Bold Faith

At or near the top of my list of favourite biblical characters is Caleb.  He’s one of the advance scouts sent by Moses into Canaan to explore Israel’s chances at possessing the Promised Land.  The odds look insurmountable; most of the spies think they have no chance…except two.  Only Joshua and Caleb have sufficient faith in God’s promise that He would enable them to take the land (Numbers 13).

Much later on in Joshua 14, Caleb’s bold faith is on display again.  At this point Israel is finally on the move, ready to possess the land God has promised them.  When the time comes to divide and conquer, Caleb, who is now an advanced age, asks for the toughest assignment.  “I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.  Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.  You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as He said” (Joshua 14:11-12).  I love Caleb’s spirit.

And I love your spirit as a church.  In June, we threw down a bold challenge to raise over $200,000 to bring clean water to our partner community, Mufumya, Burundi.  I can’t wait to tell you what’s happened - and I’ll do that at our services this weekend (hint, hint…if you haven’t picked up on it already, it’s pretty incredible news!).  If you want to know a few more details on the project, you can check it out here.

I hope you’re enjoying the warmth of what’s left of summer, and I hope to see you at SPAC this weekend.

Greg

I Can Choose...

mer•cy
1. compassion or kindness shown toward an offender; compassion or benevolence
2. something that gives evidence of divine favour; blessing.

I love driving… so much in fact that I went to race car driving school a few years ago where I developed new skills and experienced an exhilarating adventure.  There have been moments lately, however, when driving and summer travel hasn’t been so much fun, and I’ve encountered people that left me feeling frustrated and discouraged.  It’s at these times in particular that I’ve been gently reminded to soften my heart and view them as Jesus does, cherishing His children with unconditional love and mercy.

We have such an extravagantly merciful God who ensures equality at the foot of the cross and never holds our mistakes against us:

God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16, CEV

I am continually amazed at the expanse of God’s grace and compassion...  Jesus instructs us not to judge others for their attitudes and behaviour but to instead be tolerant, loving and Christ-like. With a new season just around the corner, there will be perfect moments when I can choose to respond with a full heart, generously extend mercy and glorify Him who first loved and forgave us.

All the best,
Michelle Waltmans

Choose the Seaside

The more I return to Novi Sad, the more I question my need for so much back home. And I'm not just talking stuff; I'm talking about my energy, creativity and brain power – am I saving these for myself or using them to serve others?

These past weeks at kids' camp have included 'hold your belly' laughter, tender glimpses into a child's life and insights that wouldn't necessarily happen during a regular week of the regular stuff.

We've heard an 11-year old's story of how God brought food to their house when they ran out. And about a girl born three months premature, who is now a miracle, running and playing and bringing joy to our team's faces. There’s another girl who is the only believer in her whole school. Yup; not her class...her entire school.

So, I come here to help, but instead I gaze in amazement at the faith of my Serbian sisters and brothers.  I'm humbled by their trust and understanding of a God who is much bigger than us.

As I return home, that is what I want to remember: I have experienced something much bigger than myself. I have left what I know in search of what I do not know, and in the process have found the seaside instead of being satisfied with playing in the mud puddles (CS Lewis's words, I believe).

Serbia has helped me to experience the 'seaside.' I love these people, and a piece of my heart will remain here. I return home and ask God to continue His work inside of me, directing me to what He wants me to do...whatever that will be.

Cindy Christensen

Currently in Serbia, Children's Camp

Intelligent Conversations

"Bring the harpoon!"

Four bodies scrambled out of the cabin, loudly cheering and scurrying to the dock; there was Uncle Ben pulling in a two pound largemouth bass. He didn't really need a harpoon, but after catching many small ones, this was exciting for us all.

Two families and five days huddled in a small cabin in northern Wisconsin turned out to be a wonderful holiday. To be honest, I felt nervous about it prior to arriving because we had drifted apart due to the miles between us and the unhealthy relationships of those family members who live in that area. As the holiday progressed, there was a strong sense of how much we were missing by keeping each other at arms length.

