In the midst of a global effort to stop a virus, Easter reminds us to look to the cure of all viruses, illnesses and negative in our world—Jesus, the Savior—and focus on what he said and what he did.
By Rick Shallenberger, US North Central Regional Director, Equipper Editor
Here in the United States, we are still at the beginning of seeing the potential impact of the coronavirus. Most churches have ceased gathering for public worship for a few weeks; many states have closed all restaurants and bars, a large number of employees are now working from home, and a large percentage of the population is trying their best to stay home. The idea, of course, is to limit contact with one another for a short time as an effort to slow down... Read the article
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Things Jesus may want us to see about his love for us during Holy Week.
By Jeff Broadnax, US East Associate Regional Director
Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1)
Jesus and his disciples entered Jerusalem to shouts of “hosanna” and a few days later, his disciples would experience that same city echoing the sounds of “crucify him.”
None of this surprised Jesus, who knew this final week would end in the salvation of humanity. Our Lord demonstrated his love in ways that ought to cause us to stop, reflect and praise him. It truly was a “holy week” and one worth celebrating. Following are some key... Read the article
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The fear of the unknown…the fear of change…can and often does prove to be deadly when it comes to the life of a congregation.
By Tim Sitterley, US West Regional Director
At nine-thirty on a July evening in 1988, Andy Mochan was rousted from his sleep…first by alarm bells…and then the massive explosion that rocked the Piper Alpha oil-drilling platform in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. Badly injured in the blast, Andy made his way up from his quarters to the surface of the rig’s platform, only to find everything around him engulfed in flames. The only other option to remaining on the platform lay fifteen stories below him. Although the surface of the near-freezing water was covered with burning oil and debris, Andy... Read the article
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What did Jesus want us to remember?
I’ve watched a number of people die over my lifetime. Some died quickly, some were tortured by disease and suffering for months, even years. I’ve watched family members fight cancer and other diseases, and I’ve seen bodies shrivel from the effects of disease. I’ve lost six siblings, my parents, most of my aunts and uncles, a few cousins and all my grandparents. And I remember each one.
I remember many great conversations, some fantastic adventures, numerous laughs, some tears, incredible stories. I love telling stories to anyone willing to listen—the stories help me remember. I don’t share the suffering, the pain, the anguish and the final moments before death. I remember, but those... Read the article
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