2003_09

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2003

UPLOOKTHE TRUTHABOUTA LIE

THE TRUTHABOUTA LIE“But if our

gospel be hid,

it is hidto them

that are lost.”2 Corinthians 4:3

A SPECIAL GUIDE TO ASSEMBLY SENIORRESIDENCES AND CARE OPTIONS

F E A T U R E SQUIET DESPERATION Donald L. Norbie 4

GUIDE TO SENIOR CARE OPPORTUNITIES A Compilation i

THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY Brian Wilson ii

ONE SISTER’S EXPERIENCE Anne Vanderlaan iii

FACTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Chart iv

CHOOSING A SENIOR HOME Gerry Croteau vi

SOME OPTIONS OPEN TO SENIOR SAINTS Selected viii

SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS William R. Gustoff xiv

PAST MERCIES, FUTURE PROMISE Terry Carrick xvi

THE BIRDS WERE SILENCED Len Webb 25

REACH FOR A TOWEL Chet Plimpton 27

THE ART OF COMING DOWN J. B. N., Jr. 29

D E P A R T M E N T SEDITORIAL 3

FRONT LINES 5

BOOKS: Men of Destiny 8

BOUQUET OF BLESSING: Growing Graceful 30

UPLOOK

U P L O O K • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3

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C O N T E N T S

Founded in 1927 as Look on the Fields, UPLOOK ispublished ten times a year by Uplook Ministries, 813North Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Phone: (616) 456-9166Fax: (616) 456-5522Website: http://www.uplook.orgE-mail: [email protected]

ISSN #1055-2642Printed in USA.© Copyright 2003 Uplook Ministries

UPLOOK magazine is intended to encourage thepeople of God in fidelity to His Word, fervency in inter-cessory prayer, labors more abundant, and love to theLord. Believing in the practical Headship of Christ andthe local autonomy of each assembly, this is not intend-ed to be an official organ of any group or federation oflocal churches. The editor and authors take responsibil-ity for materials published. For any blessing whichaccrues, to God be the glory.

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with all unsolicited material.News items must be submitted at least two months

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Volume 70Number 9

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3

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w w w . u p l o o k . o r g • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3

SSometimes it’s hard to tell when we have believed a lie from the devil and when ourown deceitful hearts have tricked us. Of course, Scripture warns us not to excuse our-selves by blaming others for our own misdeeds (see Jas. 1:13-14). But there is noquestion that the devil “is a liar, and the father of it” (Jn. 8:44), and, with 6000 yearsof experience, his skills of deception are finely honed.

One of the deceiver’s nefarious specialties is stated in 2 Corinthians 4:4: “The god of this world hath blind-ed the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,should shine unto them.” Anyone involved in evangelism hears the lies that he uses, over and over again.“You’re too young; there’s plenty of time to be saved.” “You’re too bad; God doesn’t want someone like you.”“You’re not perfect but you’re better than many people; think of all the good things you have done. God can’task for any more than that.” The lies are so predictable, but the devil keeps using them because they work.

The apostle also warns that we can be accomplices in keeping people from Christ. Instead of “veiling” theminds of those who do not believe, we can veil the gospel. “But if our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to themthat are lost” (4:3). And it is just at this point that the devil feeds a lie to God’s people. “There’s no use wit-nessing today,” he says. “No one is interested in hearing about your God, or trusting in your Jesus.”

I had just returned to the U.S. after twenty-four days in Japan, and was shortly leaving for three weeks inthe U.K. I saw no sense in adjusting my body clock twice. So I decided for the few days at home I would riseat 2:30 each morning. In this way I would be ready for a 7:30 AM wake-up call when I arrived in Scotland.

Heading for the Uplook office the first morning in Grand Rapids, I stopped at a 24-hour pancake restau-rant. It was just 3 AM when I entered. Not surprisingly, I had the place to myself. The waitress, a young ladynamed Michelle, asked if I worked the night shift. I briefly explained to her my Japan/Scotland schedule.

“Do you travel for business?” she inquired.“Yes,” I replied, “but in my business I don’t sell things; I give them away.”With a startled look, she asked, “Are you a missionary?”“Good guess! What do you know about missionaries?”She grew pensive. “Nothing at all, really. My parents were so busy we never went to church. I’ve never

owned a Bible. But I know that I need God in my life.” She asked if I minded if she sat down at the table totalk. For thirty minutes we had an uninterrupted conversation about the things of God. I promised to bringher a Bible. She said she would be working there two days later.

When I arrived again at 3 AM as I had promised, Michelle was delighted to receive her Bible, surprised thatI had returned. But she already had a customer, and so another waitress named Kellee came to serve me.

“Michelle has been telling me what you told her the other day,” she said. “May I ask you a question? Howdo you know when you should speak to someone about God?”

I was taken aback by the question, and began giving her a convoluted explanation of the leading of Godand the promptings of the Holy Spirit. But I could see from her face that I had completely missed the mark.

After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Well, I was wondering because you were in here some time ago,and I served you, and you never spoke to me about God.”

The comment wasn’t meant to sting, but I can still feel the smart. I know that regularly I cross paths withpeople who want to hear about the Lord. If my feet are “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”(Eph. 6:15), the Lord will use me. God help me not to veil the gospel!

J. B. Nicholson, Jr.

O N M Y H E A R T ♥

♥♥♥

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It’s one of the devil’s favorites.

THE TRUTH ABOUT A LIE

Life can be good FOR us even when it doesn’t seem good TO us.

DQuiet Desperation

David Henry Thoreau (1817-1862), American essayist,wrote to a friend, “Most men lead lives of quiet des-peration.” Life often does not turn out as one hadhoped. Youthful idealism has this glowing vision of thefuture, colored with radiant optimism. And then reallife comes along! At a 50th high school reunion awoman asked me, “Don, has life been good to you?”No one had ever asked me that before. I had to think aminute. Then I said, “Life has not always been good butthe Lord has always been good.”

Tragedies may come in life, gut-wrenchingheartaches. Your marriage may fall apart. Your spouseconfronts you with the words, “I no longer love you.I’ve found someone else; I want a divorce.” It is as ifyou were kicked in the stomach. Your whole world fallsapart. Or your teenage daughter comes home and con-fesses with tears, “Mom and Dad, I’m pregnant!” Andthe man has no desire to marry her. After years of faith-ful service, your employer calls you into his office andannounces, “I’m sorry but we’ll have to let you go.” Ajob that you thought was secure has vanished like themorning mist. Or the doctor tells you quietly, “Yourwife has terminal cancer. We can do nothing for her.Take her home and love her.” And you go through theagony of seeing a faithful wife waste away and finallydie. No, life is not always good to us.

