His Grace Magazine

Grace His

August 2021

Photo by Julie MacDonald

Tiny,

Ontario

WOOD

"Love is patient, love is kind, it isn't jealous, it doesn't brag, it isn't arrogant."

Ministries 1 Corinthians 13:4

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Table of Contents His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

"...rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer."

Romans 12:12

Comic.................................................................................Page 3 From the Pulpit.................................................................Pages 4-7 Book in Review..................................................................Page 8 Poetry.................................................................................Page 9 Timeless Truths.................................................................Pages 10-11 Prayer.................................................................................Page 12 News...................................................................................Pages 13-16 Recipe.................................................................................Page 17 Athletes for Christ.............................................................Pages 18-19 Racing with Christ............................................................Pages 20-21 Bible Study.........................................................................Pages 22-23 Movie in Review................................................................Page 25 Celebrations.......................................................................Pages 26-27

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Comic...The August 2021

His Grace Magazine!

Word According to Elijah

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What are you guys doing in the freezer?

Run!

It's sooo Cold!

Way too hot out there!

Revelation 3:15-16

Please close the door, you're letting all the cold out!

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

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From the Pulpit...

Owner/Publisher: Rob Wood

A

re you a patient person or are you impatient? I was always an impatient person when I was younger and before I became a Christian.

Sometimes, even today, I have to stop myself and remember that God is in control of my life and the things that happen to me. I also have to remember that God's timing is absolutely perfect, whether what I'm waiting for comes today, or a few years down the road. Now, I know it can be hard to wait sometimes and show patience in life, whether with another person or with waiting on something that is important to you.

Although, when you finally recieve what you were asking for, it is so worth the wait.

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I know this first hand. As I have said before, I asked God for a godly wife back when I became a Christian in 2004.

I thought to myself, 'Well, maybe in a year or two, God will bring her to me.' Not quite, I waited 13 years for my wife Donna; yes that's right: 13 years.

You see, I believe that because patience was not my thing, God decided to teach me some patience.

Now, I'm not saying everyone will have to wait 13 years for anything; what I am saying is that, when God brings whatever you are praying for, He will bring it in His own perfect timing. It also may not be who you're praying will be your spouse, or the house you want, or even the car or job you want; but know this: when God brings it for you, it will be better than you could ever have imagined.

When I think of waiting patiently for something to happen, I think of Christian Football player, Kurt Warner. This is a short

August 2021

Are you Patient? story of what he had to do to make it to the NFL. Kurt Warner always had to wait patiently for his turn, even when he was in college. He didn't make it as a starting quarterback at Northern Iowa until his senior season.

When he was given the opportunity to play, he was amazing. After Kurt went undrafted, he decided to try out for the Green Bay Packers, but was cut not long after. So he then returned home to Iowa and got a job stocking shelves at the local grocery store for $5.50 an hour.

After some time had passed, Kurt knew he could still play the game and had a lot of football left in him.

The competitiveness that was in him was more fun than putting maple syrup on the shelves. Kurt decided to try his hand at the Arena Football League, where he had to prove himself all over again. After trying out, he won the starting quarterback job with the Iowa Barnstormers. He then

led the team to two championship games.

Although Kurt was doing well, he still wanted a crack at the NFL. His opportunity came on a tryout with the Chicago Bears. But that didn't work out, as he was bitten by a spider while he was on his honeymoon. Now his dream seemed like it would never take off, maybe even over. Kurt now was 27 years of age and hadn't played one game in the NFL. Then the St. Louis Rams decided to take a chance on him and opened up their check book and gave him a modest contract for the 1998 season. But he had to play in the NFL Europe league first; he played for the Amsterdam Admirals.

Kurt excelled there; he lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns. Later in 1998, he was asked to play for the St. Louis Rams. He made the team, but as a third string quarterback. He would have to wait one more year for the opportunity of a lifetime.

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From the Pulpit...

August 2021

Following an ACL injury to Trent Green, the Rams starting quarterback, Kurt Warner finally had a shot to be the number one quarterback. All of his preparation, perseverance, and some patience with a lot of grit had brought Kurt to his very moment he was praying for.

Kurt took off and the team thrived. Kurt had become the MVP of the NFL in his very first season as a starting quarterback.

He broke records and he finished the season as Super Bowl MVP as he led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl Championship in stunning fashion.

That was only the beginning for Kurt Warner. He would win another MVP in 2001, as he once again led the Rams to another Super Bowl, but this time he just fell short and lost to the New England Patriots.

Kurt once again went to the Super Bowl during the 2008 season, as he barely lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. All three of Kurt's Super Bowl

Are you Patient?

performances are among the best in NFL history.

