We've been robbed!

Now that I've wooed you with adorable pictures of sleeping babies, I want to thank you for providing them with toys to play with when they are awake! Our January Toy Drive was a great success and we have been able to outfit Little Souls Daycare with so many wonderful things for the kids to do!

I will admit one setback, though, and that was a robbery we had recently. Some of you brought toys over to our 24 hour location, and they were moved to our church basement for storage until transport. This is the Good News Chapel and Hall, which is available to groups for rentals for weddings and other occasions.

We had a group rent the facility on the weekend, and they took our toys!

I was SHOCKED! Who steals toys from a rescue mission??!!

There was some other things they took, and some damage caused to the property, which Pastor Ken spent an afternoon repairing.

All this to say, if you could find it in your heart to take one more pass at your kids' toys, and bring us gently used toys that we could use to outfit Little Souls Daycare, as well as our Emergency Family Shelters, I would consider it a personal favour.

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." -Luke 18:16

God's Valentine's Day Gift

1 Thes 1:4 Today's sermon went so well with yesterday's blog, that I had to share my sermon notes with you.

Last week Recap:
The reason Paul went to the Thessalonians was because God prevented him from going somewhere else! We need to let God lead us! In just 3 short weeks many came to Christ and became strong Christians! Even some prominent women! Only true conversion brings change that is lasting.

1. What does true conversion mean? How does it happen? It always begins with God and His love for us.

John 3:16--God loves everyone He made and He loves you and is reaching out to you!

Many do not respond to this, or even believe He is Creator! To have
this love, we must respond to this love, to bring us into relationship
with Our Creator.

Just like a human relationship--love must be a two way street and must be responded to! When you love someone, you choose them.

Jesus is God's valentine to you. It was a very dramatic gift and you
must accept it by loving Him back.

2. Witnessing about that love.
The most powerful message in the world is that of redemption! It is
deep conviction in our heart that leads us to sharing God's Message of
Love! Our filling of the Holy Spirit makes us bold and loving about
our faith--not fearful and shy.

If the person receiving your words must also have deep convictions, it
will be a true conversion!! The Bible says it is through our HEART
that we are saved! It is emotional!

3. True conversion is always DRAMATIC. It is a dramatic life change.
The LifeChange program of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission, of which this church is a part, has some of you in it. And those that want change and are on the program work hard and graduate from LifeChange with much flair and drama! It's a huge cost to them, and takes a lot of work, but the change for those that do it is permanent and lasting.

Those who accept this valentine are filled with love and joy and
peace. If you, as a Christian, lose your joy, it often comes from sin.
If you find yourself lacking these things, you can restore the joy of
your salvation by turning around and repenting of your mistakes--those idols of the heart: pursuit of pleasure, money, or addictions. When we turn from those things to serve God, it is going to get noticed!!

When you are truly converted, you are not just saved. You are
changed! You love Him because He loved you first. And you eagerly
await to see Him in Heaven.

Sent from Michelle's iPhone

Snow Day!

RIGHT: A man and woman are snowblowing my street this morning! How generous is that?!

There is usually at least one blizzard a year that keeps half the staff from being able to go to work. Today is the day. The timing, of course, is never great. This Friday is our Grand Opening Celebration at our brand new Little Souls Daycare, and we are nowhere near ready. We need to hire workers, fill children's slots, & finish assembling the furniture & play structures. All those last minute details, added onto one snow day, means some late nights for us as staff later in the week!

Rebecca, our LifeChange Program Manager, declared it a SNOW DAY for the 30+ residents at the campus. While Jack and Paula enjoy a month in Florida, Becca is also campus manager, which means looking after details for the 2 buildings which house our program, administrative teams, & Good News Chapel. Oh, and while Erin is enjoying beautiful BC, Becca is also the Women & Family Home resident manager. Yup. That's right. Three hats and a blizzard.

Aaron, our Emergency Services Manager, is making sure all 300 meals get served today. We normally cook all our food, banquet style, at the Soup Kitchen, and transport it to several facilities. Today the van has been decommissioned, so each location is responsible for their own cooking. It is Aaron's job to coordinate that.

Several staff are snowed in, including Mandy, our Little Souls Daycare Director. Today, she is working from home, recruiting & interviewing potential staff, informing folks of our 30 available licensed daycare slots, & preparing a to do list for us so we can all make the rest of the week smoother and ready for our grand opening on Friday, and our first day of kids next Monday!