But how do we respond? We may become angry andbitter, angry at God for allowing this to happen. WithJob’s wife we may cry out, “Curse God and die!” (Job2:9) We may enter into a deep valley of depression,drowning in the depths of self pity. A lady friend ofours died suddenly at home, a dear Christian. Her hus-band said, “Well, she has her wish now; she has want-ed to die.” Grief over her children had tormented hersoul for years. She just wanted to die and to go to bewith the Lord. No, life is not always pleasant.

Hopefully there will be Christians to rally aroundyou, sustaining you with their love and prayers. Theyhave come to know “the God of all comfort, who com-forts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able tocomfort those who are in any trouble with the comfortwith which we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Cor.1:3-4). If any part of the human body knows an injury,

the whole body musters its resources to bring healing.So it should be with the local body of Christians, theassembly. We are exhorted: “Bear one another’s bur-dens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

But then ultimately we must turn to God Himself,cry out to Him and cling to Him. David returned tofind his home village in smoking ruins, his family andgoods plundered. “Now David was greatly distressed,for the people spoke of stoning him....But Davidstrengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam.30:6). Jehovah was his God and he would claim Hislove, protection and blessing. David could say: “Pre-serve me, O God, for in you I put my trust” (Ps. 16:1).At times life can be confusing and painful. Asaphwrote: “When I thought how to understand this, it wastoo painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary ofGod; then I understood their end” (Ps. 73:16-17).

The time comes when one must accept the reality ofthe tragedy in his life and go on living. Some seek toescape the reality of their lives and withdraw into theirown heads and live in a world of fantasy. Such end upin mental hospitals, useless to God and to man. Wemust face reality and think truthfully (Phil. 4:8). Beginto live for others and forget yourself. Then you willbegin to heal from your wounds. There are many lost,hurting people around us. Reach out to them. Your suf-fering has uniquely equipped you to help others. Andremember: One day God will wipe away all tears fromour eyes. Our Father will welcome allof His childrenhome andkiss theirtears away.Thank God!

D O N A L D L . N O R B I E

4 U P L O O K • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3

OAKVILLE BIBLE STUDIESThe Oakville (ON) Bible study

series for the spring 2004 season con-tinues with the general topic of“Egypt to Canaan.” All studies willbe held at Hopedale Bible Chapel,342 Sherin Dr., Oakville, ON. Regis-tration at 8:30 AM. Studies commenceat 9:00 AM, and finish at noon.

Speakers and topics still to come:Jan. 17, J. Compte (ON), The Taber-nacle; Feb. 21, J. B. Nicholson (MI),Sinai; Mar. 20, R. Amos (NY), Sinaito Kadesh Barnea; Apr. 17, J.Mikhael (ON), Kadesh to Jordan.

The Bible Study Program has beenreceiving requests for tapes of thestudies. Tapes will only be sold insets for a whole study year (i.e., noindividual tapes). Funds should beadvanced at the time of ordering ($60CAN to cover the cost of the tapes,study notes and postage.

Copies of the tapes from previous

years can be made available immedi-ately upon request, but tapes for thecurrent study year will only be dis-patched when the studies close inApril 2003. A list of subjects alreadycovered (by study year) can be madeavailable. Send requests (with funds)to: Mr. H.W. Allison

3199 Sovereign Road Burlington, ON L7M 2W1E-mail: [email protected]

UPSTATE SC CONFERENCEThe Piedmont Christian Fellow-

ship (Pendleton, SC) announces aweekend series of special meetings tobe held Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday,Jan. 18. The invited speaker is BillGustafson (SC) who will address thesubject of “New Testament ChurchTruth.” Particular attention will bedevoted to the function of a scripturalassembly and to the family. Meetingson Saturday at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM and

3:00 PM and on Sunday at 11:00 AM.Darryl Jachens at 864-646-9273 [email protected]

TIME FOR HOLIDAYThe saints at Holiday Gospel

Assembly are happy to announcetheir annual Winter Bible Conferenceto be held Feb. 20 and 21, 2004 inHoliday, Florida.

In the will of the Lord, speakersexpected: Mike Attwood (GA) andRoy Hill (England). The theme of theconference will be “Assembly Dis-tinctives.” The conference will con-vene on Friday evening at 7:30 to9:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM

to 3:30 PM. Dinner served at noon onSaturday. For further information:

Lee Cappiello at 727-845-4572 Email:[email protected]

ADVANCE PLANNINGThe 49th Dallas Area Conference

The anti-Christian opposition in spreading. Use gospel freedom now!

APERSECUTION IN…AUSTRALIA?

F R O N T L I N E S ✒

An Australian court case against two Christians was set to continue today, afterthe Islamic Council of Victoria broadened its complaint to add not just the speak-ers at a seminar about Islam, but the entire seminar, including its “style, audi-ence reaction and atmosphere.” Defense attorneys had requested a two-weekdelay to prepare to face the additional charges, but the judge denied their request.

The Islamic Council of Victoria filed a complaint saying that ChristiansDanny Nalliah and Daniel Scot “vilified Muslims” at a seminar on jihad onMarch 9, 2002, a violation of Victoria’s “Racial and Religious Toleration Act.” Aconviction would likely result in a heavy fine, and could also mean time in jail.

Nalliah and Scot were lecturing on the differences between Christianity and Islam, and quoted information aboutIslam directly from the Koran and other recognized Islamic sources. The two men will not be allowed to argue dur-ing their defense whether or not their statements were true, but only on whether or not they incited “hatred against,serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule” of Muslims. “This case is a wake-up call for Western Chris-tians,” said Voice of the Martyrs spokesman Todd Nettleton. “These men are not on trial for telling lies. They are ontrial—in what we would call a free nation—for telling the truth.”

Christians around the world are encouraged to pray for justice in the case. Polite letters of protest can be sent to: Ambassador Michael Thawley, Embassy of Australia, 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036-2273Phone 202-797-3000 Fax 202-797-3168 Email: [email protected]


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F R O N T L I N E S

is scheduled for April 2-4, Lord will-ing. Steve Hulshizer (PA) and AlanParks (SC) will be ministering theWord. The meetings will be held atWheatland Bible Chapel, 1303 W.Wheatland Road, Duncanville, TX75116. For information call:

John Daniels at 972-424-9889Email: [email protected].

SERVICE OPPORTUNITYFood Service Manager

Verdugo Pines Bible Camp is a200-bed camp/retreat center locatedin the Angeles National Forest, at6200' in the San Gabriel Mountainsof Southern California.

They host summer and wintercamps for local assemblies, as well asweekend retreats for various (Christhonoring) groups from Southern Cal-ifornia. They serve 50 to 185 guestson the weekends from September toJune, and average about 120 guesteach day through the summer. Theyare currently seeking a couple orsmall family who can be commendedby their local assembly to fill a posi-tion as Food & Environmental Ser-vices Manager.

