The theme for today is: Support.

A big shout out to Pastor Keith Davis and his wife Laura for organizing the ‘Running for Zach’ volleyball tournament fundraiser held in Calgary today. Keith and Laura are dedicated to the ministry that God has called them to in Bethel URC and the surrounding community. They epitomize ‘going the extra mile’ for others, not because they’re Americans, but because they care. They have been gifted with a passion and a zeal to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). It was heartwarming and overwhelming to witness such support today. Great to see familiar faces, former colleagues, former students, and so many others we’ve never met.  

Showing support, showing love, is a command. And today we saw so many follow this command with joy, humility and compassion. A support system for which we will remain forever grateful. Support in the church. Support in the community. Support in the peaks. Support in the valleys. Support with truth. Support with love. Support with words. Support with actions. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) was on display! What a witness!

The race marked out for Christians can be extremely difficult at times. We need to support each other as we run through joys, blessings, trials, and hardships. We don’t run alone. We rely on each other. We carry each other. We “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). We help each other run. We help each other grow. We encourage each other. Rather than going through life alone, we should have people we can rely on to be there for us and encourage us to keep running “with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

So, thank you to everyone across the country and abroad who continue to support us in so many ways! Thank you to everyone who helped out with and contributed their gifts and talents to the volleyball tournament today. And praise God for a support system like no other!

Today’s Updates:

Zach is still is refusing to eat and drink this week, and usually refuses or resists oral care and other nursing care. Please pray that Zach will be calm and trust his care team and the people around him. Pray also that he will regain his appetite and willingness to eat and drink again soon.

Zach had more energy for his therapies this week. He worked hard in almost all of his sessions and really enjoyed his physio and recreation therapy sessions. Please pray that Zach will continue to have the energy he needs for his therapies, and pray that he will improve in his strength, coordination, and communication through these treatments. We also ask that you pray for guidance as we seek a long term care placement for Zach. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For,

“In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

And,

“But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.”

(Hebrews 10:19-25; 36-39)