This morning Mandy spoke on The Dog's Breakfast to promote our January Toy Drive. Brad Grass said that now they know she lives two blocks away they might call her in on a moment's notice for any storm stayed guests who can't make it this week!

We're thankful for some staff who live within walking distance who have saved the day: Rebecca, Rae, & Ruby, for instance! Others are not so lucky. While representing us at a missions conference at Millar College of the Bible, Intern Stephanie and LifeChange Program Intern, Theresa, have been storm stayed! Donovan, in charge of all construction on the St. Andrews project for our daycare and youth centre, got a flat tire this morning, and Derrick, who is the only office staff not storm stayed, has to go to emergency for a bout of gout! When it rains, it pours. When it snows, it blizzards!

Most of all, please remember the homeless in your prayers at this time. Our January Cold Weather Shelter appeal is out and we are asking for a generous financial response. We turn no one away this time of year, as the consequences can be fatal. Our Mens & Womens Emergency Shelters house singles, families and children who would otherwise be sleeping in cars or who knows where. And please don't forget to make an extra donation to help Haiti, via the relief organization of your choice. They're fate is far worse than a winter storm.

Sunday Bonus Blog

This morning I had a rather hilarious facebook encounter, which is the preamble to the following cartoon. If it gives you a giggle, friend me on facebook at www.facebook.com/MissionMusings!

Michelle's Status: The Rev called and told me not to come to church. WHAT??!! So, I have settled in at home, catching up on emails, enjoying homemade French toast--I am very good at making French toast--with real Canadian maple syrup from Quebec, and Kona coffee from Vern & Sherry Mebs. Life is good.

Kristen Bair Hink: And Canadian ham/bacon, too?

Me: lol. Nope, sadly, I'm off pork. How to Shed 10 years in 10 Weeks, remember? lol.

Michael Towers: That must be awkward having your husband call you up and tell you to not come to church! :)

Darryl Darwent: Just heard on the Mother Channel (CBC) that Regina has a honest blizzard going on (I don't know what a dishonest blizzard is so let go with that). Lucky you.

Me: The Mother Channel?!?! LOL!! I'm totally stealing that, Darryl!!

Michael, Ken's always enticing me to go to church by giving me bits of his sermon, etc. This morning I told him it looked likke a blizzard. It's not a blizzard; it's a light snow!" he replied. Then he shovelled a path to the garage so I would have not excuses to skip. Next thing you know, he calls me up and says, "Don't comel. It's a blizzard out there!

Darryl Darwent:I don't know if you are familiar with the comic strip Betty by Delainey and Rasmussen (from Edmonton). I wish I could send today's Sunday edition. I think it would fit the bill for the morning you are having.

Pancake Breakfast serves 400!

Our pancake breakfast for the inner city community this morning was a big hit with 400 people coming out to enjoy a concert with some flapjacks, sausage and eggs. Mmmm...



A group shot of people enjoying breakfast while listening to Fergus and Beatrice Littlechief tell of their amazing story of victory over addiction and extreme hardship.



Board member Beth Ell serves up a plate of pancakes in the parking lot of the Good News Chapel on this warm summer August long Sunday.

Good News Chapel, How do I love thee?

Good News Chapel

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

As I made the rounds after the amazing baptism service today, ... no, let me back up. Shawna picked the closing song. As we all sang, lifting voices and hands, there were tears in my eyes as I marvelled at the splendor of our 2 year Good News Chapel Anniversary. It was a truly memorable moment.

So picture Shawna giving praise to Jesus for saving her and being her all. And ears were riveted to Chantel's testimony as she spoke of her chest being broken in the shape of a cross. Of five drug overdoses. Of God's continuous quest to draw her to Himself. And of finding the Lord so recently with the help of her new husband, one of our LifeChange alumni, Vince Wolf.

And the moment those girls pass from death to life in symbolism of the resurrection, and the day the Lord shall return! And so, Shawna's song:

I'll Fly Away

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

And as I mingled pastors and friends of all ages and walks of life were smiling and giving praise to God for this little chapel in North Central and the wonderful baptismal celebration today.

Happy Birthday, Good News Chapel!