Duties would include menu plan-ning, ordering and receiving foodshipments, safe food preparation andpresentation. Food service experiencewould be helpful; leadership & orga-nization skills are a must! Opportuni-ties are available during the summerto lead in staff devotions and eveningBible studies. We will provide on-siteand professional training.

This requires individuals who aremature in their faith, enjoy servingothers, and work well with people. Asalary and a three-bedroom homewith paid utilities is provided, alongwith allowances for gasoline andfood.

If interested, send resume to: Verdugo Pines Bible Camp

Attn: Executive DirectorPO Box 1989Wrightwood, CA. 92397

Registered NursePittsboro Christian Village, Pitts-

boro, NC, has an opening for a Reg-istered Nurse. This person will workwith the management of our AssistedLiving and Care Unit. We are lookingfor a believer with a servant attitude.This is a salaried position with bene-fits. Please pray that God will providewisdom as we seek to fill this posi-tion. If you are interested, please con-tact Dave Dewhurst:

919-542-3151Fax: 919-542-5919E-mail: [email protected]

Camp ManagerWe are asked to pray with the

Board of Trustees of Camp Iroquoinaas they search for a camp manager.Camp Iroquoina is situated on over200 acres in the Endless Mountainsof Pennsylvania near Hallstead. Theyare about 20 minutes from Bingham-ton, NY.

Started by a group of men over 30years ago with a vision of impactinglives for Christ, the camp continuesto do that, with programs that reachevery age group throughout the year.

If your own personal vision mightinclude Camp Iroquoina, please callor e-mail:

Mr. Harry Neil at [email protected]

Office Managerand Public Relations Personnel

Christian Mission for the Deaf inDetroit, MI needs two godly workers:an Office Manager and a Public Rela-tions Person. Each should know theLord and show by daily living his/hercommitment to the Lord; and be self-supported, depending on the Lord

through the gifts of the Lord’s people.The Office Manager must be able

to handle the daily correspondencewith donors, deaf schools, and deafministries in Africa; know or be will-ing to learn sign language and deafculture; prepare the quarterlynewsletter and the annual financialreport for the IRS and the auditor.

If able, he may occasionally doPublic Relations on deputation tripsand at conferences. If a lady is cho-sen, she may be available for ladies’meetings, conferences and retreats.

The Public Relations Personnelmust become familiar with the min-istry of CMD; prepare displayboards, video presentations, pam-phlets, etc.; prepare schedule for talksabout CMD in assemblies, at confer-ences, etc. If a woman is chosen, shemay be available for ladies’ meetings,retreats, conferences, etc.

More information about CMD isfound at:

www.cmdeaf.org Send testimony and resume to:CMD P.O. Box 28005 Detroit, MI 48228-0005 mail to: cmd@cmdeaf

COMMENDATIONSScott and Lynn Degroff

We have been informed of thecommendation of Scott and LynnDegroff to the ministry of our LordJesus Christ. Scott is employed infull-time secular work and has beenactive in the local assembly and sur-rounding meetings ministering God'sWord. Their desire is to be used bythe Lord for the Lord’s people as Heleads them.

The elders and saints of Topeka(KS) Gospel Chapel commend themto the grace of God for His leading asto where He will be pleased to usethem.

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F R O N T L I N E S

HELP NEEDED IN THE GASPEUplook recently received this

communication: “We continue to beencouraged with the Lord’s work hereat the New Carlisle (QC) BibleChapel. We are hoping and praying inthe will of the Lord, that He wouldsend someone to come and teach theWord and preach the gospel, andserve the Lord in this area. If exer-cised, please contact:

Francis Flowers at 418-752-214223 Craig St., Box 307New Carlisle QuebecG0C 1Z0

Dr. Karen McCleanThe assembly of Christians meet-

ing at Fairhaven Bible Chapel, Saska-toon, Saskatchewan, is pleased tocommend to the work of the Lord inZambia, Dr. Karen McClean. Dr.

McClean is ahighly qualifiedphysician. Forseveral years shehas spent part ofeach year in Zam-bia serving theLord and the

Zambian people with her medicalskills. In Zambia she works closelywith other commended workers andin warm fellowship with ZambianChristians and assemblies. It is Dr.

McClean’s desire to continue her ser-vice in Zambia and the assembly ishappy to commend her to the Lord’swork there.

Rebecca HartfordThe believers who meet at New

Liskeard and Elk Lake (ON) count ita joy to heartily commend RebeccaHartford to the work at ImmanuelMission School in Teec Nos Pos, AZ.Rebecca has been serving among theNavajo people as a teacher at theSchool since 2001 and intends tocontinue in this work as the Lordleads.

Milo and Gladys Vande KrolThe believers at Bethany Bible

Chapel, in Cedar Falls, IA, wish toannounce their commendation ofbrother Milo Vande Krol and his wifeGladys to the continuation of hiswork of itinerant ministry and withvarious Bible camps.

The Vande Krols have recentlymoved to nearby Waterloo. Originallycommended in 1957 by the assemblyin Eddyville, IA, they have served theLord for more than 40 years inassembly planting, literature work,camp ministry and Bible teaching.

PRAISE HYMN BOOKSThere are approximately 115

PRAISE! Hymnbooks available,compiled by John W. Peterson & Nor-man Johnson, published by Singspi-ration. They are free, howeverpostage would be required.

Jim Comte at 705-726-1187

HOME FOR SALEA 5-bedroom Cape Cod style

house is for sale on the grounds of theGreenwood Hills Bible conferencegrounds, Fayetteville, PA. For moreinformation, call:

1-800-296-3323, code #3258website: www.lanethrush.com

HOMECALLWilliam J. Troppman Sr.

On September 19, the Lord calledWilliam Troppman Home after a longbattle with Parkinson’s disease. Hewas 86 years of age.

The Troppmans first came intoassembly fellowship at BeechwoodBible Chapel in Pittsburgh in 1961.Twelve years later they moved toNeptune, NJ, where he worked withLoizeaux Brothers for five years. In1978 the Troppmans moved to Sala-manca, NY to work with Camp Li-Lo-Li.

His latter years were spent in fel-lowship with the saints at the NorthAtlanta (GA) assembly. Pleaseremember his family in prayer.

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REACHING ARABS IN DETROITOver 25 million Arab and Muslims live in the Western world. In their native countries it

has become dangerous and almost impossible to reach them for Christ. However, many havecome to live in our midst! Brother Ata G. Mikhael of International Outreach Ministry broad-casts radio programs in the Arabic language over WNZK 690 AM, reaching the GreaterDetroit and Windsor, Canada area. This constitutes the largest concentration of Arab peopleoutside the Middle East. As there is limited programming in the Arabic language, this stationhas a wide listening audience among Arabic people (half a million).