I am challenged to not withdraw from relationships just because things get difficult. It's those same relationships that smooth out my rough edges. Believe it or not they are actually gifts from God!

I want to get better at choosing to have intelligent conversations when things aren't going well, rather than "bailing.” That means not shutting off my mind but instead engaging it. And I can apply this to every relationship; when I choose to blame or hold grudges, I’m not engaging my mind in finding solutions. I am actually choosing to abandon the exact relationship that God wants to use to make me more like Jesus. I am called to be more courageous in following Jesus, who loved sacrificially, lived humbly and extends grace generously.

I am ending my holiday with a new sense of what is truly important. Our family and friends are a gift, giving us the opportunity to let God's Spirit make us more like Jesus.

^“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.” 2 Thess. 2:16,17

Enjoy the long weekend,

Yvonne Lemke
Worship Arts

The Author

One of my favourite authors is Henri Nouwen.  Some years back a friend had completed writing a book and was having a book launch.  Lorne and I were absolutely thrilled to be invited as  Henri Nouwen was the speaker. Then as the icing on the cake, after the event we had the privilege of going out for coffee with him and  a half dozen other people.  The next day when I picked up one of Nouwen’s books I read with a whole new perspective.  The words sprang to life because of a personal connect with the author.

This week, during a conversation about the Bible someone said,  “Isn’t it great that we have the author of Scripture with us when we read?”  What an incredible thought. Not only do we know the author...He is with us to give insight and meaning each time we go to the Word. He breathes life into the text and shows us its’ application in our lives. What a gift! Our part is to be intentionally listening to His voice. 

As you go to the Word stop and thank God that He, the Author, is with you.  As you begin, breathe a prayer...”Spirit what do you want me to hear today; please give me understanding as I read”.

I hope you can join us this weekend. We are asking the Spirit to teach us through the incredible story of Daniel.

God bless your summer friends!
Rita

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives..”  Col 1:9

Feel The Freedom!

As we continue preparing for our 50th Anniversary Celebration this fall, I’ve been going over the stories, reflections and praise that our church has submitted via email, story cards and videos. It is such an honour to hear each of them. God is so good. 

There are so many thoughts and stories that I could share with you (and I will at the 50th!), but today I would just like to share one that was submitted via story card in the service a few weeks back.  I needed this reminder and maybe you do today as well: 

“…I spent a lot of years trying to control my life on my own. What a joy and pleasure to give the control to someone who is infinitely wiser than me.”

Don’t we all try to control our lives in little ways each day? We carry the burdens of worry and fear around with us, but we don’t have to…as this person said, what a joy to give these over to Jesus, who wants to carry these for us and direct our steps. 

“Casting all your care on Him because He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

Unburden yourselves, friends, and feel the freedom that Jesus offers!

Joy!
Rita

Creation Around and Within

It’s that time of year again where we get to experience a slower pace of life and settle into vacation mode. I am so thankful for this time of year.

Our summer consists of camping trips that allow me to absorb my surroundings and appreciate God’s beautiful creation. As I sit by the lake and watch a beautiful sunset with my husband or watch our kids ride an endless amount of loops on their bikes in the campground, I am in awe of His creation. I’m a graphic design artist at SPAC and my role is to “create.” I was recently reminded that my biggest inspiration comes from Him and that Christ is Supreme over all creation.

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Col. 1:15-17

As I sat by the campfire last week, I realized how incredibly privileged I am to be part of a project this summer to further God’s Kingdom. And I have personally watched the transformation of my own family in support of the Clean Water Project. My kids are enthusiastic about running their lemonade stand and gathering their earnings to help; my husband is making an extra effort to sort pop bottles instead of throwing them into the recycle bin for pick up.

It's humbling to be part of what God's doing in Mufumya. It's so cool that He's got a role for each of us to play as we work together to see "His Kingdom come."

God Bless.
Cheryl Purschke