An Ordinary Sunday

My Facebook status says this today: "Michelle had a great time in church - no shattering glass, no farting, and no cell phones went off, so all in all, it was a good service."

Attending an inner city church means there is never a dull moment, but I love it! While we try to instill a little country charm, by sharing a potluck meal each Sunday after service, we have learned to lock the doors at 11:30 or we become the neighbourhood soup kitchen. A good cause, to be sure, but 1) We run out of food, and 2) The goal of fellowship between our congregants is lost.

While most churches are moving to the suburbs, we have decided to move into Canada's notorious "worst neighbourhood." By doing this, worshippers come from a variety of backgrounds, education, and life experiences. We have the poor coming alongside the rich to raise their voices in song and give "in proportion to what the Lord has blessed them." Once in a while we find Canadian Tire money in the offering plate, and those who have a hard time making ends meet are able to get food from the pantry so they, too, can bring something to share at the potluck. We also have a clothing bank available for church attendees, currently filled with brand new clothing, most of which is suitable for church.

Last Sunday the doors were rattling during the sermon. Of course, you can't get into church if you're 45 minutes late, but this lady tried despite the sign on the door: "Potluck is for those who worship at 11:00. Please join us!" She wouldn't let it go, and wound her foot, kicking the glass door, smashing the pane of glass and making a huge shatter. Blair was preaching and Ken noticed everyone rushing to the back. Blair paused, waiting for a cue from Ken, who waved everyone back and said, "Nothing to see here. Carry on, Blair!"

Apparently someone decided on an alternate form of heckling in the front row, (thus my comment on Facebook.) And several cell phones were ringing throughout the sermon. Needless to say, Blair had much cause for distraction last week. It's likely no coincidence Blair's sermon topic was "The Gospel 101." There is an army of demons squalling against our goal for revival in Regina's inner city.

Oh, what's that you say? Heckling isn't normal in your church? You haven't been vandalized in the middle of a sermon before? People turn off their cell phones for the hour? Really?! The full hour??!!

We occasionally have visitors from other churches, who love and support what we do, but are unable to attend regularly for various reasons. Today, we had a family who had never been before and they were thrilled to hear a sermon that talked about the Second Coming, and were amazed to see how many people regularly attending this inner city church plant! I told them our board member, Harold Lutzer's "infamous" quote: "This church is where the rubber really meets the road!"

It's hard to describe an inner city church with flair and charm, but how lovely to be in a family fellowship where masks are laid aside and people are themselves: humble and sincere.

One man wouldn't take communion because, "I sinned last night. I slipped up and smoked some dope."

One prayer request was "for my brother" who's an alcoholic.

"Please pray that my friend finds a safe place to live so she won't be homeless anymore."If you're interested in a visit, please come next week as we celebrate a baptism. Bring a dish to share and stay for the potluck. Who knows? You might like it so much you decide to stay.

Equally Human

I'm on the board of directors of the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions, a fellowship of nearly 300 rescue missions in North America. streetsmart keeps our members informed in current events and with what is happening within the association.

The devotional, written by a friend of mine, was very good and speaks to what we are trying to accomplish at Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission:

Tomorrow’s Builders

“He carried into exile all Jerusalem: all the officers and fighting men, and all the craftsmen and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left” (2 Kings 24:14).

God seemed to have disappeared for the nation of Israel. New King Jehoiachin was doing evil. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was expanding his kingdom. Jehoiachin, his mother, nobles, and attendants had just surrendered. What else could go wrong? After confiscating all of the treasures of the temple and the palace, Nebuchadnezzar decided to take everyone in Jerusalem with him back to Babylon—except the poorest people of the land.

Poor people didn't matter to Nebuchadnezzar. They had no value in his worldview. He may have thought, “Good riddance to them!”

While cultural rhetoric today champions the poor, the actions of those in authority seem to mimic what Nebuchadnezzar did to the most impoverished people of Jerusalem. They seem to say, “Let them fend for themselves.”

The story doesn't end there for these poor people. When we jump forward to the account of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall, we discover he recruits the remnant of the people still in Jerusalem—the descendants of the "poorest people of the land"—to help with reconstruction. Who some saw as worthless, God sees as valuable.

How do we look at the poor today? As victims? As derelicts, drunks, addicts, crazies, or welfare moms—brought to the bottom by their own actions? Or as the people God is going to use to rebuild the city?

