GBC Community Update: Taking Steps of Faith

Good morning! I know many of you heard about my Covid scare last week.  In the end, the person I was exposed to tested negative and I tested negative as well so all is good. This is obviously a great relief for me but it has also been an interesting experience in terms of how I was treated by some as well as the person who started this all off. In some ways it seems like Covid is the 21st century’s equivalent to leprosy- you become unwelcome by some.  The lesson learned for me, and my encouragement to us all, is to treat people with grace and respect in these trying days no matter what’s going on. Yes, be wise and take steps to ensure safety but also remember the other person has feelings and fears too. May we shine the light of Christ and may people tell we are Christians by our love.
 
 
Mission’s Update
Dave and Linda Buchner (Work with International Student Ministries)
-Family Updates
-Ministry Updates
 
Dave and Linda:
Thank you for your prayers for Dave's headaches.  Most days they are not an issue with acetaminophen but sometimes they can be quite bad.  
We call 2020 the "year of the teeth."  Dave was able to get x-rays before the Covid 19 lock down.  Today he had a checkup and has one cavity that is affecting the nerve of the tooth so has to have a root canal and crown.  In addition he has 3 minor fillings that need to be done.  Pray Dave will be able to manage these appointments.  I have been dealing with teeth issues for months, appointments postponed with the lockdown.  With a loss of 4 teeth there were extended appointments with a denturist (now finished) and one major dental procedure in the fall.
When we have no other morning commitments we try to walk often in Riverside Park, followed by coffee out.
 
Rachel and Jonathan:
Rachel is working online with her teacher on finishing her last "placement" session through case studies and research.  By the end of August she completes her diploma in Child and Youth Studies.  She will try to find some job in her field.  After many months of unemployment Jonathan started a job last week in a distribution warehouse.
 
Ministry:
I really miss the personal contact with the internationals but am thankful for interaction through email etc.  There are still weekly lessons plus I send other things that will help with their oral or grammar progress.  Some take advantage of answering the conversation questions and sending them back for correction.  It is also good to continue contact with feedback with the many returnees from over many years.
 
Thank you for your continued prayers, Linda (and Dave)
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
GBC Prayer Night is shifting to “in-person” gatherings! We plan to meet for prayer on Wednesday’s at GBC (in the side auditorium). Start time – 7pm. Please plan to join us in prayer God’s Kingdom to come, His will to be done, in Guelph as it is in Heaven!
For questions or further details please contact Jacob Ginter– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
A thought for the day: Taking Steps of Faith
As we continue to journey through change and the world of the ‘new normal’ it takes steps of faith to trust God, do what’s in our control and not stress about what isn’t.  Faith is often an overused but misunderstood word. It means essentially to relinquish trust in ourselves and give it over to another. Faith is the medium by how God makes himself known-it moves mountains, heals the sick, changes the course of people’s lives and it’s the means of entrance into the kingdom of heaven.  Faith then at its cores is faith in Jesus Christ as the son of God who makes us come alive!
 
We can get a sense of nostalgia looking back, longing for the “good old days” before Covid.  We should renounce the desire to go back to the way things were settling for the past.  The good old days are still ahead!  It’s great to reflect and celebrate, but let’s not get bogged down and mired in it- let’s keep pushing ahead, bearing fruit. Lets plant shade trees we’ll never sit under.
 
How would I characterize faith?  Faith is often translated into the acrostic: Forsaking All I Trust Him.  That’s what it means to live by faith.  The past is important as a measure (trust me, I’m a historian I get this) but it shouldn’t be a pair of handcuffs. May we instead look to build our own legacy, despite Covid or whatever else seeks to hold us back, cause a ripple in the pond, longing to see the Lord work marvelously in OUR age and may we be found faithful!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris