Pastor's Message (February 2016)

Having lived through what has been considered the tri-state area’s second largest snowstorm in history, we might just be ready for anything! Even though the big storm was a major challenge, we also got to witness the community coming together - neighbor helping neighbor, shoveling heavy snow during the tedious ordeal of a cold blizzard.

Hereʼs how I recall the day. Born and raised in a rather cold part of the world, a little snow is just “part of the ordinary.” How much that may be true, yet you are not always as prepared as much as you think you are!

All through the course of the night leading into the early hours next morning, my family and I took turns securing the exit doors by repeated motions of opening and closing, along with sweeping the stairs free of snow. The procedure was a small challenge considering the ongoing blizzard. Needless to say, most of the snow came right up into your face. Nevertheless, we kept going, taking equal turns through the night.

With the dawn of the next morning, the snow kept falling down and clothed everything within its reach. For a moment, I smiled to myself and thought about one of those picture-perfect Thomas Kinkade American hometown winter landscapes. However, as much as I wanted to cease that moment, I got outside and went to work at my church office. The fresh air of the early morning quickly filled my nostrils. By now the wind had subsided significantly, and without too much difficulty, I found my way through deep pockets of clean snow.

Well inside, I wanted to utilize my time well but kept a close watch out the window. I realized that with every minute, more snow kept falling, and with every hour, the snow kept falling steadily. Before long, the window was covered in snow, with almost no visibility. When I finally decided to call it a day, and head back to the comfort of home, imagine my surprise when the door was stuck - covered in icy snow, the door frozen as were my thoughts for a split second until I remembered who and whose I am.

Believing in the One who delivers us from the worldʼs captivity, no challenge is too big, hence the Lord will see us through any of lifeʼs storms.

Trust God. Trust God always. Trust God at any time and place. Trust and expect a result! When weʼre faced with sudden surprise, happenings beyond our control, overwhelmed, numb, even immobilized - above all, trust God.
May the Lord be with you in a special way this season, comfort and reassure you of His constant loving presence.

In Christ,
Pastor Anette