Brother Ata’s desire is to expand these broadcasts to many other cities to share the gospelwith Arab and Muslim people. International Outreach Ministry also offers a variety of print-ed materials that will help educate you and prepare you for better serving and ministering to Arabs and Muslims.You may contact International Outreach Ministry at: P.O. Box 445, Hazel Park, MI 48030

�

MMen of Destiny is a compilation of twelve biographiescovering men of God from a variety of walks of life.The subjects covered by Masters includes: Sir JamesSimpson, the discoverer of chloroform; GeneralWilliam Dobbie, the defender of Malta; Tsar Alexan-der of Russia; John Newton, the slave trader; and vari-ous others. Each mini-biography (all are under 15pages in length) testifies to God’s grace in salvationand in the believer’s life

One of the more unusual stories is that of AlvinReis. Born and raised in Portugal around the turn of the20th century, he made his wayto the colony of Angola with aforged engineering degree in hispocket. By the time he was 23,he had become the colony’s topscientific civil servant anddirector of the railway system.

Driven by greed and sensu-al lust, he lived a debauched lifewhile working towards his goalof becoming a millionaire. As aresult of a fraudulent businessdeal, he found himself in adamp, dark Portuguese prison.While there he hatched ascheme for a far greater fraud.He sold all he had to raise bailmoney and to bribe authoritiesto dismiss the charges. Once outof prison he proceeded over acourse of several years to fraud-ulently obtain millions of dol-lars’ worth of forged Portuguesebank notes. He almost succeeded in taking control ofthe Bank of Portugal and when he was finally foundout, the government was nearly overthrown.

He was imprisoned and an unsuccessful suicideattempt brought him to a prison hospital where anoth-er inmate read to him from the Scriptures. His curiosi-ty led him to read them for himself with the effect that,even as he began working on more forged documentsto try to spread the blame for his crimes on others, he

felt compelled to confess his guilt to the authorities. Soon he did so and was sentenced to 25 years in

the federal prison with the first two years to be servedin solitary confinement. His days in prison were spentgrieving over the innocent people who had been hurtby his schemes. He turned once more to the Scriptureswhich he had earlier discarded. He soon realized thatthe picture of Christianity portrayed in the New Testa-ment was far different from that of the Roman Catholi-cism with which he was familiar. He began to pray toGod for understanding and a short while later a British

missionary sent him a packageof tracts. A correspondencebegan and in a short time Reiscame to faith in Christ.

He immediately began towitness for Christ in the prisonand had a fruitful ministrythere for the remaining years ofhis sentence. Upon his release,he continued to minister andpreach in Lisbon among theevangelical churches until hisdeath in 1955.

Men of Destiny is a bookbound to encourage and thrillthe heart. As well, the materialis presented in such a way thatthe book is a useful evangelis-tic tool, appropriate for givingto someone who might ques-tion whether any “famous”people are Christians.

Publisher: Wakeman Trust © 1968ISBN: 187-085-5035Price: $9.99 Binding: Paper, 172 pages


BOOKSK E V I N S H A N T Z

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Men of DestinyA dozen biographies in one by Peter Masters

Men’s greatest discoveries are inthe field of grace.

• S P E C I A L Uplook G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P P O R T U N I T I E S •

ASSEMBLYSENIOR

RESIDENCES

ASSEMBLYSENIOR

RESIDENCES

YOUR GUIDE TO

& CARE OPTIONS& CARE

OPTIONS

S P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N S

Doing good…especially to the household of faith

TThe Care of the Elderly

The special guide in this issue of Uplookfocuses on the various ministries God hasraised up throughout North America toassist families in providing care toseniors. As Administrator of one of theoldest facilities in the U.S. it sometimescomes as a surprise to people that I don’trecommend everyone should go into aLong Term Care setting. We are certainlythankful that over the years God has put itinto the heart of godly men and women tolay the foundations for the thriving min-istries we see today. However, even theworldling knows “there’s no place likehome!”

We are thankful for every saint who hasquietly and patiently accepted the challengeof opening their home for Mom or Dad. Con-sider some challenges they face:

1. The cost associated with creating a hand-icapped accessible home.

2. The disruption to life’s normal routine.3. The physical and emotional drain of pro-

viding care 24/7, very often without supportor relief.

Despite the challenges, the rewards areself-evident and we certainly want toacknowledge those who are lovingly takingup the challenge.

God’s Word lays a solid foundation, teach-ing how we as individuals and the church areto interact and respond to our seniors.Through example and through explicit teach-ing, we can derive a clear impression of whatis intended by God as far as our relationshipto the elderly is concerned. Our relationshipwith our own parents is a measure of how we

will treat all our elders and authorities. Paulwould remind the Ephesian believers, “Honorthy father and mother, (which is the first com-mandment with promise).”

Of course the circle of the aged with whomwe interact extends well outside the familybonds. Paul, writing to Timothy, expands theteaching to include all elderly and addressesspecifically the different ways in which wid-ows without family and widows with familyshould be treated (see 1 Tim. 5).

“Rebuke not an elder…[entreat] the elderwomen as mothers.” Again we see that theway we treat our parents is pivotal to how wewill treat all seniors in our circle of influence.As we search for examples, we can find nonegreater than our Lord Himself.

Remember that even in His anguish andsuffering at Calvary His mind turned to thatlowly woman who had borne His earthly bodyfor nine months. As He entrusted her care intothe capable hands of one of His dearestfriends and closest confidants, we hear Himsay to Mary, “Woman, behold thy son” and

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B R I A N W I L S O N

then to John, “Behold thy mother.” Those who are entrusted with this type of

relationship are granted a high honor andawesome responsibility. Let us pray for thesewho, like John, are taking on the role of beingson or daughter to the fathers and mothers ofothers. Let us support and encourage those

families whose circumstances make it unwiseor impossible to provide the care in their ownhome. Let us draw alongside those in ourassemblies who have embraced the challengeand may suffer discouragement, isolation andfrustration. “Bear ye one another’s burdensand so fulfill the law of Christ”

T H E C A R E O F T H E E L D E R L Y

A N N E V A N D E R L A A N

After nearly fifty years of life in India itwas a startling and radical culture shockto return to life in America. It was arude awakening following a completelydifferent life in another culture. For along time, I felt totally out of place. Itwas as if I did not belong. The first fewmonths were spent with relatives whowere kindness itself to me, but I felt asense of unrest and instability. I just didnot belong.

