My wife and I were able to vacation to Iceland a few years ago.  We learned about the country, the people, their origins, and of course the food. One interesting thing we learned was the Icelands use of names. They do not use family names but only go by their first names.  What would be called their last name is made up of their fathers or mothers first name with the addition of (son) or (daughter).  Hence a persons name could be Jon Magnusson indicating Jon's fathers name was Magnus. If another person has the same name then they would add their paternal grandfather's name as well. I enjoyed hearing how the country had kept this tradition throughout the years which formed part of the overall country's culture. I know last names in the US are often passed down and hold significant meaning for our heritage and to have a different perspective was good. This interesting tradition got me thinking about the importance of names in particular the scripture Isaiah 43:1. 

There is a comfort in someone using your first name. It's personal, down to earth, and lacks the formalities of tradition. To me, friends and loved ones use that name showing authenticity and genuineness. They know and understand who I am deep within behind the niceties of life. Deep relationships are built knowing who the other person is and calling them by their name. It is in that name where identity is known and created. The identity we have formed through the contexts of life that we have found ourselves in.  Somewhere there is a true self who if we searched for each one of us can find that is already known by the divine.  


As indicated in the scripture above God calls each of us by name and calls us God's own. We are God's beloved children. Just as the stars in the sky we are God's creation and expression of life. How precious it is to think that God knows my name, sees my inner self, and knows who I truly am through all the guilt, shame, and facades present. It is in this personal, genuine calling that I am known and loved for all that I am and can be, without judgement.  What a special thought to have?  To know no matter what I do there is a God that continues to uphold the love of creation beholding the people of this world. 


We are never alone! God is there and will always be there with you. That's the message today. If you are struggling with something, feel alone, rejected, or outcast, know there is a Jesus that is constantly standing with you saying, "you are mine".  Love surpasses understanding and even if we cannot conceptualize it, God's love is there. All it takes is your belief!


Please reach out to me or another christian organization if you would like to talk, pray, or whatever you need at this time.  


To reiterate this message check out this incredible song by David Haas titled, "You Are Mine."

May you hear that voice calling you by name saying "You are mine, you are loved, you are not alone."

Thank you to all those following along. We appreciate your support and kindness for this continued ministry.  

This week look in the mirror and tell yourself, "You are loved."

Almost a year ago, my youngest son was born. Birth is an amazing miracle that God has graced us with. My wife and I held our baby boy tight and welcomed him into our family. Life was changed in that moment as our family headed toward a new normal. 


However 7 days into this new normal we found an expanding skin infection on him that appeared to be moving fast. Our doctor told us we needed to go to the hospital immediately. So there we were standing in the hospital checking in our 7 day year old baby. It seemed unreal. Tears fell down our faces and we choked up getting the words out to the receptionist as we checked him in. I was fearful knowing the significance of what could happen and what it could mean for our family. I was also extremely aware of the preciousness of life. In an instant, life can change for both good and bad. I felt empty as if everything inside of me had been stripped away leaving a hollow shell.  

An older couple visiting family came up and stood in line behind us.  The man's shirt caught my eye.  It said, "Need Jesus?". The question was so pertinent.  In this moment I was broken and knew the only thing that could get me through was the love of Jesus. My mind answered, "Yes Jesus, my family needs you. My son needs you right now. I need you." I prayed quietly as we walked down the long hallway and up the elevator to my son's hospital room.  


Over the next few hours and days we watched as the hospital staff assessed the infection trying to understand the nature of the virus. Thankfully, after a spinal tap they were able to rule out bacterial meningitis. Finally tests came back stating it was a staph infection that was treatable.  My wife and son stayed in the hospital for the next week getting it treated.  It was a long week of coming and going and I often thought about that moment when I had to answer the question, "Need Jesus?".  ​

All of us need Jesus! Whether that be during our toughest times or during the everyday minutia we find ourselves in. Sometimes we just have to be reminded. Jesus understands our pain and suffering and wants to bear that with you. He wants us to know we are not alone. Jesus' love heals and overcomes all things.  I have answered the question, now its your turn.  Do you need Jesus?

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I thought this song "Jesus I Need You" by Hillsong Worship fit for this story.  Take some time to listen to the ministry they provide and what it means for you.  

Keep on keeping on during this 2020!  Jesus is with you! 

This week answer the question "Need Jesus?" 

Our guest blogger this week is one of our very own Jim Fairchild.  Jim attends Community of Christ in Topeka. Jim has been a co creator of this blog as he has taken on the responsibility of managing our website and doing all of our social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. He has learned a lot from this endeavor and is wanting to share some of that knowledge with you. So a big thanks for Jim being willing to share with us.  

My Invitational Ministry Plan
 
Early 1960s church membership statistics show the success of evangelizing methods. Effective use of the developing technology, personal evangelism materials, and a strong determination to proselytize, are among the many factors that account for the steady membership increase. I am very concerned about the decline of Community of Christ membership which was shared by Steve Veazey in his “Time to Act” message to the church.  (September 2017)
 
In response to this “call to action” I looked for things that I could do as an individual, as well as, successful outreach methods that could easily be implemented in a local congregation.  I have been always interested in Invitational Ministry, however my only experience was through proseltyzing “door-to-door” with tracts.  Due to changes in cultural demographics and technology, this did not appear to be a viable option for Invitational Ministry.

Why Virtual Ministry?
 
I am familiar with D&C Section 155:7.  But what does this scripture mean by “many techniques for proclaiming my word?” As Disciples, we are called to go places where we have never been, to do new things that we have never attempted and to be things we have never envisioned.
 
I decided to search the Internet for information regarding successful church growth strategies.  There were numerous church growth websites, classes and books on the topic.  I searched YouTube for presentations (videos) about successful ideas that other churches had used for church growth. I found many (free) video presentations on YouTube about using electronic outreach, including Church Websites and Church Social Media accounts to promote Church Growth.  I thought outreach through Electronic Media might be a good methodology for me to utilize for invitational ministry, Invite People to Christ.  I was computer literate but knew nothing about church websites or social media.
 
​At the time, Community of Christ had very few resources on electronic outreach, however some Community of Christ Mission Centers were experimenting with this new technology, and sharing their information on line.  (Community of Christ has since significantly increased it’s resources in this area and you will find a lot of this information on the Community of Christ YouTube page.) The Community of Christ Communications Department also provides free downloadable graphics which can be used for outreach.

A big thanks to Jim for sharing his knowledge and information with us.  

This week please post something about your church online, share one of our posts, or comment on one of our blogs.