Issuu

The Kerusso – September | 2024

Peace

Max Edwards

I believe that many folks miss the wonders of what God is doing, simply because they are too busy or too focused on what is at the end of their noses. But miracles are around us all the time. Every breath is a present … every smile a treasure … every moment with a grandchild, a hand wrapped gift with bows and ribbons. Elizabeth Barrett Browning framed it this way: “Earth is crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God. But only those who see take off their shoes. The rest sit ‘round and pluck blackberries.”

These past few weeks, I have witnessed the miracle of God’s indescribable peace - - peace that does not make sense! Starting in late July, Judy and I had the joy of traveling to Mexico to participate in their annual conference gathering. It was a very special time spent with some of God’s wonderful people. But as it happened, we both came home quite sick. However, our schedules didn’t permit much of a break, as we had to leave for South Africa just days after making it home. And while we were in transit to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, we received news that Anita Slone, Judy’s oldest sister who was battling cancer, was placed in hospice care, and during our first worship service there, we learned that she finished her earthly journey. Anita knew the Lord, so we knew she was safe in Jesus’ arms, but we still felt the pain of our loss , especially since thousands of miles now separated us from the rest of the family.

We were not immediately certain what to do, but very quickly, it became apparent that God desired us to finish the task we were sent there for - a continent away… but in Judy’s faithfilled demeanor, I saw the miracle of God’s grace, and peace that surpasses understanding. Throughout the next 10 days of ministry, and quite exhausting travel, we felt the hand of the Lord on us, amid a very palpable and very present peace.

We prayed, we cried and we communicated as often as possible with Judy’s niece and nephews, a nd her sister Sharon, but we were not overcome with regret or angst for being so far away. And it worked out for us to attend and participate in Anita’s funeral immediately after our return from Africa. The Holy Spirit was present every moment, giving Judy a peace that she described over and again as truly miraculous.

And I have seen that same kind of peace in Carolyn and Kevin Brouillette as they are walking through the challenges they have been facing. God’s healing, grace, and peace are very, very real to them, and we praise the Lord for their great faith and the joy and peace Jesus has given them along their pathway.

I do not know how people who don’t know th e Lord cope, but I know that in our lives, we see His miracles every day. I am deeply thank ful for the peace God provides to His children .

Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”

Kerusso (Greek):

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Re-Charge Retreat

– River of Life EMC - Roseville, CA

Wes Mackey, USA Conference Superintendent & Mrs. Marlene Mateo, River of Life EMC

On August 15 -17, 2024, we had the privilege of attending a leadership retreat and training event with the team from the newest EMC church, River of Life i n Roseville, CA.

This church is just over one year old and is already in the process of planting another church in an adjoining city. Pastors Jun Mateo, Aaron Valencia, and Manny Tabujara along with the team of servant volunteers, are doing an amazing job of touching their community.

The Re-Charge Retreat was attended by 20 church leaders and pastors. The retreat opened with praise and worship followed by a game/lesson titled, “How to Be Released from the Burden of Sin.” The evening closed out with a session based on Genesis 2:8, “Planted for Purpose: Discovering God’s Garden in Your Life.”

A real highlight of the retreat was the “Five -Fold – Gift Survey” presented by Dr. Jim Halbert (Crossroads Church, Nampa, ID) This amazing tool was developed by the husband/wife team of Drs. Jim and Dori Halbert.

Dr. Halbert guided us through the gift -survey to help us each identify the ministry gifts which God has uniquely given us for service in His Kingdom. For several of us , this was confirmation that God has indeed gifted us for a specific purpose. We would encourage all our EMC pastors and leaders to check out this material. It can be found by clicking here:

Five -Fold Gift Survey

After a time for swimming and boating on Clear Lake, the sessions continued with “Mary of Magdala” for the ladies and “Joseph” for the men. This time out of the busyness of life has recharged our hearts and minds to serve the Lord with our gifts.

The sessions continued with a workshop titled, “How to Share our Faith with Children” using Romans 6:23. To finish up the evening, Pastor Jun Mateo reminded us of River of Life’s core values and the vision for our role in the surrounding community and in the world.

The retreat closed out with the challenge to listen to, to obey, and to feel the presence of the Lord Jesus in our lives. It was a great way to end the Re-Charge Retreat!

During this retreat, we were all reminded that we are on a journey of personal growth and self -discovery, and despite ou r flaws and failures, redemption is always possible through humility and faith in Jesus.