We can see the results of being patient.

Kurt in the short story was patient; I'm sure he felt at times like his dream was slipping away, as most of us do at times. But by being totally patient and worshiping God with praises and prayer, things will start falling into place for us all. It also shows God that we trust Him. As we remain patient, we let God work in our lives the way He intended.

We should want to do things the way God wants us to. He wants us to be pleasing to Him in every way; by this we will produce good fruit.

Colossians 1:10-11 says, "... that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;" So many of us

are impatient and that throws everything out of alignment because when we are impatient, we jump at the first thing that comes to us, whether it's a relationship, car, house, or job. When we do our own thing, then it's not from God. It's like we are saying to God, 'Well, I can't wait forever so I'm moving forward,' and when we do this, we are saying that we are better than God; we know more than God does. Throughout the Bible, we are given a few examples of the ones that waited on God; they were blessed, and there are the ones that refused to wait on God and they suffered for those consequences.

For instance: Joshua took over for Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land, and soon he came upon the city of Jericho; this was the Canaanite's stronghold.

Joshua was then out scouting the area ahead of his army. Just outside of Jericho, he came across another

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warrior. The warrior explained that he was the commander of the army of the Lord. Joshua 5:13-14 says, "And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand.

And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?"

So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."

And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" The Lord's commander went on to tell Joshua that the ground that he is standing on is holy ground. Joshua 5:15 says, "Then the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy."

And Joshua did so."

The Lord then gave Joshua instructions on how he is to take

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From the Pulpit...

and capture Jericho.

The Lord said to Joshua to march his warriors around the city walls of Jericho once a day for six days. Then he told him on the seventh day, march all his men around the city of Jericho seven times; then blow the trumpet only after they are finished the final time around the city.

Joshua then passed the instructions to the priests and his army.

Joshua 6:15-20 says, "But it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, about the dawning of the day, and marched around the city seven times in the same manner. On that day only they marched around the city seven times. And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!

Now the city shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the

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house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord."

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."

Now Joshua and the rest of the Israelites did follow God's orders right down to the letter. After they circled the city for the seventh time, they blew the trumpets and the city wall crumbled, and they

August 2021

Are you Patient? all charged into the city of Jericho and conquered it. Joshua obeyed God's word, and by doing so, he showed great patience by waiting the whole seven days as God had instructed him to do and that made them successful.

Abraham, in one instance, didn't wait on God. When the Lord God had appeared to Abraham, He promised him that He would give him all the land that he was looking at for his offspring.

Genesis 13:15 says, "for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever."

Another time that the Lord God appeared to him, Abraham asked God how would he be able to be a father to a great nation when he had no children. God promised Abraham that he would indeed be a father of a great nation.

Genesis 15:5 says, "Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said

to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness."

Now 10 years had passed since the Lord God's first promise to Abraham. Sarah was convinced that the Lord God had restrained her from having children so she told Abraham to go into her Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar, who became Abraham's wife with the hopes of her giving him a child.

Hagar conceived. Abraham did not wait for God's promise to him.

Genesis 16:1:4 says, "Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar.

So Sarai said to Abram, "See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children.

Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her."

And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.

Then Sarai, Abram's

From the Pulpit...

August 2021

wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived.

And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes."

God then changed Abram's name to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, because their names honored pagan deities.

Now Hagar gave birth to a son named Ishmael Then many years later, God appeared again to Abraham and Sarah and promised the both of them a son. Now at this time both Abraham and Sarah were more than 100 years old. When God told Abraham this, Sarah laughed because she was well past the childbearing age. Genesis 18:10-13 says, "And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son."

(Sarah was listening

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Are you Patient?

in the tent door which was behind him.)

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?'

Now Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac. At this time Ishmael was a teenager, and when Isaac became the center of attraction, Ishmael started to scoff at Isaac and this displeased Sarah, so she demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be kicked out into the wilderness. Genesis 21:9-11 says, "And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.

Therefore she said to Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my

son, namely Isaac."

And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham's sight because of his son."

Abraham should have waited on God for his son Isaac, but he became so impatient that he went ahead on his own and had Ishmael. Abraham's actions of inpatience put a rift between Ishmael and Isaac, one that would end up separating them both. Now Abraham's impatience would delay God's blessing for him. It would also produce turmoil that still exists today.

Ishmael would go on to be the father of the

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Arab nation, and Isaac being Israel, has been nothing but conflict after conflict of hatred. All this because of impatience.

Just think, if he had waited on God instead of doing it himself, would there be the conflict in the Middle East that we have today?