Through the thoughtful interest of afriend I was introduced to a Home forsenior citizens, a Home with a warmChristian atmosphere. The matter ofcoming here to be a part of this Homewas made, and the Lord seemed toassure me it was the correct move. TheLord caused me to realize that I do nothave to altogether see the way aheadimmediately, but rather trust the Onewho is the Way. The Care Home complexproved to be a delightful family offriends who warmly welcomed a new-comer. In a comparatively short time Ibegan to feel I did belong, and gladlyaccepted this as God’s will for me.

The family spirit here is exhilarating

as almost everyoneis aware of the needsof others, and willinghands are prepared toshare the problems of others. Unexpect-ed illnesses and other infirmities arepart of life, but especially of seniors.However, here others share the problemsand are there to comfort and encouragein practical and loving ways. Also, thereare the many activities everyone canparticipate in and enjoy together. Thelove of God is clearly manifested in thewarm family spirit that exists among allwho make the Home their home. Eachone here realizes that we have an influ-ence on others to encourage and assistas the Lord directs. To serve others inlove is a service for the Lord. Remem-bering that our days on the earth arelimited, there is a sense of urgency inour daily living. The Lord is comingsoon and we anticipate the great joy ofbeing Home with Him forever. Then weshall really belong. We thank Him forHis constant loving care and provisionof a God-honoring Home here and now,as well as eternal life with Christ.

One Sister’s Experience

S P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N S iii

BETHESDACENTER

BLENHEIMLODGE

CONNAUGHT HOME

ELIMHOMES

EL-NATHAN HOME

GRACE CHRISTIAN HOME

LIGHT-HAVENHOME

LINN MANOR CARE CENTER

PARKDALEMANOR

PARK OF THE PALMS

PITTSBOROCHRISTIAN VILLAGE

REST HAVENHOMES

WESTERNASSEMBLIES HOME

F A C T S a t Y O U R F I N G E R T I P S

S P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N Siv

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vS P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N S

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It’s up to you.

IChoosing a Senior Home

In those last moments on the cross, the Lordsaid to His disciple John, “Behold thy moth-er! And from that hour that disciple took herunto his own home” (Jn. 19:27). With thosewords Mary was provided for, in a Christianhome. I believe the Lord set an example for usthat, when possible, a Christian senior’s homeis the ideal place for His people when theycan no longer care for themselves or havefamily that cannot meet their care needs.

As an administrator of a Christian not-for-profit Care Home for over seven years, I haveinterviewed and counseled many families onplacement in a Long Term Care setting. Mostoften the need for placement was urgent orimminent. It has rarely been part of a long-term plan for future needs. This article mayoffer some avenues of approach to assist youto begin making preparation toward a future

possible decision about Senior Housingplacement.

There are three simple steps we might fol-low:

1. Establish your care needs 2. Evaluate your options 3. Expedite your decisionLet’s take a closer look at each one and how

it can assist us in arriving at a decision.

1. Establish your care needsNeeds are different than desires and we

should not confuse the two. The need aspect isdetermined by your physical functioning,financial circumstances and social supportssuch as family availability, but also includingseeking an environment that is conducive tospiritual nourishment.

The desire aspect is what may appeal toyou. The idea of how your-self or others might perceivea certain setting. “Whatwould people think if I livedin this or that facility?” Or,the “image” of an upscalefacility compared to themore humble surroundingsof an older home. Ultimately,a decision based on desiremay result in unhappy cir-cumstances for you, yourfamily members and yourcircle of friends.

2. Evaluate your optionsThere are many differenttypes of providers in the

G E R R Y C R O T E A U

vi


realm of senior care. They include:CCRC: This acronym stands for Continu-

ing Care Retirement Community anddescribes an organization where one can enteras a generally independent senior with somewritten assurance of continuing care throughthe remainder of your natural life, despitechanges in your health status.

Hospice Care: This can be provided in thehome or a facility. It aims to improve the qual-ity of life and relieve suffering for terminalpatients.

Community Support Services/In HomeCare: These services allow you to remain inyour home in a comfortable and safe manner.The services can include nursing care, thera-pies, meal preparation and homemaking.

Retirement or Care Homes: These homesprovide accommodation in a residential set-ting. Their care will vary, and may includemeals, laundry, housekeeping and 24-hourstaffing. In some case there are levels of nurs-

ing for supervising medications and a degreeof personal care to assist with the activities ofdaily living. These facilities are not generallysubsidized by government programs.

Assisted Living: These are facilities thatprovide for those who are frail and requiresupervision. Assistance may be available fordressing, bathing and frequent assistance withthe activities of daily living. These may ormay not be subsidized by government pro-grams.

Long Term Care Homes/Nursing Homes:These homes are for those who are not able tolive independently and require 24-hour nurs-ing care. Most of these homes will qualify forgovernment subsidy, but since not all Homesparticipate, it is always best to inquire beforemoving in.

3. Expedite Your DecisionOnce you have determined your needs and

assessed your options with family and friendsit is time to put into place your decision. Startwith visits to facilities by prearranging eachvisit. Make appointments with the Admis-sions Director or Care Manager as this willenable a smooth and productive visit.Remember to ask questions and take notes. Itis also advisable to bring a family member ora friend. Don’t be shy about interviewing res-idents who are already living in the facility.Hearing their perspective first hand mayallow an insight you may otherwise not have.Inquire if the facility is part of an associationand is it accredited or licensed. In other wordswhat are their standards as to care levels,health and safety features, and nursing forexample. Finally, ask about trial periods, leaseagreements or any type of contract that youmay be asked to sign.

Remember—it’s up to you.

C H O O S I N G A S E N I O R H O M E

vii

�


BETHESDA CHRISTIANRETIREMENT CENTER

Bethesda Christian Retirement Center hasbeen providing care to believers and retiredcommended workers and missionaries forover thirty years. We are fully licensed andwork with government programs available formedical and financial assistance of residents.

A small assembly meets at Bethesda eachSunday morning for breaking of bread. Biblestudy and prayer meeting are a vital part ofour weekly activities.

Bethesda is located in the moderate climateof the Northern California Bay Area, withaverage temperatures from the 50s in winterto the 70s in summer. Situated adjacent to thedowntown area of Hayward, it’s only twoblocks to shopping and public transportation.

Bethesda residents are provided with com-fortable accommodations including cheerfulresidential housing for independent seniors,assisted living units for those in need of assis-tance, and a skilled nursing section providingtwenty-four hour nursing care.

