Sharing With Steve
We are spending the year going through the book, The Real God, by Chip Ingram. This book looks at eight different attributes of God. We are currently looking at the Justice of God. I was somewhat struggling with the topic. I think that I understand the idea. God is just; that is who He is. Justice demands that evil be atoned for. In the Old Testament God demanded sacrifices. That “soothed” Him, but it did not take away the sin. It simply rolled it back. God’s reaction to sin may not have seemed “fair,” but it was always just. That is something we have to accept by faith. Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land because he disobeyed God. After all that he endured leading the Israelites that just does not seem “fair,” but to trust in God is to realize that it was just.
In the New Testament the justice of God is just not mentioned much. It is mentioned thirteen times. It is mentioned twice in Matthew, both while quoting an Old Testament passage. It is mentioned five times in Luke and four of those are in the parable of the unjust judge. There is the scepter of justice in Hebrews and making war with justice in Revelation. There is just not a lot there until I discovered something. I was reading through several commentaries and a point was made about a certain Greek word and I realized something. I verified it in a New Testament word study book. The Greek word for ‘just” and the Greek word for “righteous” are the exact same word. A lot of things started falling into place when I realized that. God is just because He does the right thing so God’s justice is always a demonstration of the right thing. God is righteous which means He always does the right thing. We may not understand that, but God does.
We are sinners and there is a penalty to pay for that. Justice demands that. The penalty is our death, but God, in His love, sent His Son to die on the cross for us. He was a perfect sacrifice without spot or blemish. He paid the price and satisfied God’s justice. Now all we have to do is accept that action. It is nothing that we do or earn; it is all done by God through Christ. When we acknowledge that sacrifice we then respond in a way that pleases God. We serve Him, not earning our salvation, but accepting it and changing our lifestyle because now we are responding to Him and not the world. God did the “right” thing for us – He sent His Son. Justice has been served.
Report on Kenya Medical Relief
Jambo! I made it to Kenya and back, safe and sound. It was an amazing experience, a trip of a lifetime. It broadened by perspective of the world, how some of the people in Kenya live, how our living conditions and opportunities are so much different than theirs. There were problems with the infrastructure of electricity, lighting, hot water, and toilets, which made me grateful to return home.
I worked with an incredibly talented and dedicated team of 22. This was the “eye team,” clinic, and so most were ophthalmologists, one optometrist, ophthalmology surgeons, plastic eye surgeons, surgical techs, an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, and then the assistants who helped with whatever was needed. Dr. Skoney and I worked in the medical clinic while all this was going on. We each saw patients with whatever they needed. This included young children, too, which was initially scary to me since I don’t typically see this age group. However, Dr Skoney was available for whatever I needed, so no worries here.
In total over the three clinic days, we saw 501 patients, with 100 surgical cases, 153 medical clinic patients. Clinic hours were long, 6:45 am -8:30 or 10 PM. We saw as many patients as we could, but even so, sadly we had to turn some away as we ran out of time. The people including the children were so polite, respectful, patiently waited their turn.
A small number of patients received general anesthesia. However, most surgical cases received eye “blocks,” which involved sticking needles in their eyes. None of them ever seemed to move or protest this. Many of them camped out on the grounds for 1-3 days. If they had surgery, they stayed overnight in chairs or hospital beds. No food or drink was provided for them, they were responsible for meeting their own needs. The Kenyans were very grateful for the care, thanking God for our presence.
This is the main source of medical care most of them receive. Any other medical care involves them paying for their own transportation and care, which for most of them is prohibitive. There is no such thing as health insurance. A sad reality was that so many people had a potentially treatable problem but were unable to afford the care for it. Fortunately, for some, we could tell them which medical specialty was coming when, in the hopes they would be able to return for whatever they needed. The facility is open 7 days weekly with a medic in attendance, so people can receive basic care when the medical teams are not in town.
Thanks to the donations of people like you, we brought 32 large hockey style bags of medical/surgical supplies, medications, and homemade blankets and shoes for the kids. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the kids’ faces receiving these gifts, as they were on school holiday for 2 weeks, and the government requires them to return home to a relative to also learn that way of life. I don’t know how many shoes were brought, but I know I had 96 pairs of shoes. Reportedly, there were enough shoes not only for the 100 orphans that live there, but also for the 500+ students who attend there from neighboring areas. The house parents were especially appreciative that there were larger sized shoes for the older kids, who tend to get left out.
Thank you again for your donations, financial support and prayers for me in attending this medical mission trip.
Cindy Gerstenlauer
GREAT LAKES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE IS CELELBRATING 70 YEARS!
