Connecting Points

Monday, September 19, 2011

Today’s Topic: Jesus and Rambo

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 53:1  Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Have you ever thought about the correlation between the Gospel and Rambo? In case you don’t know who that it, he was a fictional movie character played by Sylvester Stallone.  Seems like a stretch of a metaphor, doesn’t it? But hang on with me for a minute or two.

A group of American soldiers are being held in a Vietnamese prison camp long after the war was supposed to be over. They knew their country loved them and wanted them back, but they had long ago given up hope that anyone was really looking for them. In their hearts they wanted to believe that no man would be left behind, but time had diminished their hope.

Finally one man discovers evidence that there are soldiers being held prisoner and questions why no one is going to get them. The government officials are covering it up.  He is finally allowed to organize a mission and allowed to think that he will succeed, but behind the scenes the officials are plotting his failure.

Rambo works his way through the jungle to the place where the enemy holds the prisoners captive. It is heavily guarded and totally secluded. The conditions are horrible, and the prisoners are suffering severely. When the hero reveals himself to them, they refuse to believe that he has come for them, or that he has any power to rescue them. As a result he gets caught by the enemy and tortured.

However, he escapes from his tormentors and begins an attack on the enemy that results in the destruction of the enemy camp and the release of the prisoners. As more and more explosions occur, more and more hope grows in the hearts of the prisoners until finally, when Rambo appears to unlock their cages, they embrace him and follow him to freedom. There would be more battles on the way out of the jungle, but they all now believed that they were going to make it.

Now, look at the story of the Gospel. For centuries the nation of Israel had been in bondage. There was hope based on their heritage and the prophecies declaring that the Messiah was coming and that He would set them all free. But time had diminished their hope. When He arrived the government officials denied who He was and convinced the people He had no real power to rescue them. They rejected Him and turned Him over to the enemy and He was tortured.

However, He overcame the torture and destroyed the enemy, setting the captives free and giving them a living hope. There are still battles being fought, but the power of the enemy has been overcome, and the Messiah is leading us to victory. Unfortunately there are many who remain in prison because they choose not to believe.

As I said, it’s a stretch of a metaphor, but it serves to remind us of the answer to the question posed by Isaiah – Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

The answer?

ME!

And you too, if you have accepted what Jesus the Messiah did on the cross to pay the price for your freedom.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Today’s Topic: No Pain

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 52:13    “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.”

The watchmen are lifting up their voices. They are shouting for joy. It is time for us to join them and burst into songs of joy together, for the Lord is coming to reign on the earth. (see Isaiah 52:8-9)

With those words the prophet Isaiah begins the last section of his book, declaring the coming of the Servant of the Lord to redeem the people of the world and reign as their King. I am so excited to study the remaining chapters of Isaiah which reveal the suffering and second coming of the Savior.

From the very beginning of Isaiah’s revelation of the Messiah, he lays the foundation of all redemption – the suffering servant who pays the price for man’s sin. After introducing Him to us as the servant who will act wisely, he declares that He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. This has two meaning within the context:

• In order to be raised and lifted up, He had to have been subjected to the worst possible human suffering; and
• He will be exalted over all those responsible for His suffering.

Now don’t get distracted because you think this is just another theological devotional. Open your heart to the incredible joy of your salvation, paid for by the suffering servant. We must never grow weary of experiencing the pain of the suffering servant so that we might fully celebrate the redemption of our souls that He purchased.

The very first thing that Isaiah does after introducing us to the Servant of God who will be exalted is to tell us how terribly He suffered. He says, “…His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness…” I don’t know about you, but those words send a chill up my spine and bring tears to my eyes. Jesus Christ, the King of all eternity, became one of us and then suffered the most inhumane treatment ever given to any man so that He might fully bear the wrath of God against sin in His body. He was so brutally beaten that it disfigured Him. He was marred beyond human recognition. His love for you and me drove Him to willingly endure it all so that we might be saved. He could have called the angels of heaven to destroy all who were treating Him so unjustly, but He had me in mind and His love for me kept Him from seeking an escape from the pain.

Not only am I overwhelmed with thanksgiving and joy for what He did for me, but I am also feeling a little guilty about all the times I seek an escape from the pain of this life. I especially feel ashamed of all the times I have avoided the potential pain of personal rejection by remaining silent about my faith in Jesus Christ, all while saying I love Him.

