Church Family,

I am a reader. Usually I have 4 or 5 books going at once. It’s not because I particularly enjoy reading as an activity, but because I feel there is so much that I still need to learn. I read something this week that has convicted and inspired me. The book is called Vertical Church by James McDonald.  Personal Disclaimer: I do not restrict myself to just “church” or “pastor” books. Just yesterday, I was reading my daughter’s favourite book about Taylor Swift-a riveting tale, I assure you.

Back to Vertical Church: I haven’t read the whole book, so I won’t send out an endorsement just yet, but this quote is on my heart:

“...church today as a weekly experience with the manifest glory of God is the greatest lack we face. The lost are not found because God’s glory is not revealed in church. Children wander because church is pathetically predictable or shamefully entertaining but hardly ever authentically God. Marriages flounder because arrogance grows unchecked in our hearts and is not weekly cut down by the pride-withering presence of Almighty God...We cannot survive spiritually without that corporate connection in heart, soul, mind, and strength with the One who made us.

The author is speaking generally about the church in North America, but it awakens in me a hunger for the manifest glory of God to be revealed in our gatherings. Not just occasionally, but every time we choose to assemble in the name of Jesus.

Would you join me in praying for this?

Peace,

Wade

Amahoro, SPAC family.

The past twelve days have been some of the most physically and spiritually challenging and yet most uplifting days of my Christian life. I was part of the six-person detour team that traveled to Mufumya, Burundi (Africa) to bless and be blessed by the Burundians.

With all of the challenges the people of Burundi have faced, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I saw there both surprised and inspired me; I met people who love to smile and who cheerfully work to survive. These people lack money and even enough food and water for basic survival, but they are deeply connected to each other and are devoted and thankful to God.

God revealed Himself to us in so many ways over the days, in both Burundi and in Sherwood Park while we were gone. He was in Mufumya with us in the smiles of the mothers and laughs of the children when learning new handshakes. And He was in Sherwood Park with you as 65 people were spontaneously baptized last weekend (we loved getting that news from home!). He is loving and faithful to us, regardless of geography, happiness or sadness.

“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Be blessed, and be a blessing…

Mandy Johnston