We all need to step back, clear our minds and just be patient and trust God to handle everything in our lives. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"

WOOD Ministries Publisher/Sales/Graphic Designer/Writer: Rob Wood wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Editor/Writer: Donna Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Writer: Lynne Wood

wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

Owned and published by Rob Wood of Wood Ministries.

Contact us @ 905-380-4489, or email us at wood.ministries.2020@gmail.com

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Book in Review...

His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

The Weapon of Prayer

Greatest strategy against the Enemy

Book by: David D. Ireland Written by: Lynne Wood

D

avid D. Ireland wrote a very interesting book called The Weapon of Prayer.

In this book are many stories telling you why prayer should always be your greatest weapon against the enemy. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; Knock and the door will be opened to you."

(Luke 11:9). When you ask, you must believe; that's faith. On June 15, 2012, Nik Wallenda walked eighteen hundred feet across Niagara Falls on a tightrope. Before he attempted this, he did a lot of praying and then he trained, concentrated and focused on succeeding. He prayed in faith, believing and not doubting. God answered his prayers. When you ask God for anything, there can be no doubting.

We must confidently wait on Him. Sometimes our prayers aren't answered as timely as we would like. In our busy lives, we tend to rush through prayer time and never give it a second thought. This is

when we need to seek God by spending time with Him, getting close to Him in prayer. Pray offensively; pray for God's promises; they are His vision for your future. Find a scripture that pertains to what you might be going through in your life. A very good promise to pray if you're having problems with your job or a relationship is Psalm 29:11: "The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."

This verse tells you that God is always willing to help; just pray for it.

As Christians, there are a couple of things we should aim for, that is to become more like Christ and to introduce Christ to others. We become more like Christ with our behaviour, our values, and our faith. We introduce others to Christ by always treating others with respect and never getting upset when things don't go quite right. As Christians, we know God

is in control and He knows what's best.

There isn't always time for an eloquent prayer; an emergency can happen suddenly like the story of Ted and Phylis in this book. They were enjoying a lovely drive from New Jersey into New York City. Suddenly out of nowhere came a fierce storm, heavy rains and high winds. A tornado was heading right for them, with nowhere to turn. That's when you need a war cry, an urgent plea for help. Phylis cried, "Jesus Mercy; Jesus Mercy." The tornado stopped as suddenly as it appeared. He does answer our prayers if we truly believe. Prayer was the weapon of choice for Jesus, and it should be ours.

Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Poetry...

August 2021

His Grace Magazine!

Healing in His Wings

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The roadmap of life takes us on a confusing journey Through all the highest mountains and the lowest valley; We carry fears and desires at the root of our existence, Longing to love and be loved through the heart of innocence.

With all of its challenges, we find true and lasting healing From kindness that has the power to break through any feeling Of pain or disillusionment of how things ought to be; We learn to lean on our Savior, who died to set us free.

In abandoned and wounded areas, He meets us in our hearts, Knows our shame and despair, our loneliness and our thoughts; Our one true Friend who views us with mercy and understanding, Who accepts us as we are and loves us with love everlasting.

We need the deep and abiding love of God like we need the rain; He gives us life and shapes us; He knows our suffering and pain.

We become His sons and daughters; a birthright we are given So that one day in life eternal, we will reign with Him in heaven.

(Malachi 4:2)

“But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.”

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T

here are days when I struggle with real pain. And it doesn't feel light or momentary. It feels heavy, as though I'm never going to get through it. If anything, it feels hopeless.

Have you ever struggled to hold on to hope?

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where you have to 'see it to believe it.' Our focus is on money, appearance, fame, and pleasures that life brings. The Bible tells us to focus on things that are unseen... faith, friendships, our relationship with God, things that matter most in life that bring us the most joy and fulfillment.

Where our treasures are, there will our heart be also (Matthew 6:21).

In Colossians 3:14, Paul commands believers to exercise this focus: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died,

His Grace Magazine!

Look Up! and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

When we read Bible

we will be resurrected, as Christ was. Then we will spend eternity with Him in a glory that will far outweigh and outlast the lightweight and momentary suffering

verses such as this, we're reminded that in times of suffering, no matter how unbearable they may be, they can't even be compared to the far weightier glory of eternity. So what is this weigh of glory that God is preparing for us?

The word 'glory' in this verse refers to fame and light. However, it's not referring to fame with men; it's referring to fame, or approval, with God. Little do we realize it, but we crave that approval of our Creator.

God is also preparing us to be extraordinary. We know that, after we die,

of this life. We will be perfected in our new glorified bodies made for the new heaven.