What kind of love is it if it is embarrassed to be lived out publicly? What kind of love for Jesus do we really have when we can so easily put our own pleasure and well-being ahead of our commitment to living for Jesus every day? How dare we say that we love others the way Christ loved us when we so quickly evaluate every interaction with others and determine whether a statement or action of faith in Christ would bring negative results to our lives? What kind of love for Jesus is that?

We must begin to act wisely in these last days as the return of Jesus draws near. The Servant acted wisely by enduring any and all suffering for the sake of love for God and God’s people. We must act wisely by declaring the love of God to the lost world around us through our actions and our words. We must never be motivated by pain, but always by the principle of love – not love for self, which seeks to avoid pain, but love for God and others, which endures any and all suffering for the sake of God’s glory.

My friends, let us act wisely, for in the end, we too will be raised and lifted up, and be highly exalted with our King. That’s what Jesus paid for.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Monday, September 12, 2011

Today’s Topic: It’s Free

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 52:3    “For this is what the LORD says: ‘You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.’”

Over the last two days we have had an incredible celebration of God’s grace at our church. It started on Saturday afternoon with a baptism service in the Chippewa River. Three people stood on the banks of the river and declared the joy of their salvation. Each testimony of salvation was unique and deeply moving as one by one they spoke to us the words of faith in Jesus Christ as the only hope for man’s soul. There were tears in their eyes as there were in the eyes of the audience that stood with them.

Each one then came down into the river with me, and a declaration of truth was made over their lives as they prepared to be immersed under the water. “This baptism does not save you. This water cannot wash away your sins. No act of man can, except the act of death on a cross by the Son of Man. This baptism is a public testimony of your faith in the saving power of Jesus Christ, who was buried in sin yet conquered the grave by being raised from the dead. This step of obedience to your Savior begins a life of power in the Holy Spirit to be a public witness for Jesus. You are declaring today that the old life of sin has been buried with Christ, and that you are now raised to new life in the risen Lord.”

Then, with their arms folded in front of them, in a symbolic act of surrendering their lives to Jesus, they completely surrendered their strength to me to bury them under the water and bring them back up again. As they were leaned backwards into the water, the words of Scripture were spoken over them: “You are buried with Christ in the likeness of His death.” Complete immersion representing complete burial of the old life. Then, as they were raised up out of the water, more Scripture was spoken: “So you are raised to newness of life.” Up from the symbolic grave of sin and death they arose to live for the rest of their lives as representatives of Jesus Christ.

I NEVER grow tired of seeing people make a public commitment to follow Jesus. They know they are not worthy. They know that they were in sin destined for eternal death. Yet without money or works of any kind, they were redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus is the full purchase price for the sin of man, and is the only payment acceptable by the Father – Jehovah God. There is nothing we bring as an offering. There is no exchange of anything of value, for we have nothing of value to offer God. In His eternal love for the human race created in His image but separated from Him by sin, He sent His One and Only Son to pay the price for our sin – death. Then, to validate the payment, God raised Jesus from the dead and sin was conquered for eternity for any and all who will come to Jesus for salvation.

That’s how the weekend started. It culminated with a worship service under our huge tent on top of the hill God has given us for a future building – a building I still hope and pray to be able to construct as soon as God provides the resources. What a time of worship it was, as God’s people came together to sing and serve together. In the middle of the service, two of those who had been baptized, and one additional new sister in Christ who will be baptized in the river on October 1^st, gave their testimonies.

Their feet were beautiful.

Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to the people “Your God Reigns!’”

It was a time of celebration and true joy, as we sang together these words – Oh happy day, happy day,
You washed my sin away. Oh happy day, happy day, I’ll never be the same; Forever I am changed.

And it’s FREE! Never get tired of celebrating your salvation!

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Today’s Topic: It’s Permanent

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 51:4-6    “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.

There is a conflict between man’s knowledge of earthly things and his desire to know God. We are smart people, but we are spiritually dumb. The insensitive nature of man’s heart towards spiritual things was revealed in a statement made by Jesus. He said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”  (Matthew 16:3)

I have spent a lot of time in the last few days doing nothing because of a serious sinus infection. I have observed the recent course of human events through the eyes of a television camera which projected to me a not-so-rounded world view on a flat screen. Life is pretty obnoxious when seen only from that perspective. I saw television shows filled with sex. I watched portions of movies that depict a godless life as life’s greatest opportunity. The newscasts were filled with natural disasters, political turmoil, financial crisis, and the evil of man’s heart. In fact, just this morning, these are the headlines:

