The Kerusso – October | 2025
Why Do Our Grandchildren Love Us?
Max Edwards
Maybe I should be asking, “Do they love us?” LOL. But seriously, Judy and I feel quite confident that we are on our grandkids’ nice list. The poignant question is this, “Why is that the case?”
Now, as you might be guessing, I’m asking the question, and pondering this subject as a spiritual analogy to our relationship with our heavenly Father. Not that I am completely above a shameless plug, showing off our family. �
So, why do our little ones love us? Is it only because of what we give them? Or is it because of something deeper – something parents have passed to them?
Below are some possible explanations, along with why I think they are not compelling reasons:
1. Do they love us just because we give them things? No. Although we do enjoy giving our kids and grandkids material blessings when we are able, I don’t believe that is the reason they enjoy our company. Sometimes, we are not able to be as generous with them for a variety of reasons, but their love and appreciation does not change.
2. Do they love us because of the positions we hold, or responsibilities we fulfil? No. Our grandchildren are 12, 10, 8, and 6. I would be surprised if any of them could fully articulate what we do in our work or ministry life. They are not impressed by any titles we hold, education we have achieved, or accolades we have received.
3. Do they love us because we never enforce boundaries, nor chide them for unkind actions or attitudes? No. When behavior warrants it, we confront them in ways consistent with their parents’ convictions and then turn them over to a parent for further action when necessary. We sincerely believe in loving discipline.
4. Do they love us because we are rich, or famous, or uniquely good looking? No. Now it’s true that I believe Judy is indeed uniquely good looking! But, irrespective of that, I’m sure they would love us no matter what we looked like. And they certainly don’t know how much money we have, nor whether we are popular or famous.
I believe the primary reason they love us is this - are you ready? Because our kids love us. Simply that. And to a great extent, I can say they love us unconditionally. … Not for our money, prominence, or beauty. They love us - dare I say it –because we first loved them. We showered them with love that wasn’t economic or materialistic. We loved them for who they were and are. And our son and daughter passed that love on to their spouses. Then, when kids came along, they naturally loved us. The appreciation and admiration of our kids for us simply became the norm, and over time, the love they felt, and feel grows because of healthy and regular contact with us.
So, how do we “teach” our kids, our families, and our flocks to love the LORD? By truly loving the LORD ourselves. Not because of what He gives us, or how “important” He is, or whether or not He ever disciplines us. He loved us first, and if we wholeheartedly love Him actively and truly, those who follow us will quite naturally love Him too.
Kerusso (Greek): “To publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.”
Our four Grandchildren
General Board of World Missions – November Missions Offering
Rev. Bill Walker, GBWM Co-Chair
Thanks & Giving: Extending Grace Around the Globe
October is here, and it’s time to prepare again for the annual November Missions Offering, sponsored by the EMC Board of World Missions!
The last two issues of the Kerusso and IN THE KNOW have shared some success stories about how your gifts have been used in the Global Conferences of the EMC. If you missed these, you can read them online at The Kerusso Newsletter .
Our Global Conferences use these funds in many ways to advance the Kingdom of God in their respective countries: youth camps, missionary outreach, church planting, pastors’ retreats, theological and ministry training of both clergy and laity, and much more.
We share what you give evenly with our Global Conferences, allowing their leaders to determine how to use the money best. We don’t require them to report on the use of the money, but they often share with us how your generosity has benefited them.
Please give generously to this effort. You may give through your local church, online at November Mission Offering or by mail using the address below.
Evangelical Methodist Church Headquarters PO Box 17070 Indianapolis, IN 46217
If sending a check, please make it payable to “Evangelical Methodist Church” and designate your gift for the “November Missions Offering.”
From the Desk of the General Secretary/Treasurer
Rev. Brian Hammond
A New Way to Give Online is Here!
We have switched our online giving processing company to Planning Center Giving. This change will enable a smoother giving experience, enhanced security, and lower processing fees.
Our current giving platform will be discontinued and will no longer be available after November 1st. NOW is the time to make The SWITCH!
Key Details About the Switch:
The transition is complete. The old system is slated to be offline at the end of this month.
If you have recurring donations set up in the old system (Suran Systems), please delete them now and set up a new one in Planning Center Giving.
