From the Pastor's Desk

As we look at all that is going on in the world and turn our hearts towards the second coming of Christ and Heaven, what should be our response? The Lord wants to use your voice to advance His Kingdom. John the Baptist was described as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (John 1:23).

Our voice is not just about our words, but also about the influence which God has given us. You may never teach or preach to people whom God has placed within your influence. Your voice may be the way you carry yourself and how you live your life. Your lifestyle and character can be louder than your words when you are seeking to impact people. You have a voice! You may not think you influence people, but you do.

God is looking for those who will pour wisdom, discernment, and guidance into the lives of others. Parents, you are to be the voice in the lives of your children! As you become a voice, God may elevate your level of influence.

I feel it when I walk into a funeral, hospital room, counseling situation, or recovery center. I don't think I know it all. But if I'm sensitive, God can speak through me into people's lives. Often, the setting, as it was for John the Baptist, is a wilderness, inhospitable and untamed. That's where a voice is needed. And it should be a voice, not an echo parroting what everybody else is saying. Therefore, some people may not like it. My voice can be used to prepare the way for God to come in.

The world needs voices like that more than ever before. You don't have to be a preacher to be a voice.

-Pastors Mark and Jennifer