• Officials Say Roadside Bombs Kill Eight Around Afghanistan
• Militant Group Claims Attacks in Western China
• ‘Heartbroken’ Nevada mourns IHOP victims
• Hurricane Katia churns north; new storms brewing
• Remnants of Lee bring fresh flood worries to East
• Russia mourns hockey team killed in jet crash
• Sky-high salaries, costly hips boost US health costs

Pretty gloomy, isn’t it? There’s not much hope out there right now – just ask the average person. And  the gloomier it gets, the more our hearts fall into the bondage of blindness, and we keep looking to the same old places for the same old solutions. We get worried and scared, when we should be getting up and looking up.

Again, Jesus said, “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.   Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.   At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.   When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  (Luke 21:25-28)

That’s exactly what the prophet Isaiah said to the nation of Israel in today’s Scripture reading. Look up. Look around. When you see the signs of destruction, then shout for joy, for God’s salvation is on the way. God’s justice is coming. Our hope is in Him. And when the destruction starts, we have nothing to fear, for our salvation will last forever, and the Lord’s righteousness will never fail.

How I praise God more than ever that my salvation is permanent; my eternity is secure; my faith is in the One who cannot fail, and who is coming soon to redeem us from this lost and dying world. And until He returns, I will do everything I can to make sure those around me don’t get left behind.

Pastor John

Dear Connecting Point Friend,

As you have probably noticed there have been no Connecting Points for over a week. There is a reason for that – I’ve been very sick with a cold/flu that has caused heavy congestion (Not a good thing when you have a nose like mine), deep and prolonged coughing, and tiredness. This is day nine and there is no relief. Please pray for me, but more than that, please pray for my wife. She seems to be coming down with it now as well and I have done everything possible to keep her from being exposed to the germs. The fact that she is getting it is concerning because she is scheduled for gall bladder surgery next week, and really wanted to have that done before I leave for the Philippines in 4 weeks. We know God has all of this under control, but please pray for our strength and courage to press ahead as we endure this time of suffering.

As you continue to read and study the Book of Isaiah with me, take a look at Isaiah 51:15-16.

The sea is churned up, and the waves are roaring, but I belong to the Lord! Hallelujah.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Friday, August 26, 2011

Today’s Topic:  Times of Renewal

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 51:3    The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Not many people along the east coast of the United States are thinking about joy and gladness right now. There’s not a lot of singing going on. They are preparing for the arrival of Irene, the hurricane poised to bring varying levels of ruin to a large part of that heavily populated region. Our prayers are with them and for them, but not just for their physical well-being. No, what is most significant is that these events in nature – from earthquakes to hurricanes – are a part of God’s call to spiritual revival and renewal.

Ever since sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God has been using what Satan has intended for evil to bring people to their spiritual knees. It is in that position that renewal begins. That’s where the compassion and comfort of God are found. That’s where joy and gladness begin. That’s where the sound of singing can be heard.

The whole story of the world since the Garden of Eden is one of restoration. Satan is convinced that he has enough power to destroy God’s creation, and he has been determined to do it, especially focusing on people because we are created in God’s image. Nothing in the world is off limits to his vicious attacks. Nature itself with all of its power has been corrupted by the influence of man’s sin, and Satan uses it to what he thinks is his advantage.

But Almighty God, the One and Only Sovereign Ruler of all eternity, is making all things new. No matter how bad it looks right now, God is in the process of returning joy and gladness. Someday, when Jesus returns and sin has been vanquished, the earth will be restored for the time of His Kingly reign.

The nation of Israel stand as an example of destruction and desolation, with very few nations if any truly supporting the biblical claims to the Promised Land that God’s covenant demands. Fox News is reporting this today from Iran – “The Iranian president said on Friday there will be no room for Israel in the region after the formation of a Palestinian state, and that once the state is established, the liberation of all Palestinian lands should follow” . (Read more:  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/08/26/irans-ahmadinejad-no-place-for-israel-in-region/#ixzz1W8lalBNJ)

But here’s what the Lord promises to the nation of Israel – “Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. Your salvation is on the way. I will rule the nations. They will wait for me and long for my power. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth beneath. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! (Isaiah 51:4-6)

Storms are required for us to experience the wonder of renewal: and God’s renewal is guaranteed. Without storms we would never know God’s grace, which is sufficient for every need. We need the needs. While there may be weeping in the night, morning is coming and joy will be restored. That’s the promise of God. But it all starts on our knees, looking up to the One who brings us salvation that lasts forever. Spiritual renewal must be our first priority.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Today’s Topic:  Heritage

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 51:1    “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;

Several weeks ago the local newspaper in Eau Claire did a feature story about four generations of pastors, three of whom happen to be at the same church right now. That story was about my grandfather – Dr. J.A. van Gorkom, my father – Rev. P.H. van Gorkom, me – Rev. John D. van Gorkom, and my son, Pastor Joshua J. van Gorkom.

