FROM R.K.'s corner
june 2010

In this issue, rather than presenting an update from the mission field, I feel an urgency - based on my own life's journey - to share some thoughts and reflections on the current issues we face today.  I trust my words will be an encouragement as you continue to stand firm in hope and obedience to the living God through Jesus Christ.  XXXXAs I drove home from a rather multi-cultural day of activities, I realized America was celebrating D Day, the commemoration of  June 6, 1944 when the United States troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France and began the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.

XXXXXXThis D Day in America, I attended a Norwegian luncheon served aboard a Norwegian cruiseliner docked in the Port of Miami. Afterwards, just a few blocks away, I participated in a Jewish-Christian sponsored rally in support of Israel brought about by the Turkish-Israeli conflict over the Gaza-bound flotilla.

XXXXXXMy thoughts took me back to my childhood in post-war Norway, how my mother every June 6th would have tears of gratitude that we were a free country. My mother knew the cost of freedom, having given birth to three of her four children under Germany's occupation of Norway during World War II. She endured the lacks of basic needs, the terror of bomb raids, the trauma of German soldiers often bursting into my parents' bedroom at night and, taking my father at gunpoint to interpret between the Germans and the Norwegians, leaving my mother fearing she might never see him, again.

XXXXXXContemplating the recent event in Israel, the radicalization of America, the oil-spill in the Gulf, and the future challenges that face this country and the nations of the world, my thoughts turned to the words of Psalm 36:9. “For in You (Lord) is the fountain of life, in Your light we see light.” 

XXXXXXIt seems that the last days events as described in Matthew 24:4-14 are beginning to unfold.  We are somewhere in process of entering the final spiritual Storm, (only God knows the exact time-line and the return of Jesus - no human or spiritual being, not even His Son, has been given to know that), but it seems few are realizing how critical our situation is, in spite of the manuy signs pointing in that direction.

XXXXXXAs we move ever closer to His Second Coming, to navigate safely through the turbulence as committed believers in Jesus Christ, it is essential that we stay informed, educated and engaged in the issues of our day while filtering everything through the absolute Truth of the Word of God. 

XXXXXXI am reminded of an anecdote from the time of the Reformation. Martin Luther was in the middle of planting an apple tree, during which one of his students approached him and asked, "Master, if you knew that Jesus Christ would return tomorrow, what would you do today?" Martin Luther replied, "Young man, I would continue to plant my apple tree."

XXXXXXAs spiritual deception becomes more prevalent and subtle, we are in need of increased discernment, wisdom and sensitivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We must continually cleanse our minds with the washing of His Word for “…in Him we live and move and have our being.”(Acts 17:28), remembering that “…my soul finds rest in God alone” and that  "He alone is my rock and salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2).  I believe it is crucial that we keep these and other scriptures foremost in our hearts and minds as we begin to see our culture, society, and our world, shaking and crumbling before Him with whom we have to do.

XXXXXThe art of living is to embrace life in its fullness here and now, while keeping our eyes on Him, the author and perfector of our faith, in joyful anticipation of His soon return!