Things that are visible to us in this life are here for just a moment and then gone. Try focusing on the spiritual world.

Because God is eternal, whatever exists with Him in the spiritual world will never end. Keeping our focus on the eternal glory of fellowshipping with God helps us to endure suffering in this life.

Paul, the writer of Corinthians, knew real pain very well. Not only physical pain from beatings and illness, but

August 2021

emotional pain such as rejection, abandonment, and false accusations.

Yet he loved and cared for the believers. He carried an emotional burden for them. Paul is not making light of sufferings in this verse. He is basically saying that our suffering will change based on where we are looking. When we fix our sights on the unseen future reality that Christ has promised us, our current pain fades from view.

This encourages us to suffer for the cause of the gospel. It is easier not to speak up, it's easier not to share the gospel with a friend, family member or neighbor, but we must... We must take up our cross and follow Jesus. Followers of Christ look at more than just what can be seen; they hear more than just what can be heard; they look at what is unseen and unheard.

This material world will come and pass, but God's word is eternal, and He is everlasting.

There is nothing in all the world that can compare to the day

His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

Look Up!

when we hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

As long as I am accepted by God, rejections and sufferings of this world are small in comparison to the glory that will be revealed.

To be accepted by God means to see Him and

have Him smile on me and to know His warm embrace. It will be worth it all in the end.

So, when things get tough, try not to focus on your troubles. I know it takes a lot of determination to look at the right things. Fix your gaze, your attention on things eternal, on

future glory. It will change your whole perspective of time. If we look at time without looking at eternity, we're viewing life as basically purposeless.

The eternal rewards that awaits us give us hope beyond measure.

See the good of His church, pray to be

"What we can hear, see, taste, touch, and sense in any way is temporary. Cling to the word of God, for it is the only thing eternal."

(2 Corinthians 4:18)

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renewed spiritually every day and ask for wisdom to look beyond that which our eyes can see, beyond what our ears can hear and beyond what our hands can touch.

As we walk through our painful season, God provides us with comfort; He walks through the trenches with us.

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Ministries Written by: Donna Wood Photos: Stock & Bonavista, NL

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Prayer...

His Grace Magazine!

His Righteousness

August 2021

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, Who has healed me and clothed me in His righteousness..

Have mercy on all those who do not know Your grace and have rejected the light of Your truth.

Draw them from the kingdom of darkness into the light of Your grace.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Isaiah 61:10

August 2021

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Worship in California

A

Several Christian artists lead in worship at the Freedom Experience Concert

cross southern California, more than 20,000 volunteers were invited to a Christian worship concert which followed in a day of giving back to their neighborhoods.

Justin Bieber was the headline for the Los Angeles Freedom Experience along with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes her husband.

They led many people to lift up their hands to Jesus Christ and for thousands of them, it was for the first time.

Justin and Kari were also joined by many other top Christian worship singers such as Tori Kelly, Chance the Rapper and Jaden Smith as they performed at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Clips from the worship concert were shared by Kari on Instagram. Kari said, "Still so moved about last night." Kari also shared comments made by Justin on stage at the concert. He said, "Many of you may not be used to this kind of atmosphere. But what you are experiencing

is the presence of God. Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus."

Justin also joined

volunteers who went & served this city. Thank you to the entire crew who made this event possible! Thank you

forces with Tori Kelly.

She is featured on a lot of his recent gospel album. Kelly said, "The Freedom Experience, what an incredible night filled with so much love!!

Thank you to @1dayLA & the thousands of

JESUS." Justin, Kari and Cody, sang beside each other during their anthem called, "The Blessing."

1DayLA outreach was part of the concert, who brought thousands of volunteers, so they

could give back to all their neighbors.

Following the day of community service, all the volunteers were then invited to come to the worship concert that was hosted by Jason Kennedy of E! News.

Billboard said that Justin Bieber was driven to be a part of the 1DayLA movement, "because of his strong and long held belief that giving of ourselves in service to others is one of the most important things we can do."

Bieber is committed to the powerful idea that a movement of change can start with individuals helping one another and their community."

Judah Smith, Justin's pastor with the ChurcHome, led the worship experience.

Members of the Christian community as well as celebrities attended the concert.

Also, Conor McGregor, who is a boxer and mix martial fighter, and his family were all seen at the concert praising Jesus Christ.

His Grace Magazine!

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August 2021

Eliminating Christians

W

The Taliban could start to Eliminate the Christian Population of Afghanistan

ell it wasn't very long, within just hours after capturing Herat, that the Taliban jihadist fighters were out patrolling the streets, trying to convince the residents of Afghanistan's third largest city that soon life would be going back to normal. One of the Taliban terrorists, said, "Business will continue as normal and people are happy with us and with our services, they will be happier."

