Upon awakening Monday morning, of this week, my heart was smashed into pieces yet again at the news of more violence and death in our world. This time, Las Vegas, CA in which 50+ lost their lives and 400+ injured.
I couldn’t believe it: another mass shooting, another human life taken, and another nightmare. After coming to my senses, I sat down with my Bible in hand and tears running down my face asking questions such as this: Why? How come? What is happening in our world? Unfortunately, answers of clarity did NOT rush through my mind. However, the sermon our Senior Minister, Rev. Rosenberger preached on Sunday did. He talked about the “systematic evil” that exists in our world and the need for a Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you remember the words of Jesus’ first sermon?
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free.”
Jesus has such a counter message for these acts of evil that take place in our world. Why is it that I often feel we have come SO far from his message? The uncertainty of this question is what drives Pastor Dale and me. What Pastor Dale said on Sunday is true: “The church doesn’t need more ministers who are underwhelmed. What the church needs are more ministers who are overwhelmed.” The reason for our passion is because we can’t rest when we see what is happening to our human family globally, nationally and locally.
Friends, as followers of Jesus we MUST do our micro-part in bringing forth the Prince of Peace. This Sunday, at our Youth Mission Service, we have the chance to witness some of the beauty that is happening around us.
All week long the faces, hearts and minds of our youth at FCC have kept me whole. They are a remarkable group of young people and I pray that you will come witness their stories this Sunday.
We look forward to being with you…
Compassionately,
Gary Michael