This Spring the youth group took our semi-annual trip to Spring Hill to help them prepare for the summer. This year was a little different in the fact that there were two groups that arrive the weekends before us so the normal things that we have done in the past were already completed. The only thing that was left was raking grass. This is the first time that I have gone where all we did was rake grass but I was very encouraged by the young people in how they handled it. If you have ever raked grass for 7 hrs. you know what I am talking about. The young people did an excellent job of staying on task and not complaining. We were able to have an enjoyable time together in spite of the circumstances. Click HERE to view the photo slideshow for this event.

Imagine hating your little brother so much you arranged for him to be sold on the black market to some stranger in a foreign land thereby getting him out of your life forever. Fast forward your imagination several years where you find yourself arrested on some trumped up charges in some foreign country where you have no access to American jurisprudence. Your fate lies completely with the judge sitting on the bench, and from all appearances you fear he might order you executed. Finally, imagine the judge comes from behind his seat on the bench, calls you by name, takes your hand in his, and informs you that he is your little brother. Would all hope be lost? Would you know you were about to breathe your last? Read the rest of this entry →

In 9^th grade Mr. Ramala had an unusual practice in his Algebra classes. He allowed boys to take the swats meant for girls. I admit I am dating myself with this story, but a few boys did take their turns in accepting the paddling meant for the girls who broke the rules in class. Joe Bowen was the # 1 swat taker. I think I was # 3. Read the rest of this entry →

May 2008
Dear 10-19 supporters,

Please join us in prayer as we are in need of our 10-19 partners in a special way:

1. We discovered this morning that our credit card number was stolen. 15 airline tickets to Brazil, New York and Chicago have been fraudulently purchased. We use this card daily while the teams are here to cover all of the expenses. We have officially filed a dispute for the $4600 of charges, however we remain without means to pay for many items for the team (hotel, food, gas, etc.) Read the rest of this entry →

Pastor Rubén Hooi

Pastor Kipp Crigger continues discussing Christ’s humility in relation to our pride, Philippians 2.

As we continue to consider the atonement of Christ, let us contemplate our Lord as the sacrifice that brought satisfaction. One definition of sacrifice is “destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else.” (Merriam-Webster) When thinking about the concept of sacrifice we often envision scenes from our Sunday school days of the Passover Lamb and blood soaked doorways. These Old Testament images are but shadows of Christ and his work on the cross. Read the rest of this entry →

“In the day that you eat of it you shall die,” so said God to Adam and Eve as he pointed out the test tree in Eden. And when they disobeyed his command and ate from it, dreadful punishment came on all parties involved. To eat or not to eat was morally significant and carried a severe penalty for disobedience, a penalty with numerous dimensions summarized by the word “death.” Read the rest of this entry →

May 2008
Dear Pastors and Friends,

The flowers are blooming and we can watch the wildlife from our dining room window! It has been wonderful being back in Michigan and experiencing the beautiful Midwest spring weather this year. Though we do not have the majestic Alaskan mountain, the rolling hills, huge maple and oak trees, and beautiful Lake Michigan are all creations of our loving Lord God that we are enjoying immensely. Read the rest of this entry →