Contributed by Jim Harriger, executive director, Springfield Victory Mission (Springfield, Mo.)

As a Mission that does not rely on government funding, it is important that we gain friends in all areas and social stratas. One of my main joys is seeing those who have participated in our one year LifeChange Program participate in volunteerism at the Mission and become active in our church, the Good News Chapel.

While the mingling of the classes is something rescue missions have become adept at, there remains the challenge to break down those stereo-typical barriers in society. To rebuild the wall, we first have to break it down. With each person that steps foot in the Mission or the Good News Chapel, we are one step closer to seeing people with God's eyes - that is, equally human.

Part 1: Be it resolved...

A friend of mine posted the following Facebook status:

Ron is "resolved to know nothing .... except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
-1 Cor 2:2

What are your resolutions? So many people think resolutions are useless, since they'll be broken anyway, but this is one that is right for all of us.

>For 2009, how about we all resolve to have a single focus of mind and purpose. The Saviour. Remember, a Saviour was born at Christmas. We just spent a month commemorating that. Now it's time to put our faith in action by determining that our main focus this year is Jesus. He's the Who, What, and Why of our lives.

If going to church is not yet a part of your life, please join us every Sunday at the Good News Chapel. 1380 Elphinstone at 11:00 a.m.

Sojourners Article: The New Digital Divide

This article exposes the division in the church today, that lead Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission to open the Good News Chapel, where all are welcome, no matter their race, income level, or social standing. It's the way Christianity was meant to be; "where the rubber meets the road." Make sure you click on the "web extra" article at the bottom, to find practical ways you can use social networking to help the poor.
=============================================================

This article was sent to you from Sojourners:

The New Digital Divide

Overcoming online segregation.
by Andrew Sears
Sojourners Magazine, January 2009

Click this link to read the article:
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0901&article=the-new-digital-divide

________________________________________________________

*Get weekly commentary and inspiration in our free email
magazine, SojoMail. Subscribe at http://www.sojo.net/sojomail

Resident Birthday Greetings

I hope residents don't see this but if they do it's their own fault! This is the funniest greeting card ever. True story.

Pat:
Last Sunday when you sat on my knees in church,
according to legal counseling warrants an assault charge.
I am seriously considering this.
Happy Birthday!
- Al

Pray for Obama

At the Good News Chapel, Jack's Pastoral prayer each week includes the leaders of our nation, including local, provincial and our federal government. We also pray for other world leaders, including the president of the United States. While I try to keep out of politics, I have been intrigued to watch reactions of people, both to Bush's leadership and to the long long long election campaign.

Although the Canadian electoral system has brevity on it's side, I'm glad they're both over, so we can get back to the business of running North America! I'm glad for the US' sake that they have a half-black president. I believe that will go a long way to restoring the racial tension that still exists, although the civil war was so long ago. And I'm glad for individuals who made the commitment to vote, their very act keeping our system of democracy, and therefore, freedom, alive.

I don't much care who people vote for. You're going to vote for someone that speaks to your need. If you are pro-choice you may vote one way. If you're homosexual, you may vote to show your solidarity to a candidate who will attempt to push gay marriage through for you. If you adore peace at all costs, you'll vote for a pacifist, and so on. Who we vote for it going to reflect our personal priorities and values.

And that is the beauty of the system, isn't it? This brings me to my point. Why do we, as Christians, vote for men and women, then, when they do something we don't agree with, begin the bashing. Bush bashing has been a huge ugly mar on the Christian church of America. I'm disappointed and appalled that someone could spend more time complaining about their president than praying for them.

It's a charge to all of us voting Christians: stop complaining and start praying! God wants us to uphold our leaders in prayer, to support them at least in that. If you spend more time praying for your country and it's president, perhaps God will choose to bless America.

Are you knocking?

This morning as I was doing my dreaded domestic duty (those who know me well know I abhor housework) I heard a "knock-knock-knock" at the front door. I assumed it would be a politician, but it was actually a pastor!

He handed me a tract called, "Heaven - How do I get there?" and said he was canvassing the neighbourhood inviting people to church. I told him my husband was also a pastor, and he said, "Are you both born again?!"

It's uncommon for churches to go door-to-door these days. To be bold, put yourself out there, invite someone to your church, and pray for an open door to have a spiritual discussion.

