Where's the language to express this?

In the Celtic Christian tradition, there’s this idea that around the world, usually in nature, exist “thin places.” A “thin place” is simply a place where the chatter and distractions of daily life are minimized to the point that it’s easier to become aware of God’s presence and hear His voice.

Last Friday I was sitting in one of these “thin places” as I gazed at the Rocky Mountains, pondering the theme of gratitude. As part of a spiritual formation exercise, I had been given the challenge to write a poem, song, or a prayer expressing my thankfulness to God; I wrote a prayer. I had the opportunity to share my prayer of gratitude with some of my closest friends and teammates and have been encouraged to share my heart with you, my church family.

May 16 (written in Hinton, Alberta while gazing at the Rocky Mountains):

Gratitude! Saying thank you! Where do I begin? What can I add to those created before me who have exhausted the human language trying to express something that resides so deeply rooted in spirit? Something gets watered down when I try to capture gratitude in a container of written or spoken word so I will be silent, yet present, in my spirit.

I will praise You with an offering of quiet presence, and I will inhale the beauty of Your creation. Awareness of Your existence, acknowledging You as the Creator not only of the masterpiece that surrounds me right now but as the Creator who has crafted and painted me into this cosmic canvas, seems the most grateful expression that I have to offer You. Amen-

I pray that you recognize and experience God in the thin places and moments that surround you each day.

~ Pastor Kevin

He's Already At Work

I recently watched a video clip of a Bill Hybels interview with Bono (U2) at Leadership Summit 2006. Bono made a profound statement that has stuck in my heart this week, “Stop asking God to bless what you are doing, instead find out where God is at work, because that work has already been blessed.” Wow!

This has particular meaning for me since I just returned from visiting our international workers in Guinea and Serbia to learn about the work that God is doing there. For those of you that don’t know me, my family and friends would classify me as a "learner, do-er and go-er.” I like to be active and brainstorm new ideas and then implement.

Here’s where Bono’s words struck me the most: maybe I need to stop blasting forward first and then asking God to bless what I do; He’s already at work, here and around the world. I need to step into the good work that He has already begun and let Him direct me, “for we are co-workers in God’s service” (1 Corinthians 3:9). In finding the places that God has already blessed, like Renaissance FM in Guinea or the Men’s Rehab Center in Serbia, and supporting the international workers that are on ground each and every day, we are stepping into God’s work.

I feel so privileged to have been able to go on this trip and minister to these disciples of Christ. As we left, they told us that we had blessed their ministries, but in reality, by allowing me to witness and participate in God’s Mission, the blessing belongs to us all. 

In Service with Him,
Doug Johnston

Give it to God

This has been a long week for me. Almost two weeks ago, my husband, Doug, traveled with Pastor Wade and Chris to Conakry, Guinea and then to Novi Sad, Serbia to spend time with our global partners. When we’ve been able to communicate, he’s shared that they’ve learned a great deal about the ministries in these locations. They’ve also been able to bless these communities, as well as other international workers in the areas.

My heart sings at this news! But when news of violent demonstrations in Conakry made the headlines last week, I had my share of worry; what wife wouldn’t? As I prayed for their protection, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace – the kind of peace that only Jesus can provide…”give it to Me,” He whispered…“…do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) As I thought through this, I was struck with the idea that there is no better companion in distress to be found than Jesus. As a wife, I worry for my husband’s safety and health; as a mother, I worry for my children. But when Doug travels, or my teenager climbs into her car to go to school or work, I am not and cannot be their best protector. There is someone who loves them even more than I do – and He promises to be with them when no one else is or can be there.

May you feel the peace of Christ this week,
Mandy Johnston

New Insights... Together

This week, my son Peter and I had a great conversation over coffee. We got around to comparing our thoughts on one of the Psalm talks we have heard at church recently. I shared how God has been challenging me through one particular Psalm, and Peter told me that God had revealed something totally different and unique to him through the same Psalm.

For both of us, God’s word had come alive in a precise way, shedding light on what we each specifically needed to see. How sweet to gain new insight together. As our coffee date ended, I left refreshed…challenged by God’s word revealed through Peter.

God’s word is inspired…so relevant and personal. The ancient words have timeless wisdom. God reveals Himself as we read His Word and open our hearts to receive. Understanding and insight increase as we engage in learning God’s Word each weekend and as we participate in spiritual conversations in groups or with individuals. Equipped with God’s truth, we feel encouraged to actively apply and share what He is uniquely teaching each of us.

Embrace the opportunities! Dive into His word, lean into learning environments and strike up spiritual conversations…and “grow in wisdom…and in favour with God and man” just like Jesus (Luke 2:52).

Enjoy the sunshine!
Pastor Donna