Important information and instructions for switching and setting up your giving are on our website at THE SWITCH
Our team is here to help! If you have any questions or problems, contact us: HQ Office – 317-780-8017
Brian Hammond – generalsecretary@emchurch.org
Karen Parsons – kparsons@emchurch.org
James Coulston – jcoulston@emchurch.org
Thank you for being a vital part of our online giving supporters.
TreyHarris– Louisiana
Excerpts from Pastor Trey’s 2024 Ministry Report
Ascension Methodist Church had a great year in 2024. Our online audience is growing and seems to enjoy and appreciate our services. We met weekly for church and fellowship and held an interactive Fall Bible study on Philippians, using both online resources as well as good old-fashioned exegesis and lively discussion. We plan to do another study this Spring. Our church is generous in giving and AMC supports numerous outreach and missional concerns –from Samaritan's Purse to EMC missionaries, to local first responders to the LA National Guard. Additionally, I serve as Brigade Chaplain for the 61st Troop Command through the LA State Guard, a volunteer force of chaplains dedicated to bringing the presence of Christ to our underserved soldiers.
Suzanne and I were able to attend the AMP Meeting in Indianapolis. The entire experience was wonderful, but a highlight was our time with the Gaithers. The years of service to the Kingdom, the wisdom shared, the humility and their transparency will be remembered. On a personal note: a while back I was wondering if holding services for our small group each week was worth the effort. After some introspection, I sensed that what we are doing matters. Apparently, it matters to both God and our people – so we continue to faithfully gather to worship, study and fellowship.
JoshuaStrunk–Pennsylvania
Excerpts from Pastor Joshua’s 2024 Ministry Report 2024 marked the completion of my 13th year as the pastor at Pine Run EMC. We have had our ups and downs, but it has been my privilege to shepherd this congregation through both the sorrows of loss and the joys of new life. Each and every person whom I have been blessed to connect with has come to occupy a special place in my heart, and I often prayerfully reflect on the lives I've had the opportunity to be a part of.
God has proven Himself faithful over and over as we have prioritized simplicity. We don't do bells and whistles or programs – we do relationships. Our small community of godly individuals who love each other and choose to spend time together is something I have jealously guarded over as Shepherd, and from that, we have seen God’s hand at work in fantastic ways. I'm so proud of who we are, and of who we are becoming. There is, of course, adversity, but when we come together to face the challenges that God gives us, trusting fully in His grace, His love and mercy are always sufficient to carry us through.
ChesterLum– California
Excerpts from Pastor Chester’s 2024 Ministry Report
Journey Church has had the privilege to be one of the sponsors of two new EMCs: River of Life in Roseville, California and now Emmanuel Faith Fellowship which began in the Morada neighborhood near Stockton. This year Journey also gave to three EMCs in California and Arizona. Along with sacrificial monthly financial support to the two church plants, some of us have participated in worship, fellowship, and retreats for these plants. Each Saturday two of us set up seating and media equipment at the La Boulangerie conference room for Emmanuel Faith.
Journey also financially supported the EMC through generous giving to the Board of World Missions and to Golden Valley Camp. I participate weekly in the Board of World Missions prayer meetings. It is my privilege to be the pastor of Journey Church. I preached here almost every Sunday as well as several times this year for River of Life Church, Journey to Hope Family Camp, and funerals. Usually when we gather for worship each Sunday, as well as for discipleship every other Thursday, we enjoy times of fellowship with lunch or dinner. My wife Fredrica and others provide delicious homemade dishes. This year I and others have assisted church members through much sickness and transitions.
ByronWilmuth– Alabama
Excerpts from Pastor Byron’s 2024 Ministry Report
We have sealed behind us another year of growth and have experienced the full spectrum of the life experience together as a church in both joy and tears. To my great joy, we are seeing the glowing ember of God's Holy Spirit arising in the hearts and souls of one after another. There is a restlessness and emerging hunger and thirst amongst many who are desperate to see new life breathed into us. This is an answer to prayer for sure, however, it’s also a heavy but fragile responsibility that the Lord has answered with. We absolutely cannot get lazy and return to what we have always done on auto pilot anymore. We must grasp this great merciful gift the Lord has given us and, together, breathe this ember into flames of revival by the will and grace of our Lord and Savior. This is our moment to respond to the Lord and be the people He has called us to be.