Last year a team from the Good News Chapel did just that, in the North Central Neighbourhood where they are located. Yes, Canada's worst neighbourhood. They saw some terrible things, had to call child and family services, spoke with gang members, encouraged some Christian workers, visited drug parties, shield their eyes from a man who answered the door buck naked! Well, you get the picture!

When is the last time you told someone about Jesus? When is the last time you invited someone to come to church with you?

Day after day, from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:42

I guess I should get back to my laundry! Have a great weekend!!

Be Wary of Spiritual Disciplines

Today Ken preached from the book of Matthew, focussing on spiritual disciplines of reading the Bible, fasting, and prayer, and the fact that we are promised rewards for doing this. He encouraged us to join the "Chapter a Day" club, because even reading one small chapter a day from the Bible will have huge payoffs in our lives.

One thing that caught my attention is how Ken focussed in on three main disciplines. As we walked in the park later today, he suggested that our temptation to add disciplines in our lives is similar to buying the latest gadgets and machines to exercise. Perhaps you've heard that Richard Foster's books on discipline have been surrounded by controversy?

My concern with Foster is that he promotes as disciplines, things which may or may not be good ideas, but are man's ideas, not God's. Take journalling, for instance. I personally have had a journal for years. However, it is a form of praying, and is not in and of itself one of the disciplines Jesus exhorted us to practise. Foster has some other good ideas, including simplicity and solitude. But, while these are examples Christ set for us, they are not commands Christ called us to.

Jesus said, "This is how you should pray." He said, "When you fast." He never once said, "Live in simplicity."

I know that Jesus wants us to read our Bible and pray every day, and to fast in order to loose the hold the flesh has upon us, and to give more power to our prayer life.

It is important to us at the Good News Chapel to maintain a purely Biblical perspective on our worship and fellowship. Man made ideas, while good and helpful, often lead to rifts and traditions which do not belong in His House.

Two Tickets to Paradise

It was sooooooooooooooo good to be back home today at our Good News Chapel. There was a warmth and comfort about the morning that reminded me why this inner city church plant in the heart of Regina's North Central is essential. It is nourishing to the soul, challenging to live out our faith, and affectionate as family should be.

Did you know that Jesus encouraged us to treat the body... that is, our church family, as a priority over others? For instance, when you are in a situation where you may offend either your Christian brother, or the host of a gathering, you are to choose what is right before your brother's eyes... and let the chips fall where they may!

That familial feeling was an arrow in my heart this morning. Ken and I were greeted with hugs and "alohas" and encouraged to talk all about our trip. We followed up with our usual potluck, and had a great time reconnecting after our month away in paradise.

Ken incorporated much of our experience into his sermon this morning, "Two Tickets to Paradise." He wore a fancy "preachers lei" Paula made for him and showed slides of Hawai'i in the background as he spoke of the TRUE PARADISE to which we have been waiting for since Adam and Eve got themselves kicked out of Eden. Derrick even played a Hawaiian drum as we sang about our future home in Heaven.

A challenge was given at the end for any who don't know Christ to commit themselves to getting to know Him and living for Him. We are also looking forward to an inner city Vacation Bible School in August where even more people can commit to that future trip to paradise!

If you are interested in helping out with that, please contact Melanie at the Mission. We need help advertising and at the clubs. This will not be your normal VBS, I can assure you of that! Come ready for a challenge with great reward!

TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE, by Eddie Money

Got a surprise especially for you,
Something that both of us have always wanted to do.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

I'm gonna take you on a trip so far from here,
I've got two tickets in my pocket, now baby, we're gonna disappear.
We've waited so long, waited so long.
We've waited so long, waited so long.

I've got two tickets to paradise,
Won't you pack your bags, we'll leave tonight,
I've got two tickets to paradise,
I've got two tickets to paradise.

Church on the Beach

Ken attended church on the beach, just outside the Hilton Hawai'ian Village, on Sunday. He said it was Hawaii's version of the Good News Chapel. Except for the hula and lack of air conditioning.

See that tree over there? Yeah, that's pretty much it for shade.

It started with, "Please stand facing the flag and sing with us." First, God Bless America, then Star Spangled Banner, topped with America the Beautiful. It's inbred in Americans to stand and put their hand over their heart during these songs, so onlookers, sunbathers and the like were all standing and singing for church!

