Month: March 2019

Thoughts

Hell – An Unpopular Sermon Topic

I really appreciated this sermon on Hell by a friend of ours, John Thomas, given at Gwinnett Bible Chapel in Georgia last month. Although Hell is unpopular to talk about and difficult to think about, it is important that we do both. Jesus spoke of it often. It sets our perspective straight on what our priorities in life should be.

Sometimes I feel terrible when I hear about devastating stories of the persecuted church and all the Christians who have suffered so much. However, when Christians suffer they can set their minds on incredible hope. Even for those who spend years in prison and are tortured for Christ, they know their suffering will end and then they’ll be with Jesus. And there is immense purpose to their suffering–it is not wasted. But those who who reject Christ and choose the passing pleasures and comforts of this world are choosing Hell where there is no end, no help, and no hope.

Family News

One Year Later…

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A year ago yesterday our family slid on ice, hit a semi, rolled our large white van over the median fence and slid through a narrow break in oncoming traffic to the far side of the interstate. Our crunched van and shattered concert grand harp mattered very little to us. We all knew we had just come very close to death. And our minds were on our mom who was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. (Full story here.) But a year later, we celebrate not only that we are alive, not only that our mom is happily healed, but that the Lord has even restored our van and harp to better than they were before.

A Christian family we didn’t even know heard about our situation and gave us their van as a gift. Here is an excerpt from their email: “Our family has been studying the book of Acts … and something that has really impacted us is how freely our brothers & sisters in the early church gave to those in need amongst the body of Christ … As I read of your van accident in your daughter’s recent email, not knowing when this had happened, I really felt the Lord laying it on my heart to give you our van … I figured we were too late to help … Well, when I received your email this morning, my heart soared with the possibility that we might be able to help brothers and sisters who are in need of something …”

We’ve enjoyed the van on several long trips in the last 9 months and it’s much nicer than our old van.

Additionally, our insurance paid for our harp to be sent to France to be repaired. We packed it up in a huge box and a shipping company picked it up. A few months later the repaired harp arrived. I think it’s even better than it was in it’s original condition.

Why did the Lord provide for us so abundantly? I guess the much larger mystery is, “Why did the Lord spare us from the much bigger danger (hell) even though it cost Him the life of His Son to provide this rescue for us?” We may not know the answers to our questions, but we do know one thing: He is deserving of all our praise, and all our hearts.

Announcements/Bright Lights Conferences

Bright Lights Conferences in Council Bluffs, Iowa, April 23-27

We are excited to announce our upcoming “Strong in the Lord Conference” in Council Bluffs, Iowa (near Omaha), approaching next month!

Age: 8-14

Topics:
• How to Be Strong for the Lord in Your Youth
• Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends
• Developing a Love for God’s Word
• How to Turn Your Heart to Your Parents
• How to Be a Bright Light in the World
• Avoiding Wrong Influences
• Deepening Your Walk with Jesus Christ
• How to Boldly Share the Gospel

Includes small group times, humorous skits, testimonies, hands-on activities, a chalk talk, harp music, singing, and practical, Biblical teaching that will challenge and prepare young ladies to remain strong for the Lord through their teen years.

Parents are encouraged to attend the conference in order to hear what their daughters are learning and reinforce it at home. There will also be sessions for parents covering topics such as the importance of protecting your children, how fathers can set a godly pace for their family, how to win the hearts of your daughters, and building strong mother/daughter relationships.

Dates and Location:
April 23-24, 2019 – Council Bluffs, IA

Schedule:
Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration: $20 per person or $65 per family
Late registration: (after March 31) $25 per person or $75 per family
Includes lunch on Wednesday, snacks, and materials.

Register here.

Follow our “Strong in the Lord” Conference, we will also be doing a “Radiant Purity Conference.”

Note: Our first “Stand Fast” Conference for young men happening simultaneously.

Age: 12-22+

Topics:
• Finding Security in Christ
• Replacing Lies of the Enemy with Truth
• Purity is Not about Your Past
• Truth Over Emotions
• Building Strong Relationships With Parents
• How to Delight in Jesus, the One Who Satisfies
• Using Your Years of Singleness for God
• Crushes, Friendships, Disappointments, and Desires
• Practical Tips for Sharing the Gospel with Your Friends
• Christ-Centered Social Media

A girl who is set-apart for Jesus and walking closely with Him shines with a radiant brightness in this world of darkness. Purity is not found in a list of rules, but in the pursuit of Jesus Christ. It is not a burden, but rather a privilege to represent Him in this world. How can we honor Christ in our relationships? How can we find security and satisfaction in Jesus? How can broken lives be restored to radiant purity? How do we resist temptation and stand strong in trials? Where do parents come in?

Creatively presented through stories and testimonies, practical instruction, skits, and real-life examples, this conference gives Biblical answers to everyday questions and deep life struggles. The material is discreet and appropriate for twelve-year-olds, yet relevant to all ages. Includes testimonies from young ladies who serve as Bright Lights staff, a chalk talk, and harp music.

Fathers and mothers are encouraged to attend. Parents’ sessions will include: 20 Ways to Protect the Hearts of Your Daughters, Every Mother’s Example, and When a Young Man Pursues a Young Lady

Dates and Location:
April 26-27, 2019 – Council Bluffs, IA

Schedule:
Friday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration: $20 per person or $65 per family
Late registration: (after March 31) $25 per person or $75 per family
Includes lunch on Saturday, snacks, and materials.

Register here.

Announcements

St Patrick’s Day – Less Than 2 Weeks Away!

Guess what just arrived? Twelve thousand “History of St Patrick’s Gospel Tracts.” These are a great way to share the gospel with neighbors, coworkers, doctors, dentists, chiropractors, postal workers, cashiers … you get the idea! Hardly anyone knows who St Patrick really was and most receive the info with interest and then get to read the gospel. If you’re passing them out at a parade, it’s easy to distribute thousands in a very short time with just a small handful of people. See ordering options here.
Note: If you wear a hat like my dad’s, people are even more likely to take them! 😀