For more information, contact:Ted Grant, AdministratorBethesda Christian Retirement Center22427 Montgomery StreetHayward, CA 94541Phone 510-538-8300Fax 510-538-8443

BLENHEIM LODGEOur care facility, Blenheim Lodge, has 109

intermediate care beds and is situated on itsown triangular block in the upscale Dunbarresidential area of Vancouver. Located on aNorth-slope, we overlook the greenery of Kit-silano, the buildings of downtown Vancouver,and the forests of the North Shore mountains.Over 40% of the staff have worked at theLodge for more than 10 years—some for over30 years—providing “Quality Care in aChristian Setting.” Surrounding chapels visiteach Sunday to lead worship and Bible study,and some residents and staff take turns bring-ing a Bible thought each breakfast and gracebefore each meal. For further information:

Derek Morton, AdministratorBlenheim Lodge3263 Blenheim StreetVancouver, BC V6L 2X7Phone 604-732-8717Fax 604-732-7316Email [email protected]

CONNAUGHT HOMEConnaught Home is nestled against the

shores overlooking Lake Massawippi in the

H O M E S A C R O S S N O R T H A M E R I C A

viii

Some Options Open to Senior Saints in North America


picturesque village of North Hatley. Built atthe turn of the century as a stately familyhome, Connaught Home is now a privateChristian retirement home which can accom-modate 40 residents on three floors with ele-vator service and a fully secure infirmary.Most rooms have a private bathroom. Manyof the rooms are decorated in the warmth andcharm of a bygone era. Our hospitality isunmatched and the individual care given toeach resident is personalized and complete.

Nutritious homestyle meals are served in ourcomfortable dining room with particularattention to variety and special diets.

For further information, contact:Richard F. Tracy, Executive DirectorConnaught Home77 rue MainNorth Hatley, QC J0B 2C0Phone 819-847-7164Fax 819-841-7661Email [email protected]


ix

NOTE: Only those ministries that sent material are included in this Guide. Other ministries for seniors associatedwith assemblies of believers may be found in the greater Toronto area, Port Colborne, ON, and North Augusta, SC,to name some.

ELIM HOMESElim Homes, situated on beautiful Geor-

gian Bay, has for almost 60 years, served theLord’s people and others who may be out ofthe way. Special attention to detail and per-sonal care planning makes Elim of particularinterest to the Lord’s people who desire andwant to maintain assembly contact and fel-lowship.

For further information, contact:G. L. CroteauElim HomesPO Box 10Waubaushene, ON L0K 2C0 Phone 705-538-2231Fax 705-538-0562

EL-NATHAN HOMEEl-Nathan Home is located in the pic-

turesque foothills of the Ozark Mountains inthe southeast area of the state of Missouri,100 miles west of Cape Girardeau and theMississippi River. High on a ridge overlook-ing the city of Marble Hill, it is surrounded by30 acres of lawn and woodland which affordquiet privacy. The 20 resident rooms of thehome are all single occupancy, giving com-plete privacy. Each room has a private halfbath. Basic medical and first aid care, includ-ing supervision of medications, is providedby a staff of certified technicians supervisedby the staff registered nurse. Transportation, ifneeded, is available to keep local doctor’sappointments, etc. For more information,contact:

SuperintendentEl-Nathan Home, Inc.205 El-Nathan DriveMarble Hill, MO 63764-0229Phone 573-238-2869Fax 573-238-2345Email [email protected]

GRACE CHRISTIAN HOMELocated on the outskirts of Lennoxville in

a pastoral setting overlooking the hills of theMassawippi River Valley, Grace ChristianHome offers country charm in a relaxed com-munity atmosphere. With 50 beds in the mainbuilding, four semi-detached units and threeprivate cottages, we can offer accommodationto independent seniors and those who needmore assistance, including a secure infirmary.Long term care under the supervision oflicensed staff is available in our well-equipped infirmary. Regular entertainment,activities, and outings ensure a friendly home-like environment. Our hospitality isunmatched and the individual care given toeach resident is personalized and complete.Nutritious home-style meals arc served in ourcomfortable dining room, with particularattention to variety and special diets. Hunt-ingville Community Church is right next doorand offers regular services and activities. Formore information:

Richard F. Tracy, Executive DirectorGrace Christian Home1501 rue CampbellLennoxville, QC J1M 2A3Phone 819-569-0546Fax 819-569-3829Email [email protected]

LIGHT-HAVEN HOMELight-Haven is a Christian Home for

Seniors and is not a nursing home. We do nothave nurses on duty, although medical assis-tance is available when required. The home isstaffed on a 24-hour basis, so there is alwaysa staff member available to attend to yourneeds. Light-Haven Home Inc. offers the fol-lowing features and amenities:

Whirlpool tub and lift chair, single roomseach with four-piece bathrooms, home


S P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N Sx


cooked meals, individual heat control inrooms, laundry services and housekeepingprovided, hair dressing salon, call button ineach room, cable TV and phones available,close to shops, bank and post office. Forinformation contact:

Light-Haven Home Inc.PO Box 87, Bruce Mines, ON P0R 1C0Phone/Fax 705-785-9975 Website www.lighthavenhome.com

LINN MANOR CARE CENTERGrand Haven Homes Inc. is a non-profit

organization doing business as Linn Manor

Care Center. This is a 44-bed nursing homeproviding 24-hour health care services with alicensed nurse on every shift. Linn ManorCare Center has been in operation in Marion,Iowa, since 1979. The Gospel Hall Assem-blies of Christians, who gather in the Name ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, built the home. Serviceis provided primarily for members. Duringtimes of low census, for those who wouldappreciate a conservative Christian atmos-phere, opportunity for occupancy is given topeople from the community.

One- and two-bedroom apartments, forindependent or limited assistance, are locatedacross the street on Elim Drive. Construction

for more units is planned. For additionalinformation, write or call:

Grant HagenLinn Manor Care Center1140 Elim DriveMarion, IA 52302-5899Phone 319-377-4611 Fax 319-377-4612Email: [email protected]

PARKDALE MANORParkdale Manor, less than one mile from

Blenheim Lodge, offers newly rebuilt one-and two-bedroom apartments for independentseniors. A pastoral care worker coordinatessome social events and home support is avail-able from community workers. For moreinformation, contact:

Alan ClarkeParkdale Manor4425 Trafalgar StreetVancouver, BC V6L 2M7Phone 604-737-1125

PARK OF THE PALMS Park of the Palms is situated on twenty-two

acres of beautifully landscaped campusfronting on Lake Brooklyn in north Florida.Located about half a mile west of KeystoneHeights on State Road 100, Park of the Palmshas modern facilities for independent living,


xi


and for personally assisted living the yearround. Recreational facilities are available toboth permanent residents and guests at BibleConferences scheduled throughout the year.The North Florida location enjoys moderateweather during both summer and winter.Leave your snow shovel at home! Delectablemeals for residents and guests are daily featured in our spacious glass dining roomoverlooking the lake.