All are welcome to attend the anniversary celebration October 18-19, 2019 at the college campus in Lansing, MI.
As a Christian academic community, GLCC’s task is to educate men and women for preaching and other ministry roles as well as for careers related to the church or institutions in the public sector. In all instances, preparing students to be servant-leaders is central to the College’s founding character, history, curriculum and campus ethos.
GLCC offers degrees in Advanced Biblical Studies, Bible Theology, Business Management – for profit and non-profit, Christian Education, Christian Ministry, Cross-cultural Ministry, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Family Life Education, History, Interpersonal and Organizational Communication, Music, Psychology/Counseling and Youth Ministry.
For more information, check out their website at: glcc.edu
The mission of Johnson University is to educate students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations. Please pray for the students starting classes this fall and for the faculty and staff to shine the light of Jesus through their work this school year. Also pray for the upcoming Pursue Conference, November 8-10, where Johnson will welcome high school students who are looking to enter full-time ministry and/or missions. We pray that God will move in the hearts of many to answer his call to serve.
Ron Meegan – September 5
John & Stephanie Ciuba (Ann.) – September 5
Phil Johnson – September 7
Mike & Linda Tingley (Ann.) – September 10
Hector & Laura Urteaga (Ann.) – September 12
Tim & Carol Howell (Ann.) – September 12
Jaysun Thomas – September 23
John Ciuba III – September 25
Pat & Nona Wundrach (Ann.) – September 26
Joy Ciuba – September 28
Self-Nominate for Leadership Positions in Sept.
The self-nomination period for men who wish to be considered for the office of elder or deacon begins on September 1st, with nominations due no later than September 29th. Please prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to this area of responsibility and service. If you are led to self-nominate for the office of elder or deacon, please see one of the elders for a self-nomination form and screening questionnaire.
Men Meet for Breakfast
We have a men’s breakfast that meets every other month during the school year. Our first meeting is Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall for a home-cooked breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, sausage, and beverage. We’ll have a short time of study, and close with prayer. A sign-up sheet is in the foyer.
LADIES BIBLE STUDY
The Thursday morning ladies Bible study will resume on September 19 at 9:30am in the church library. A new study will be starting that will examine the Book of Job. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. A study book will be used that will cost $8. Please see Phyllis Martin for more information about the class and to order a book.
Join us for Barbeque and Saturday Church Service
September 21 is the date for our annual Saturday night service. There will be no Sunday morning service on September 22 because of the Brooksie Way Half Marathon when most of the roads around the church building are closed. We will have a barbecue dinner at 5 pm, and the church will provide the meat. Phil Newton and his team will be cooking a hog all day long. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. Last names A-O please bring a salad or a vegetable. Last names P-Z please bring a dessert. The evening worship service will start around 6:15 pm. Plan now to join us for this special fellowship time and worship service.
Sisters in Service Starts Meeting in September
September brings cool temperatures, colorful leaves and the kick-off for Sisters in Service. The first get-together for the season is Monday, Sept. 23, at 6:00 p.m. with a pot luck dinner. Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share. Plans for the new season will be discussed and a devotion will be given by one of the ladies. The evening will be a good time of fellowship with your Christian sisters. Come to the meeting and share your ideas for monthly meeting activities.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Adult Bible study will begin on Wednesday, September 25, in the Fellowship Hall at 7pm. We will be continuing our study in the Gospel of Mark. We will be starting chapter 5. We spend about 50 minutes in verse by verse study and then close with a time of prayer. Mark gives an interesting perspective of the life of Christ. Plan to share with us and learn more about Jesus from the gospel.
Annual Sisters in Service Tea is Sept. 28th
Sisters in Service Afternoon Tea is a highly anticipated annual event that will be held this year on Saturday, Sept. 28, beginning at 11 a.m. The Fellowship Hall will be transformed into a delightful Tea Room with beautifully decorated tables and a buffet table loaded down with delicious food prepared by our ladies. All ladies and girls are invited to attend, and please invite your friends to join us.
Please let Kathi Tope know if you’re willing to host a table, which involves place settings, centerpiece and providing a small gift for those seated at your table. Other volunteers are needed to prepare tea-type food. Kathi will answer all of your questions as to what is required.
MAP MEETING
There has been some interest shown in 
. This is a group of Michigan citizens who are concerned about modern slavery and human trafficking. To gauge interest at Meadowbrook we want to have a short meeting following the morning service on Sunday, September 29, in the front of the auditorium. If there is enough interest we will schedule another meeting and invite representatives from MAP to come and address us and see how we can become more involved. Initially the purpose of this organization is to educate and then figure out a strategy to help with this serious issue. There are some brochures in the foyer with more information.