The only reason I mention this is because it makes me appreciate my heritage – a heritage of faith in Jesus Christ passed on from generation to generation. I am so blessed to be able to look back over every year of my life that I can remember and know that every aspect of our family’s life was centered on Christ.

Some people don’t have those memories. Some are the first generation of believers in their family, but their desire is to be the start of a spiritual heritage that will be passed on to their children and their children’s children.

Whether or not you have a spiritual lineage in your family, there is a spiritual heritage that is yours. God reminded the nation of Israel of their heritage when He told those who were seeking Him to look back at the rock from which they were cut. God was referring to Abraham and Sarah, and He was asking them to reflect on all the ways He had fulfilled His covenant promises to them and their descendants. Based on that heritage, God renews His commitment to them to fulfill every word He ever spoke.

You and I are a part of that same spiritual heritage. We have been cut from the Rock, Jesus Christ. Whether you are a first generation believer or have a multi-generational heritage, we can look back to the same place of origin – the cross of Calvary where Jesus died to redeem us. We have the privilege of looking back at all the heroes of the faith that prepared the way for Jesus and then proclaimed the truth of His grace and power since He rose from the dead.

When God tells Israel to look back, He is reminding us to do the same. Look back at the spiritual heroes of the Bible. Look back at the spiritual heroes of your family. Look back at the life of Jesus, the greatest Hero of all. If you need help doing that, read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Then, digest the wonderful truths and challenge of what comes next from the heart of God –

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

There’s the rock from which we were cut, and the quarry from which we were hewn. There’s the pursuit of righteousness and the seeking of the Lord. Our spiritual heritage motivates us. It moves us to action.

So look back and see the rock. Then look up and see the Rock. Then look ahead and see the rock you are becoming as you prepare for the return of the Rock. You are a part of the heritage.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Today’s Topic:  Fires and Flashlights

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 50:11    But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.

On Monday the Holy Spirit challenged us all to consider the True Light that shines in the darkest darkness of our hearts and lives.  It was a time for each one of us, if we chose to, to consider what or whom we really trust when times get tough. In fact, God designs the darkness so that we are brought face to face with the truth of our trust. That’s a reality many of us avoid facing. We want to think we really trust God, but when it gets dark we tend to turn on our own lights first.

God knew that was the truth about us when He spoke through Isaiah the words that follow His great promise of Light in the darkness. Read them carefully from the New Living Translation –

But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon lie down in great torment.

You see it don’t you? You see the natural tendency we all have to try to create our own light to show us the way out of the darkness. You see the reality that we build our own campfires called comfort zones that will hopefully sustain us in the darkness and protect us from whatever lurks in the shadows.

We build campfires using firewood from friends, finances, and family.  We spend our daylight hours searching for more firewood so that when the darkness comes we will be able to keep the fire burning. We even keep a pile of fast-burning wood that flares up quickly so that we can get instant relief, even though we know that after it is burned up it will leave us in deeper darkness. The wood in this pile comes from alcohol, drugs, sex, money, and any other self-worth pain reliever we have chosen.

We carry flashlights powered by disposable batteries of human wisdom. We stock up on batteries for the impending storm by seeking the counsel and companionship of people. We look for the ones that will give us the most light for the longest time, knowing full well that even the bunny gets tired and copper tarnishes. That’s why we keep buying more – more self-help books, more counseling sessions, more internet time. Somewhere out there someone has to be found who can really help us.

The problem with campfires and flashlights is that besides needing to always be powered by self-effort, they are motivated by fear. It is fear that makes us believe that fires and flashlights are necessary. When we finally admit that fear has taken over parts of our heart, we are on the way towards finding the eternal Light that shines in the darkness.

When fear is recognized and confessed, faith takes over. Now the True Light can shine, and it never needs to be stoked or stocked.  There is no human effort needed to keep the Light shining. It is powered by its own eternal nature, for God is Light!

