“Jesus went to Nazareth… and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue… The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He [read]: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind… to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ He began by saying to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’” Luke 4: 16-21

Enrique is baptized at the Campus and Teen Retreat this past weekend!

In Jesus’ first recorded sermon, He revealed that the Spirit anointed Him “to preach good news to the poor” and “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.” When Jesus explained from His text of Isaiah 61:1-2 that this proclamation was not only to the Jews, but to the Gentiles, “all the people in the synagogue were furious” and tried to kill Him. (Luke 4:28-29) From the very beginning of His controversial ministry, Jesus’ radical revolution centered on “proclamation” to the whole world – Jew and Gentile.

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(Editor’s Note: U’i and her husband Jody lead the West House Church of the Honolulu International Christian Church.)
“I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13

Jody & U’i Tyrell with their son Kava and daughters Gabby, Sera and Makana from the Honolulu International Christian Church!

Helplessness has drawn me close to God over and over again! About two years ago, I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Cancer. I had so many helpless thoughts of not being around to see my four beautiful children grow up. I went through two surgeries and radiation, and because of answered prayers, it’s been in remission ever since. But something frightening happened to me a few nights ago. I was asleep and I tried to take in a breath of air and my throat locked up on me. I couldn’t get air in or out, I couldn’t speak. My husband rushed to my side and tried everything he could to help me breathe and calm my fears. It was such a helpless feeling! It reminded me of the time when we went in for our ultrasound for our first pregnancy. Sadly, the doctor announced that there was no heartbeat and that our first child had died in my womb. I felt utterly helpless. Another memory that flashed through my mind was when I was six months pregnant with our second child. I was in a terrible three-car accident on the freeway! I did not know if our baby would survive. I felt an overwhelming sense of fear and foreboding. I was helpless....

“In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out – until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.” Exodus 40:36–38

Ron & Tracy Harding now lead the Portland International Christian Church!

Throughout the Bible, the presence of God among His people is obvious! Of the tenth and final plague “Moses said, ‘Every first born in Egypt will die… there will be loud wailing throughout Egypt… But among the Israelites [no one will die]. Then you will know the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’” God made the “distinction” between Egypt and Israel obvious! When the Israelites traveled through the desert, they were inspired to see the cloud of the Lord above the tabernacle and were surely comforted at night by the glow from the fire in the cloud. God’s presence – by day and by night – was obvious! God’s will – to stay or to go – was equally obvious! At the battle of Jericho, the walls fell when the Israelites marched around the walls for seven days and then blew their trumpets. God’s presence and power were obvious! Though few in comparison, Gideon’s 300 routed 135,000 Midianites! It was obvious, God was with His people....