But one of the Christians in the city has some serious doubts of what the Taliban says: "Right now we fear elimination. The Taliban are going to eliminate the Christian population of Afghanistan."

There are thousands of Afghans who have given their lives to Jesus during the past 20 years.

He said, "There weren't a lot of Christians twenty years ago during the Taliban time, but today we are talking about 10,000 local Christians and they live all over Afghanistan."

He is very concerned about all the Christians in the Afghan small community. He said, "We know a Christian believer who we've been working with in the north, he's a leader and we've lost contact with him because his city has fallen to the Taliban.

There are three other cities where we have lost contact with our Christian believers."

Statistics say that Afghanistan is the second most dangerous country to live in as a Christian. That is just behind North Korea.

Christians there mostly changed from the religion of Islam.

The Christian said, "Some of the

believers are known in their communities, people know that they converted from Islam to Christianity, and they are considered apostates and the penalty for that is death. The Taliban are famous for carrying out that punishment."

Now the Taliban are going to the doors of all the residents and forcing the families to give them their daughters, some of the girls are only 12 years old, they are all to become sex slaves for the men of the Taliban. The Christian said, "I have four sisters that are single, they are at home and they are worried about this."

A foreign national worked in Afghanistan

for thirty years.

He remembered the brutality of the Taliban up close in Kabal before the Americans came and the terror of them returning to the days of regular executions, floggings, stoning to death and hand amputations.

He said, "They have a strict interpretation of Islamic law, not only from the Quran, but also from what they call the Hadiths, which are traditions, sayings, and practical applications of Islamic law."

The foreign national said, "Regardless of all the threats, there is such a craving among all many Afghans like never before to know and love Jesus in such a loving way."

The Christian man said, "The Christian community that's in Afghanistan is strong.

They are trusting Jesus, they are walking with Jesus, despite the potential of being eliminated by the Taliban."

August 2021

His Grace Magazine!

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Forgiving the Arsonists

Church leader has forgiven the people who are involved in burning down his church in Surrey

A

nother church fire in Canada; this time it's in the city of Surrey, British Columbia. Steven Faltas awoke to the phone ringing; it was from the alarm company and the fire department, as he was told that there was a fire at his church. A neighbor of the church video shot the fire around 4:30 a.m. at the Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church.

The video shows the church fully engulfed in flames. Steven Faltas, a board member at the church, said that it was very difficult to watch. He said, "The street was completely closed and there were approximately four or five fire trucks all fighting the blaze. The scene was quite traumatic, surreal to be honest."

This fire in Surrey, is one of the latest fires in a wave of arsons or vandalism against the churches across Canada. Rebel News reported that there has been 43 church fires and ten were set on fire in one day in Calgary, it's

terrible to have ten fires in one day.

The ten fires happened in the province of Alberta where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has said that they see the fires as suspicious. Tammy Keibel, spokesperson with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said, "We are actively looking for suspects so that we can hopefully hold those who committed the acts accountable for the damage and the turmoil that they have caused."

There have been several photos released of the suspects that are wanted in the fire investigation. All the arsons and vandalism have followed the findings of hundreds of unmarked graves that were at former boarding schools for Indigenous children, many of which were run by the Catholic church.

After they had discovered all the unmarked graves, people started to set churches on fire right

across Canada. Even though most of the churches burned or vandalized have been Catholic, many nonCatholic churches have suffered damages of some sort also. Even though Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called fires and burning of churches 'unacceptable' response to all the unmarked Indigenous graves that have been found, Ezra Levant, a conservative talk show host, has said that any comments from Canadian national leaders to all the church fires have been very lukewarm.

Steven Faltas had a message for those responsible for his churches fire. He said, "The only thing that we can say to those perpetrators is that as Christian believers we forgive you. We obviously would love to have our church still standing but at the same time, we are strong believers, and although today may be a day of mourning, God will provide, and tomorrow will be a day of joy."

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His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

Lionel Messi gives God Glory

Argentina National Soccer team wins the Copa America Championship in Rio de Janeiro

A

rgentina Soccer star Lionel Messi from Argentina recently won his first soccer title with the Argentina National Team in Rio de Janeiro during the Copa American Championships.

The La Albiceleste from Argentina, the name meaning white and sky blue, managed to beat Brazil 1-0. This win ended a 28-year drought of not lifting up the cup for Argentina.