Special facilities are available for thoseneeding assisted care. Write or call:

Park of the Palms706 Palms Circle Keystone Heights, FL 32656-8016Phone 352-473-4926Fax 352-473-6113

PITTSBORO CHRISTIAN VILLAGEPittsboro Christian Village is located in the

historical Piedmont section of beautiful North

Carolina. The Village is just the place for theretiring adult who desires the right combina-tion of solitude, programmed activity, warmfriendship, assembly fellowship and conve-nience. Nearby Raleigh, Durham, and ChapelHill provide city luxuries, while the smalltown of Pittsboro is rich with culture. Thehometown, neighborly feel of the Villagegives residents a sense of safety, security, and

belonging. It could be just the place you’vebeen looking for to meet your needs for anenjoyable, dignified retirement. Contact:

Dave DewhurstPittsboro Christian Village, Inc.1825 East StreetPittsboro NC 21312Phone 919-542-3151Fax 919-542-5919

WESTERN ASSEMBLIES HOMEThe Western Assemblies Home is a unique

place for elderly saints to live. It is first andforemost a Christ-filled Home and all resi-dents have at some time in their life fellow-shipped in a Brethren Assembly.

Accommodations are provided in the mainbuilding consisting of one or two rooms. Ifmore independent living is desired, the resi-dents can enjoy the comforts of a cottagewithin walking distance of the Home. All res-idents in the main building or cottages enjoythe same benefits: Christian living, threemeals a day, laundry and cleaning.

The Claremont Bible Chapel is located oneblock away. The weather in Southern Califor-nia is conducive to spending time outside,walking, gardening, etc. The village of Clare-mont is only 5 blocks away for shopping andvisiting the library. All the residents can enjoythe activities of the Home, entertainment withvideos, exercise classes, hand painting andBible studies.

Do come, visit for a week, and try us out.We know you will enjoy your time spent here.For more information, contact:

Lynn Hughes, AdministratorWestern Assemblies Home350 Berkeley Avenue,Claremont CA 91711 Phone 909-626-3711Fax 909-626-4493


xii

�

he story of Rest Havenis a tapestry, interwo-ven with prayers andpraises, trials, testing,and tears, along with amultitude of thanksgiv-ings. At the start justtwo dear sisters were

provided with necessary care and shelter. In1943, the Lord led Grace Pell to becomemore involved in the work of Rest HavenHomes, Inc. Though deeply involved inChristian literature printing and distribution,Grace had been a regular visitor and prayerpartner with the couple first entrusted withthe care of those at Rest Haven. Some nineyears earlier, Grace had visited Sister AbigailTownsend at the El-Nathan Home. SisterAbigail had challenged Grace to pray aboutgetting involved in such a ministry. Now, shestepped out in faith to assume full responsi-bility of the work. Her trust was wholly in theLord to provide for both her own needs andfor the needs of Rest Haven. She was confi-dent that where God guides, He provides.

The ensuing years saw God's rich blessing.It became necessary to move from one hometo another. Finally, in 1963, the first buildingwas completed at the present location. TheLord has enlarged our borders and today ourcampus includes forty-eight apartments forindependent living; the home for the aged,licensed to serve 49; and the nursing wing,licensed to serve 25. We depend on a kindstaff of over 70 and many countless volunteerhours.

The one outstanding characteristic of RestHaven is fellowship with like-minded believ-ers. Many of our residents have spent theirChristian lives gathered with other believerswith the Lord Jesus Christ as their center.There are other dear Christians at RestHaven and all share a common love for theLord Jesus Christ. All our meals begin withprayer and a reading of Scripture. Tuesdays,our ladies and men have separate Bible stud-ies. Sometimes guest missionary speakerswill visit and speak at the studies. Wednes-day evenings, the Rest Haven bus takes ableresidents to one of the three local assembliesfor the weekly prayer meeting. Sunday morn-ing the Rest Haven bus takes any interestedand able saints over to the local assemblywhere they can remember the Lord.

For those who cannot get out, we have aRemembrance Meeting in the Home everySunday afternoon. Sunday evening we gath-er around the piano to wind down the daywith songs of worship and praise. Often localChristians from the nearby assemblies comeand join us. Friday evening too the Home isalive with songs of praise as friends come tojoin us for a singspiration. You are invited tocome and find your place with us. Contact:

Brian WilsonRest Haven Homes, Inc.1424 Union NEGrand Rapids, MI 49505Phone 616-363-6819Fax 616-363-1658Email [email protected] www.resthavenhomes.org

S P E C I A L G U I D E T O S E N I O R C A R E O P T I O N S xiii

TTStep by Step: The Path of FaithThe Testimony of Rest Haven Homes


MMany estate planning decisions confront anelderly person. These issues are not limited tothe elderly or to those moving into an assistedliving or full care facility. In fact, prudentplanning requires that we consider them longbefore such a time. Human nature being whatit is, however, important planning matters areoften left until later in life, and they take onparticular urgency when facing life-changingdecisions, such as moving into an assisted liv-ing or full care facility.

On the surface, many of these decisionswould appear to have only secular signifi-cance, and I have heard the excuse offeredmore than once that engaging in too muchplanning amounts to becoming “entangled inthe cares of this world.” I would submit thatmany of these seemingly secular decisionscarry very significant spiritual conse-quences—particularly for a good steward ofthe Lord Jesus Christ. Exercising good stew-ardship is the premise underlying this article,and it will briefly discuss one of the issues weall need to resolve sooner rather than later.

Perhaps the most urgent estate planningissue to settle is that of naming someone tomake asset and health care decisions for youin the event you become unable to do so. Thisis generally accomplished by executing apower of attorney for property and a power of

attorney for health care. Executing powers ofattorney is a very simple planning step, butfailure to take it has caused major problemsand incurred significant costs for the estatesof many.

If you fail to execute a power of attorneyindicating the person or persons to makeproperty and health care decisions for you inthe event of disability, all such decisions willhave to be made by a guardian appointed bythe state. Assuming there is no dispute of dis-ability, the process sounds deceptively sim-ple: (i) an interested party files a petitionalleging you are disabled and that a guardianshould be appointed; (ii) the court appoints anattorney to represent you (to ensure nobody istaking advantage of you); (iii) a hearing isheld to determine competency; and (iv) aguardian is appointed by the court. This is anintentional oversimplification of the process,and if there are any disputes over your dis-ability or over who should be appointed to actas guardian, the process becomes very quick-ly complicated and expensive, not to mentionhumiliating by making your competency partof a public court proceeding.

