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I experienced God’s saving
grace nearly nine years ago. A seed sown upon a
stony place was I, enduring for a season or two but
having no root within myself to withstand
tribulations or temptation. Drawing near then
falling away was the story of my life for the next
eight years. Not knowing if I’d ever find it, but
something big was always missing. I knew it was big
for I couldn’t grow any closer to the Lord then I
had already been.
Yet, while living my own way, God still pressed
continuously upon my heart night and day. “Please
strengthen me my Lord for how long will I love
simplicity” I often prayed, always knowing in my
spirit he had all the answers I needed and that only
He could fill all that my heart was longing for.
GOD IS GOOD
AND
GOD IS FAITHFUL.
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
@ 7:35pm,
in a moment’s time my life as I knew it was about to
change. I awoke quickly from my living room couch to
what I didn’t know at the time was a call for help
whispering quietly from the fireplace in the heart
of our home. I arose. In 3 minutes time, I was lying
on my belly flat out on the ice in the
Welland
River casting out a rope to a man
who had been nearly 20 minutes in the water 30 feet
from shore.
Alive, stiff and frozen with sirens ringing
in the distance, the presence of the Lord was all
around me. The earth grew quiet and still and light
shinned brightly down from heaven as the Lord
perfectly calmed my spirit. (I had been
strengthened). With the rope literally feet away
from the man, he was unable to reach and grab hold.
I then found myself within a meter’s reach of him
placing the rope across his body.
He was unsure about hanging on. I moved back
rising to my feet about 15 feet or so from shore
pulling the man through the thin ice. In amazement
He was out of the water and onto the ice. Heavier
than I, he began to pull me further out. I was
scared he would fall back into the water. I had no
choice but to move back to shore. With my feet
placed in the snow I pulled the man in. 200 lbs.
wet, I picked him up on my shoulder and began my
journey home.
Emergency services had arrived, relieving me
from my calling. It was over, just like that, it was
all over. I stood in awe at what had just been done,
never feeling more alive and never feeling closer to
God.
In a moment’s time He removed
my pride, humbling me. Living 29 years of my life,
He gave to me purpose and meaning with security. He
was the one calling me quietly from the heart of my
spirit; perfectly giving onto me everything I needed
knowingly, with it an understanding of all things in
His time perfectly. When asked what it felt like to
save Jack’s life, I didn’t know what to say for
I didn’t
save Jack’s life that night, God did. And in
doing so He saved mine too.
May glory be to God the Father
in all things for ever and ever.
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Canadian Prairies meet in Athabasca Ministry Centre
Friday evening started off with a beautiful meal
prepared by Lauradelle Poirier and her crew followed by
the first worship service in the Ministry Centre.
Jhonny Alicea-Baez lead the service for the evening with
Pastor Ron, Charla Gunderson, Carol Schafer and Cole
Craig playing the worship music.
The commissioning of our youth worker, Chance Craig,
took place during the service. We welcome Chance and his
beautiful wife Donna to our church family. The out of
town guests were able to stay right at the Ministry
Centre. ( Thank you to those who set up and made beds
for them.) A lovely breakfast hosted by Ron and Michael
Gordon was enjoyed by all. Saturday was meeting time
and much was accomplished. Snacks for coffee breaks and
a fantastic lunch was served. Most left to head back
home about four p.m.
Three gentleman remained for another night and enjoyed
the peace and quiet of the ministry centre. All in all
it was a great weekend with a productive meeting. Thank
you to any one who helped in any way for you certainly
make things a lot easier and much more relaxing.
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