Lionel Messi celebrated this big win by giving God praise saying, "I thank God for giving me these moments." Lionel also thanked his family and his loved ones: "Many times I dreamed of this. I dedicate it to my family, my wife, my children, my elders, my brothers, who many times had to suffer, just like me or worse. We always had to go on vacation and spend several sad days, without earning anything, and this time it is different."

Lionel Messi has a nickname of "The Flea"; this is because he is

short. He waited a long time in his career just to be able to celebrate a

"God had this moment in store for me and I am grateful." Lionel

championship of glory.

Lionel put his faith in God and waited for that perfect time. He said,

also added, "I had a lot of confidence in this group, which has been getting very strong since

the last Copa America, where many good things have already been done. A group of very good people who always push forward, who never complained about anything, they were locked up for many days, without being able to see the family, but the objective was clear. It was given to us, we were able to be champions and happiness is immense."

Now this team's next big challenge will be to win the World Cup in Qatar next year, which would be Argentina's first since Maradona helped the team win the World Cup in 1986.

reasons for the speculation recently is that he criticized the current President Rodrigo Duterte, a member of his own party. Manny, who is a senator, has accused the President of corruption and of being too soft on China's forwardness on the South China Sea.

Manny said he will not be announcing anything until after his title fight with Errol Spence Jr. in August. Manny is a vocal devout Christian.

He said, "If God wills it, I will do my job should I get there."

The presidential election isn't until next May 2022.

Christian Boxer Manny Pacquiao, could be running for President of the Philippines

M

anny Pacquiao, the Welterweight boxing star, is now in training for his next fight against Errol Spence Jr. in August. Manny, the champion boxer, is now looking towards a fight in the political ring instead as President of the Philippines.

One of the many

Recipe...

August 2021

His Grace Magazine!

Couscous Salad

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• 2 c Boiling Water • 2 c Couscous • 3-4 Green Onions, finely chopped • ½ c sweetened dried Cranberries • ¾ c Celery, finely chopped • ¾ c Walnuts, chopped • 1 tbsp Olive Oil • Juice of ½ Lemon • 1 tbsp Wine Vinegar • 4 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce

• In a large bowl, add couscous to boiling water and let sit, covered, for 5 min.

• Fluff with a fork; add green onions, cranberries, celery and walnuts; fluff with fork • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, wine vinegar and sweet chili sauce • Add sauce to couscous mixture; stir and chill • Serve cold or warmed

John 6:27 “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the father has set His seal.”

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His Grace Magazine!

Athletes for Christ...

August 2021

Sheldon Kannegiesser

One of the first NHLers to make his fatih be known

N

HL Hockey player Sheldon Kannegiesser was a defenceman who played almost 400 NHL regular season games for four teams during the 1970's.

He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks.

Sheldon was a very reliable, steady defenceman in his own end of the rink, with sharp, crisp

Sheldon Kannegiesser with the Los Angeles Kings in 1973-1977

passing to his forwards headed towards the other team's zone.

Sheldon was born in North Bay, Ontario on August 15, 1947. He began to play in the OHA with the Kitchener Rangers for two seasons.

He played on the team with his older brother, Gord. Sheldon then played the first two seasons of pro hockey in the minor league with the Omaha Knights and the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL. Sheldon was traded along with well-known Syl Apps Jr. by the New York Rangers to the Pittsburgh Penguins for an agitating forward named Glen Sather (who would later go on to coach the Edmonton Oilers and win the Stanley Cup in the 80's).

Sheldon was a good utility role player, who played a big part for

the Penguins, but in a different twist, he would be soon traded back to the New York Rangers.

In the early 1973-1974 season, Sheldon was again traded by the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings where Sheldon played some of his best hockey of his NHL career along with Mike Murphy.

Sheldon was a regular defenceman on the Kings' blueline for three season, which included a club franchise record 105 points performance in the 1974-1975 season.

Sheldon was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in the 19771978 season, where

Sheldon played 42 games before he decided to retire from professional hockey.

Sheldon Kannegiesser, since playing hockey, has written a book of hockey ballads that he called, "Warriors of Winter." If you're a hockey fan, you will want to read this book. It has Sheldon's insight into hockey; it's written in his unique humorous style and thought provoking angle on the game of hockey.

Sheldon didn't always win himself to his teammates because he was such an outspoken promoter of Christianity and his strong faith.

He was really one of the first

His Grace Magazine!

Athletes for Christ...

August 2021

Christians in the NHL at that time to make his faith in Jesus known. Sheldon also writes poems and some of them speak strongly of his faith in God. Now Sheldon is also writing a second book, which is called "Cut to the Core." It deals with a lot of spiritual issues.

