The poems began in 2003 when God gave Marcia the idea of writing a short poem, putting it on a postcard, and then mailing the postcards to each of the church members who were housebound and unable to attend church in person. “Even if I couldn’t visit everyone,” Marcia thought, “at least they would all have a note of encouragement.”

This past week I got to visit Big Lake Youth Camp. The old lodge made some good memories for thousands of us through the years, but it was so good to see the progress of the new lodge being built. Ross von Pohle, facility manager at Big Lake, gave me a tour.

A local friend, an experienced photographer with an uncanny sense of direction, promised me, “You can’t miss the perfect little muddy trail that leads down to Secret Beach on the Southern Oregon coast.” Three tries later I had proved him wrong. I could follow his good, detailed directions and still miss it.

I want to tell you a story about my friend Pat.

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Abundio lost nearly everything when the wildfire tore through Talent, Oregon, but gave his tithe anyway. Why?

The prophet Habakkuk and I would be good friends, I think.

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I’m tired. And I’m guessing you are too. I’m tired of the Zoom calls, tired of being stuck in my house, tired of the online church services, and definitely tired of wearing a mask almost everywhere I go.

We are in a whirlwind where all churches and ministries are scrambling to ramp-up online ministry initiatives, or to launch an online presence for the first time. These are uncharted waters where the ministry needs and process have changed.

With so many members limiting their social exposure, a lot of us are going to be looking for ways to participate and enjoy a message on Sabbath without leaving our homes. We're compiling a list of Oregon Conference churches who are live streaming their services so you can stay safe and receive a Sabbath blessing.

In my life I’ve learned that teaching is a tool, but in the end, it’s all about Jesus and the gift of salvation.

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