Miss Lillie found God at a Hawai'i beach chapel service...

I just wanted to tell you I got saved on Waikiki Beach when the Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy set up church around me and I just wanted to catch some rays. Well it was a time in a my life when the bottom had been pulled out. I went to Hawaii to escape and I found Jesus in 1976. Now my husband and I are serving the Lord full time with this (New Beginnings Home) ministry.

The beach chaplaincy ministry is alive and well. Faithful men and women brave the sweltering heat and have services, whether anyone comes or not! I went to an early morning chapel and no one else attended! I made a donation for an "Aloha Bible" to leave in the condo. I pray it will touch someones life.

TONIGHT: CONCERT

Please join us tonight at the Good News Chapel at 7:00 pm for a special musical presentation by the Providence College Singers.

This 35-voice, award-winning chamber choir is known throughout Canada and internationally, as well. They have performed at the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors Conference and have represented Manitoba in several national music festivals. Under the direction of Dr. Henry Schellenberg, the College Singers consistently offer high quality concerts featuring classical, contemporary, traditional, and sacred ethnic selections. Hearing these young men and women lift their voices in praise to God is an amazing experience! The acoustics will be spectacular!

Brief reception put on by WARM, (Womens Auxiliary Rescue Mission )to follow.

Thanks to Mission staff and volunteers for their assistance in hosteling this group and feeding our guests breakfast!

Sweet Minute of Prayer

We've been focussing on prayer at the Good News Chapel, in preparation for our upcoming revival meetings. Unbeknownst to them, Mel and Murray, part of our leadership team, have missed a couple Sundays while travelling. Mel shared with the staff that they had been listening to sermons on their road trip, and one really impacted her.

It was a sermon by Irwin Lutzer, based on this hymn:

Sweet Hour of Prayer,
William W. Walford, 1845

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share,
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”

Mel challenged us as staff to join her in recognizing the power of prayer, acknowledging that most of us don't do enough, and then asked if any of us would be willing to share a weekly "hour of prayer" with her.

Each person interested must find an accountability partner, and Mission requests will be sent out by her to each staff member committed to his hour of intercession and worship.

No doubt, if you are not used to this level of prayer, it will be difficult to reach an hour, but as Paula pointed out, once this hour of prayer is part of your weekly routine, you will notice and miss it very much if it is gone!

If you have something you would like our staff team of prayer warriors to pray for, or would like to join as a prayer partner, please don't hesitate to give Mel a call, or email the Mission to Mel's attention.

Check out the Chaplain's shirt

I meant to post this earlier today to give you more time, but I got busy cooking meals for the week. I still haven't gotten to the laundry, but since I bought Ken a new shirt, I guess he'll have something to wear to church.

Ken and I would like to invite you to come and see his new shirt tomorrow at our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION of the Good News Chapel! Yes, come and hear about the miracles of the last year in this gorgeous debt-free facility and church plant. We now have 60 attendees on a regular basis!

Remember to bring something for the potluck, and come and enjoy Melanie's build-your-own-Sundaes!

Good News Chapel
One Year Birthday Celebration
1380 Elphinstone (former
Sacred Heart Church)
Sunday, March 9th, 2009
11:00 a.m.

The Persecution Push

Some time ago one of our Chaplains was preaching through the book of Acts. I was particularly struck by one of his sermons, The Persecution Push. After Ken and I travelled with Jack and Paula in October of 2007 to the City Mission World Association Conference, my life was transformed. Softened and moved towards the missions that run on a shoestring. Towards those that fear for their lives. Towards those that receive beatings for sharing the Gospel.

As it happened, back in the Bible days, Peter and the church needed to be pushed along by persecution. (Acts 7-15)

And so, the conclusion of Dr. Katzberg's "Persecution Push:"

*Respond to God's call whether you feel comfortable or not!
*No is never a good resopnse to God. Your lack of comfort might become pain.
*Make sure you get it straight - don't deceive yourself.
*Be prepared to reach out to all. God has no boundaries.
*Christ died for every human. We are all saved by grace.
*Complacency and comfort are not likely God's plan for you.

For those that heed this message, there are special blessings:

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. -Matthew 5:11-12

Are you feeling pushed along today?

If Kryptonite is Sin

We are Superman losing our power.

How do we get it back?