Sheldon has lived in California ever since he retired, raising his family and pursuing business ventures in the United States and in Canada.

Sheldon said that he never thought of himself as a religious person. He said, "Christianity is a relationship with Jesus."

Sheldon Kannegiesser

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Racing with Christ...

His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

Justin Allgaier

Divine meeting puts Justin into NASCAR dream car

J

ustin Allgaier was raised at the race track; he doesn't remember life away from the race track.

When Justin was young, his dad Mike would sell racing tires and Justin would sit behind the wheel just dreaming of the day when he could race his car.

Justin said, "I remember some of the earliest days going to the racetrack as a really young child and just remembering the feeling of what that was like, I have a buddy. We'd introduce ourselves and we'd make jokes about 'one of these days we're going be doing that.'"

Justin's racing start came at the early age of 5 years old, driving a quarter midget roadster. When he turned 12 years of age, Justin became a five time quarter midget champion. At the time racing was important to the family, the Allgaier's faith was the most important thing to them. Justin said, "Even though we traveled a lot and even though we were gone a lot, you know, Sunday morning we did everything we could. If we had to drive all night, we drove all night. And Sunday morning we were sitting there in church."

When Justin was 20 years old, in 2006, he started racing full time in the ARCA racing series in NASCAR. He said, "I never got into racing because of fame or because of money or because of the perks that might come with it.

For me it was all about going to the racetrack, competing, competing at a high level, and using the gifts that, you know, I had been given."

As Justin's NASCAR hopes and dreams were being fueled with his passions for the sport, the money costs of racing started to take its toll and was beginning to jeopardize his dreams and career. "We were scrapping together every dollar that we could put together to be able to go to the racetrack. And I knew that something was stressing my dad out and I could kind of see it, I kind of felt it. Justin's dad said,

Racing with Christ...

August 2021

'Hey, listen, your mom and I are out of money.

We've spent every dime we can spend to go racing. We've done everything we can do and it's just not meant to be.

So, you know, make the most of everything we've got right now because I don't know if we'll ever be able to do this again.'"

Justin then turned to God and asked Him for help, where he received a quick answer. Just before his next race, Justin was introduced to the director of competition at Penske racing, one of the largest teams in NASCAR. Justin said, "We went out, I raced and of all days, I ended up winning that day. It was a fantastic race for us. I raced a track

His Grace Magazine!

Justin Allgaier

that we shouldn't have won at, but I ended up winning that day. And 24 hours later, literally, 24 hours later I was sitting in Detroit, Michigan with Roger Penske, going over on a legal pad writing down different things that, you know, would ultimately end up being my contract and an opportunity to race full time in NASCAR." Justin said that God affirmed his racing dreams and it was so much better than he could have ever imagined.

"God closes doors all the time and, you know, as selfish as we are, we're typically not willing to let that door close, right? But on the other hand, there's a lot of

times where you make peace with closing that door, and then the door kicks wide open and it's even, you know, ten fold of what you thought it was going to be." Justin is now one of the top drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for JR Motorsports. Back in March 2021, he won the Echo Park 250 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Justin is so thankful to God for both gifts that He has given him.

Justin said, "I have no reservations about where my talents come from and the opportunities that I'm given, where they come from. You know, It's definitely a gift of God. I mean, you can see trophies behind me

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and those are awesome, and I love looking at trophies and reminiscing at old stories from different races. But on the other hand, they're just pieces of metal.

And when I'm gone they're going to tarnish and rust and probably get thrown in the trash someday, and when it's all said and done, you have to be thankful for the opportunities and the people that you meet and the opportunities that you're given."

Justin says, "You know, I think what I want people to know is just that I'm a believer in Christ, you know. That's just been my goal since I started racing and it's carried all the way through."

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M

His Grace Magazine!

Bible Study...

alachi 4:2: "But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall."

In Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, God distinguishes between His promises for the wicked and those for the righteous. Our God is a consuming fire, and those who reject His gift of salvation will not be able to stand against His eternal judgment and will face burning fire. This action is likened to a farmer burning off his field after he has harvested his grain.

The destructive fire swiftly consumes with excessive heat that destroys the roots totally.

This provides a vivid picture of the fire of hell that is awaiting all those who refuse to repent.

While the wicked will be devoured by the heat of God's wrath, those who fear Him, however, are encouraged and will know and feel His love and warmth, with healing from sickness

Malachi 4:2

"Righteousness of God" and sin in His light, because of the suffering of the Servant. The Sun of Righteousness came as a light of the world two thousand years ago, to illuminate the hearts of men, to be a light to a lost and dying world. The Sun of Righteousness is referred to Christ because He is the end of the

period of time and then turned loose into the sunlight, leaping for sheer joy, becoming vigorous and carefree.

