 freeway. The Oregon coast is divided into three different regions based on their geological formations: the North Coast, Central Coast, and South Coast. Much of the coastline is made up of sea cliffs and miles of beaches and dunes (in the south). Our Myrtlewood Association lies in the Southern Oregon coastal region and consists of eight churches.
Over 80 state parks and recreation areas dot the Oregon coast and the highways that cross the Coast Range provide vacation options to the cities inland along I-5 corridor.
Due to its scenery, wildlife, and history, the Oregon Coast is a popular travel destination and tourism fuels the economy. Up to the mid-1980s, the coast's economy was dependent on natural resources, but limits placed on logging and fishing caused a severe economic decline. As a result, non-seasonal jobs are difficult to find and the South Coast is poorer than the state average. Many families struggle to survive.
- Our South Coastal churches are spread out and it is often difficult for the pastors to get together for prayer and fellowship.
- Because of the great distance between churches, the fellowship of believers struggles to connect to one another.
- The struggling economy is a constant pressure and throughout the past few decades many people have moved away to find better employment.
- The high summer tourism industry creates both blessings and burdens. Week to week turnover makes it a challenge for unity and consistency for the average church.