What a difficult week it was – therefore my delay to blog. As you know from last week’s blog that our dear Eileen was called HOME to be with our Lord. I accepted this, understood and rejoiced that after such a long and full life she was READY. She had lived life fully – she had a wonderful outlook and attitude and brightened the life of everyone she touched. It was TIME. It is good.
And then, I found out that another friend – her husband was taken, very suddenly. In the prime of his life – just 60 years old. He too was a bright and vibrant personality. Musical, artistically gifted and married for just 6 years to an amazing lady. What?
And again, on Sunday and listening to the news that a young man – a first nations member – only 30 years old was snatched away by a car accident, (not his fault) leaving a young family behind. What?
Just to note, the 60 year old man suffered a massive heart attack and from all assurances did not suffer at all, as was the 30 year old man. I know this is a comfort – but even with the deepest faith the question comes. Why? Are we to understand? Or are we to drink the cup and leave it be? I think not. I do accept that THE AUTHOR of their lives had written the endings like this but what does it mean to those who’s lives are rent, uprooted?
How do I comfort my friend in her loss? When I ponder the devastation which has been smote upon her life its unfathomable to me. Why her and not me? Why would God allow her to find the love of her life and then just as suddenly, after such a short time, snatch him away? And yet, I know – I just KNOW that because my friend is grounded in her faith that we can be assured – comforted. This does not mean that there won’t be days that will well up with a loneliness that seems unending and times of anger. God does not promise us a certain number of days here on earth, here with the ones we love, but He does promise us that as he is omnipotent HE will always be with us and if we believe on Him and our loved ones do too – we will be reunited.
And while I comfort my friend and try to walk with her down this arduous path I can only take heed this is a desire for the Lord to cause me to look within my own life, my own marriage and to ask myself “What if today was my husband’s last day on earth? (father, mother, daughter, sister, aunt or friend?) For we cannot know, and therefore we must make each moment count. We must work very very hard to shine the light of Jesus Christ into each of these relationships we are blessed with so that our loved ones will come into a personal relationship with HIM. For one day – perhaps even today, tomorrow, we won’t have a choice.
Just watching the news – people swept away in a flash flood in Arkansas. Happy camping families one moment – gone the next. Its happening all over the world, every day, minute, second. Every instance is a cue – GET GOOD WITH GOD. This is your PROMISE from Him:
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Psalm 119:50
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Please keep the families and needs forefront in your prayers these coming weeks. Show the Love of the Lord by reaching out to them in their time of need.
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THE MESSAGE
Pastor Jussi – June 13, 2010
Click on the audio player to play this past week’s message:
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MINISTRIES
NEW!!!
The Soaking Well
Osoyoos Chrisitan Centre is pleased to launch a new ministry. Each Friday our church will be open for you to come, bring a friend and join in a time of prayer. Click on the audio player below to hear a short clip about this new ministry.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Our Tuesday Women’s meetings may be suspended for a time – perhaps throughout the summer for now, but we want to tell you a little bit about WHAT we have been up to – things YOU can still contribute with if you feel led to do so.
As some of you know, our church always puts together boxes for Operation Shoebox which are sent out for needy children throughout the world at Christmas. Somehow we seem to leave the gathering of them and the putting them together until the last moments (except Florence who has already made her goal of 40!) So, we women have made a commitment to and challenge to try to complete a box apiece each month instead of waiting! The last month’s challenge was a COLOUR theme and we had some beautiful boxes come of it.
Do you know that these shoeboxes are the only gift some of these children have ever had IN THEIR LIVES? Won’t you consider taking this month’s challenge to build a box – we are working with the theme of “ARTIST” Suggestions for a box could be paints, paper, pencils, erasers, a painting smock, painting brushes a basic drawing book (with lots of GRAPHICS – the child might not understand the words, but the technique) modelling clay etc. Who knows, a young artist might grow up to be a “real” artist?
Can’t do a box yourself? We would love to help. If you would like to donate towards a box ($15 - $20 can fill a box nicely – or just give what you are able) then WE will do the shopping and packing FOR you and put your name on it!
And our Tuesday Women’s meetings have been a time to work on some projects for the Canadian Food for Children foundation. This project does not provide just food – it provides all sorts of USEFUL and practical items to be sent to people in need in third-world countries.
Cloth bag sewn by Rose
Florence with pads made of recycled cotton sheets
Our ladies have been working on rolling bandages made from sheets, menstrual pads made from linens, sewn bags, knitting etc. CFFC accepts MANY items we often would like to recycle but don’t know where to. We welcome you to inquire more about this project - you can also visit and volunteer at the warehouse in Penticton. To find out more please email us at occwomenonline@gmail.com
If we do not have another Tuesday Women’s meeting during the summer then we will resume first thing in the fall. In the meantime may you find ways to fellowship with our women and contribute to some of these important ministries!
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ON A SWEET NOTE
Just a little song to tickle your ears. We had a young man share this beautiful song – Jesus, Sweet Jesus – during Sunday School last week. Here it is for YOU to enjoy! Just click on the audio player to hear.
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EVENTS:
Bible Study
Delving deeper into the WORD – drop in to journey through the bible.
Al Johnson
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16, 2010
18 Larkspur
Phone: 250-495-5133
Kaye’s Power Prayer
Be prepared to spend a good hour of DEEP prayer. Kaye’s ministry of prayer has been ongoing for over 30 years!
Kaye Harkness
10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
7806 Gravenstein Drive
The Soaking Well
A time to soak up the presence of the King! An unstructured time of worship and praise where we wait on Jesus to meet in a quiet time of gentle music and fellowship.
7:00 p.m.
Friday, June 18, 2010
42 Finch Crescent
Phone: 250-495-2550
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