The people of God who fear and revere His name have the assurance that the Day of the Lord will be one that ushers in the sunshine of God's eternal love. Because of

the law for righteousness, for justification, sanctification, and practical obedience to believers. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the fountain of light for all who put their trust in Him; He has become their everlasting righteousness.

The righteous will be as free as a calf, confined to a stall for an extended

His doctrine and mediation with the spirit of truth and grace, Jesus Christ will return as the Sun of Righteousness with healing on His wings.

He removes our ignorance, sins and miseries, and heals all diseases of our fallen souls, filling us with spiritual health and strength. He provides the warmth of His everlasting love and His protection from the destructive

August 2021

heat of 'That Day.' When we are willing to respond to God's correction, He promises to protect us from the upcoming wrath. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” He died to set us free; John 8:36 reads, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Those who follow God are healed and set free.

Those who do not belong to Jesus will be completely consumed. That day, which to the wicked will burn as an oven, will to the righteous be bright as the morning. Christ gave the Spirit to those who are His, to shine in their hearts, to be a Comforter to them, a Sun and a Shield. Psalm 84:11 says, "The Lord God is a sun and a shield."

Christ was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. With His

Bible Study...Malachi

August 2021

stripes we are healed..

Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;

His Grace Magazine!

the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Jesus came to heal

4:2

all who will call upon His name. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will

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rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation” (Psalm 91: 15-16).

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His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:3

Movie in Review...Blue

August 2021

T

His Grace Magazine!

Miracle “Based on a True Story”

his entertaining new movie on Netflix, Blue Miracle, is about a man in Cabo, Mexico who is on the brink of losing an orphanage. The only way to help his cause is to enter a fishing competition with a grumpy man who is a former winner of the event. Blue Miracle is a delightful, touching, moving and frequently funny Christian movie that's very enjoyable; it's

uplifting and inspiring.

The orphanage in Cabo, Mexico, is called the Casa Hogar. It's run by Omar and his wife Becca. Omar finds himself with purpose and meaning while running the orphanage and is determined to do anything to help the boys. Omar is told one night that one of the little boys has walked to town, but the area he has gone down to is very

dangerous. But when Omar hears where the boy has gone, he heads down there as fast as he can in the middle of the night and rescues the boy, even with all the gang violence that is in that area. Now Omar is getting calls from the bank telling him that he owes them more than $100,000. He is stuck and doesn't really know what to do at this point.

That is when he decides to visit his friend, Wayne, and asks him if he can give a good word for him. Wayne is the head of a very profitable fishing competition, and it just happens that the registration is on the same day Omar comes to see him.

When Omar shows up, he sees a very rough fisherman named Wade who is complaining about the entry fee that he has to pay for the competition. Wade is a fisherman who has won the competition twice already and he doesn't think that he should have to pay the fee to enter. Omar's friend Wayne tells Wade that if he takes some of the boys and Omar out with him in the boat, he will

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waive the entry fee to the competition. Wade and Omar don't really want to be in the competition together, but both of them recognize that if they do win this competition and catch a big blue marlin, they would win hundreds of thousands of dollars together.

Not only does Omar bring the boys from the orphanage, but he also brings a boy to the boat who had been caught stealing. Omar is hoping that the boy will learn some responsibilities when he is on the boat, but unfortunately the boys start to fight and lose a fish that was hooked on the line. Will the boys be able work together? Will they find the winning big blue marlin? Will they be able to save the orphanage?

And will Wade learn to be kind to Omar and the boys while they're on the boat?

Blue Miracle is a movie that is well made with lots of excitement and joy. It's well scripted with all the scenes, and they also give everyone something to laugh about here and there. It has strong Christian, biblical lessons to trust God.

Celebrations...

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His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

June, July & August

Happy Birthday!

June Carolann Langdon Darlene Broder s a m o h T y h t a K ick July B t t r e e r n r da Williams a B S n y t r Ma l G l e rogan Ryan g d u B e n y Wa August Albert Lush Agnes Reid Tammy Elliot

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you..."

Jeremiah 1:5

Celebrations...

August 2021

His Grace Magazine!

July & August

Anniversaries!

Steve & Diane Sharron July 29, 1989

Aaron & Julie MacDonald August 1, 2014

Rob & Donna Wood

August 20, 2019

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

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His Grace Magazine!

August 2021

G GOD O D IS

PLEASE SHARE GOD'S LOVE