January-February 2021
26 December 2020
Dear Friends and Partners,
It is truly amazing how much God loves and cares for us as His children. All of us have just come through one of the most wonderful and beautiful celebrations in our Christian faith, the celebration of Christmas in recognition of Jesus’ birth. In just a few months we will be observing another important celebration when we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We are often reminded of the Good News which declares to us that “In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you [we] are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9-10 NKJV). He is in reality Immanuel, God with us and in us and who truly lives His life through us.
Many years ago, Eugene preached a message entitled “Past, Present, and Future.” The message essentially made three points saying to the Church, “The past is over, the present is tense, but the future is secure.” We are about to enter into a New Year in which we will face new challenges. Our “present” situation, as we live each new day, will often be “tense” because of the circumstances.
We here in the United States may face obstacles that we have never dreamed of before, but let us remember a simple two-word phrase that the Apostle Paul used in writing to the church of Ephesus which said, “But God…” (Ephesians 2:4 NKJV). These words are not only for the Americans reading this letter, but they are for all of us no matter where we live in this world. God knows how to move in whatever circumstance or situation that we may find ourselves. He has not changed, His covenant has not changed, and His Word has not changed. These are a few of the reasons that our “future is secure.” Friends, it is with hearts filled with love that we write this expression of faith.
Jesus asked His disciples a very important question that, when we read the words, almost seems out of context with what He was saying a moment before: “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8 NKJV). It seems that He was implying that He would not find much faith. However, it is our conviction that He will find faith in all of us who declare that He is the Lord of our lives.
In 1973, our friend, Clay McLean, wrote a song entitled “God’s Child,” that stated these wonderful words:
God’s child has light in the darkness, peace in the storm,
Joy in the midst of sorrow, and when it’s cold he’s safe and warm.
Though other men might fear and tremble in a world that’s growing wild,
There’s a voice of power and victory in God’s Child.
We are beginning to travel again on a limited scale and we ask that you continue to pray for us. God has kept us safe and protected over this past year, and we are expecting Him to continue His watchful care over us. We are also praying for you and your health, safety, and blessings. Remember, God is faithful, every time!
In Jesus,
Eugene and Sherry