In the Winter of 2008 we had five Sundays with Blizzard like conditions, that made it almost impossible for people to attend church. Here is an example.

The Guide

We were strangers in a strange land, aliens and foreigners to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, for an eight day family vacation. As we arrived at the “Rio Indio Lodge” we were introduced to ‘Row-send-o’ who would be our guide for the week we were there. Rosendo was from a local Indian tribe, the Ramas. When we wanted to hike, fish, or take the boat out at night in search for crocodiles Rosendo had to go with us. The lodge had strict rules that no guest at the lodge venture outside the compound on their own. I know this may not seem like not much fun but it wouldn’t be clear until later why we needed his presence.

Rosendo was an amazing man for a number of reasons.  First, he would warn us of dangers in the jungle that we were ignorant of. Once such thing was a particular ant that fascinated us because it was so big.  Our guide warned us not to get to close because its’ bite is so intense it fells like you’ve been hit by a bullet, thus the name; “Bullet Ant”.

Rosendo was also prepared for what would have deterred us in our journey in the jungle. When we would fish in fresh water lakes we would have to take streams through the dense rainforest. After all the rain, many times the streams would be blocked by fallen bamboo trees. Our guide would simply bring out his machete and hack through the thickest bamboo to guide us to the hidden lakes.

And finally, our family took a slow kayak river trip through a dense jungle. As we came out of the triple canopy jungle we were picking up speed. What excitement as each of our Kayak’s capsized by a whirlpool. There was no immediate danger, but each of us received the strong arm of our guide to help us to dry land.

My purpose in this letter isn’t only to share my vacation with you but to remind you of our The Almighty guide we have in Jesus Christ. Through the Spirit, Christ is present with all believers, guiding us each day of our lives. He warns us of the great dangers we face; “Your enemy the devil prows around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8. Our guide’s greatest tool against our enemy, Satan, is His precious Word. As our Lord faced Satan in the desert, his weapon and our is the same, God’s powerful Word. Martin Luther reminds this when he wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” in verse 3 writes; “One Little Word Subdues Him”. And finally our Guide, our God not only sticks his arm down from heaven to rescue us from our sin, he gives us His very own Son, Jesus Christ, who is the spotless Lamb of God who was sacrificed for our sake, for our salvation.

Our vacation of a lifetime is now behind us but I will always remember our guide Rosendo, whose job it was to keep us from harm and danger. Today, right now I pray that each of you cling to the cross of Christ, and be mindful that he will be with you, that he will be with you to the very end of the age. Our promise is recorded in Isaiah 42:16

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before then and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”

Dan, Heidi and Noah Steenstra

Jennifer, Nicolas, and Jacob Wilson

Tom and Carol Nelson

4:00 PM
6:00 PM
8:00 PM

11:00 PM Candle Light Services

Christmas Day

10:00 AM Communion Service

For more information regarding Christmas Worship Services,  Please E-Mail Pastor Gross @ revjpgross@verizon.net