So here’s what we need to do. First, let’s face our fears, and the best way to do that is to put out our campfires and shut off our flashlights. Go ahead – right now – fill a bucket with the Living Water of God’s Word and throw it on your fire. Then switch off the flashlight of human understanding. Go one step further – remove the batteries. Let it be dark with no hope of any human light. Now look up. Don’t look out into the darkness. Look up into the light of heaven. It may only appear as a twinkle at first, but when your eyes are on that twinkle you become unaware of the darkness around you. It’s only when you extinguish the fire and shut off the flashlight that you can see the stars. And when you do, fear is dissolved into faith!

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Monday, August 22, 2011

Today’s Topic:  Walking in the Dark

Today’s Text:  Isaiah 50:10    Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

Last week my wife and I spent a wonderful and relaxing couple of days camping with our shepherd group from church. The kids were great and stayed occupied with the sand and swings. The campfire was get going throughout the days and into the nights. The conversation with friends was stimulating and enlightening. We had a great time.

When the first evening of campfire chat had come to a conclusion, Denise and I realized we had not brought a flashlight with us to the campfire. It wasn’t a long walk back to our campsite, but it was very dark. I told my wife that it would be fine because I’m a bowhunter and I walk in the dark all the time when pursuing Bambi. After a subtle comment from someone around the campfire about me being in the dark all the time, we took off hand in hand to walk back to our camper.

When we got near it I told her to follow me closely because there were obstacles in the path that could hurt if bumped into. She grabbed hold of my shirt and walked right behind me, trusting me to keep her safe. I didn’t lead her astray, and we arrived safely at the door.

The next morning when I got up and read the next couple of verses in my study of Isaiah I was instantly taken back to that demonstration of trust when I read verse 10 – Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.

There is no further application necessary. You have sufficient insight from the Holy Spirit to apply the truth of this passage to your own periods of darkness. Let the Holy Spirit shed light on your path today.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Today’s Topic:  One Big Body

Today’s Text:  Revelation 5:9-10  And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.   You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

I love modern technology. I love the way it increases the connectivity of the Body of Christ. Some people think it is hurting true relationship, but I think it is enhancing it. I think people are more connected now than ever, and the Holy Spirit is bringing us together as one universal Body more than ever before.

Yesterday I was on a Skype video call on my computer to a young woman from our church who lives for the summer at her home an hour away. We needed to meet to talk about some ministry plans for the fall. Rather than spend the money to drive the distance between us, we met face to face on the computer. As we were conferencing, I noticed another family from our church enter the room. They had stopped at this home on their way back from a trip they had taken. I also needed to talk to them about a ministry issue. So we did it right then and there. It was amazing.

To our younger generation this all seems quite normal. To me it is still amazing.

While I was on the video call I noticed that a man named Solomon had requested to connect with me on Skype. I accepted his invitation. When I arrived at my office this morning he was on line, and we connected via a video call. He is a pastor from India. His father had started a mission to orphans and lepers in that country. When the Lord took his dad home in 2009, Solomon received a call from God to continue the ministry. He is now involved in a church planting work that reaches the rural tribal areas of India that are desperately under the bondage of false religion and idol worship.

What joy we had for twenty minutes as we talked about our common heart for the harvest of souls, and I shared with him my upcoming trip to the tribal areas of the Philippines. We prayed together, and I was overwhelmed with the joy of the Lord as I realized in a new way that the Lord Jesus Christ has servants all over the world and they are committed to serving Him faithfully and fearlessly.

I immediately thought of this verse in Revelation, where the Lamb of God is proclaimed by the elders of heaven to be worthy because by His blood He has purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. What an incredible truth.  It brings shouting to my lips – shouts of praise proclaiming the greatness of God’s grace. To think that among all of those from around the world, I am one of them. Oh how my heart sings the matchless grace of Jesus.

We so easily become exclusive in our faith. We so quickly learn to focus only on our little place in the world and the little space that we occupy. We tend to move towards an inward focus and then work hard to protect the comfort zones we have established. The church can easily become ingrown. I praise God that He keeps a Kingdom vision always before me. I am thrilled to be a part of a church that has a Kingdom mindset.

I shout “Hallelujah” for the privilege of being connected worldwide with old friends and new friends who are a part of the Body of Christ. From Africa to the Philippines; from Japan to India; from Brazil to Eau Claire – this is the Body of Christ, and I am thankful to be so connected.

Pastor John