In the end, all of the bills for the attorneys,doctors, and others involved are paid fromyour assets. In addition, you will not likelyhave input into who the court appoints to act

W I L L I A M R . G U S T O F F

xiv

Secular Decisions with Spiritual Implications


as your guardian. Simple powers of attorney,which generally are inexpensive and easilyexecuted, name the person or persons youwish to make decisions for you and will usu-ally avoid the need for a guardianship. Com-bined with other prudent planning, such as arevocable living trust, powers of attorney canprovide an effective protection against thecomplications, expense, and humiliation of aguardianship proceeding. Even if guardian-ship is required, some states’ statutory powersof attorney designate the agent named in thatdocument to be appointed as guardian. Evenif your state’s form does not provide forappointment of the agent to act as guardian,you have at least taken steps to indicate yourwishes to the appointing judge.

Why would this have any spiritual signifi-cance? First, just as the Lord has entrustedcertain assets to our stewardship, we need totake the steps to ensure we appoint prudentstewards to act in our stead. More often thannot, one or more family members make for agood choice to act as guardian; but that is notalways the case. Eli entrusted his keep (i.e.,ministering as a priest before the Lord) to histwo sons, which would have been expectedunder the custom of the day (1 Sam. 2). TheLord’s rebuke of Eli in chapters 2 and 3 wouldindicate that Eli was not constrained to

appoint his sons, but he did. What was theresult? It was disaster for Eli’s house (ch. 4).

Likewise, who we select to make decisionson our behalf for property or health care mat-ters will reflect on our stewardship, bothbefore the Lord and as a witness to the worldaround us. Without proper planning, someoneappointed by a judge may make life and deathdecisions you would never have made. Theywill be deciding how your assets are to beused, and such assets may be put to ungodlyuses without your knowledge or consent.

Powers of attorney are really the simplestand first step for planning in a way thatbecomes a good steward of the Lord. Manyattorneys and others are capable of giving youthe technical counsel needed to make sureminimal planning needs are met. But I wouldurge you to seek godly counsel in makingeven the simplest of estate planning deci-sions. Proverb 1:1 tells us, “Blessed is theman that walketh not in the counsel of theungodly…” Godly counsel comes only fromGod’s people. Believers Stewardship Servicesand other Christian organizations exist to pro-vide godly counsel to Christians as they seekto fulfill their responsibilities of sound stew-ardship in this area of life.William R. Gustoff is General Counsel serving with

Believers Stewardship Services, Inc.

S E C U L A R D E C I S I O N S W I T H S P I R I T U A L I M P L I C A T I O N S

�

xv

2250 Chaney RoadDubuque, IA 52001-2913Phone 888-338-7810Website www.believerstewardship.org

The BSS Team (l. to r.): Andrew C. Tuecke, David M. Allison,

Lorraine Allison, and William R. Gustoff.


The heritage and vision of Sister Abigail continues.

IPast Mercies; Future Promise

It was in November of 1901 when AbigailTownsend Luffe arrived in Buffalo, NewYork from England. Within days she hadinvolved herself in caring for the physicaland spiritual needs of those less fortunate.Later, as one might expect, Sister Abigail’sapartment could not squeeze in anothersoul in need. Feeling led to “enlarge theplace of [her] tent” Mrs. Luffe was led topurchase a large home on North Circle in Buf-falo; the work became known as El-Nathan. Havingbeen moved to Marble Hill, Missouri, the work contin-ues to minister to the needs of elderly believers.

During the 1940’s there was a stirring across NorthAmerica as several assembly Homes were born. In1936, Sister Abigail challenged Grace Pell to begin asimilar work in Michigan. In 1940, a work was begunnear Grand Rapids to meet the needs of some believerswhose only alternative seemed the “poor farm.” RestHaven Homes was incorporated 1941. Western Assem-blies Home was established in Claremont, California in1943 to meet the need of retiring assembly missionar-ies who were without a home or lodging. Later theirvision enlarged to serve all believers who, at somepoint in their lives, fellowshipped in a gospel hall orchapel. Elim Homes, (near Midland, ON) was born in1945 as a result of five brethren seeking the Lord’sguidance how to provide security, shelter and love forelderly persons. They opened with the admission ofthree sisters. Connaught Homes in Quebec was begunto serve believers in 1957. Today their vision hasexpanded to serve any in need of long-term care.

Then during the 1970’s the assemblies saw anotherstirring as several more homes opened. BethesdaHome (Hayward, CA) grew from a board and carehome which an assembly had begun. In 1972, as careneeds increased, other assemblies prayerfully andfinancially worked together to build a home. Bethes-da’s main purpose was caring for full-time workers.Pittsboro Christian Village in North Carolina was orig-inally a children’s home. In 1972 the work transitionedinto a retirement home where the necessities of life aremet as well as the fellowship needs of the Lord’s peo-

ple. The Village has added independent homesas well as a care unit. Linn Manor Care Cen-ter (Marion, IA) opened its doors in August1979 to care for the aged saints of theassemblies in the northeast Iowa area.Tracing the varied roots of our assemblyhomes has been heart-warming. For over a

hundred years assemblies have been faithful-ly ministering to the needs of their elder saints

and we are saddened at the closing of long-estab-lished ministries in recent years. Time and space

does not allow us to recount all the stories of how theLord has met the needs of each ministry. We will neverknow all the ways that residents and families have beenblessed, nor the impact in the hearts and lives of staffmembers who labored in the work.

Our concern is the future of these assembly min-istries. There are great challenges. As the availabilityand selection of quality senior care options hasincreased, some homes have seen a decrease in thenumber of assembly believers who are willing to trav-el to live in an assembly setting. Another challengefaced by many homes is a shortage of help. Manyyoung people used to happily sacrifice worldly wealthand fame to serve in our assembly homes. Now morethan ever, the glamour and glitter of material accumu-lations distracts the believer and there are fewer willingto take the lowly path of service. The increase in regu-lations has placed a burden on our Homes and theirleaders need wisdom in not only meeting these legisla-tive demands but even exceeding them.

Lastly, each ministry has those who are supportedby benevolent funds. As the costs of care haveincreased, many Homes have experienced an increaseddemand on their subsidy funds. In all of these chal-lenges the prayers and exercise of God’s people isneeded.

Unknown to Sister Abigail, the modern assemblylong-term-care movement first stirred in her heart. Oneof her guiding principles was: “Look to God alone forevery need and believe in faith that He will answer.”May each of our Homes find the same guiding princi-ple leading us into the unchartered waters ahead.

T E R R Y C A R R I C K

xvi


II was born into a large Catholic family in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada in 1954. My parents hadtwelve children. I had three older brothers and two sis-ters who were already married or living on their own.The other four boys and three girls lived with our par-ents in a four-bedroom house. Needless to say, timemanagement and self-control were lessons I learnedquickly—since there was only one bathroom!

My mom and dad were good, hard-working peoplewho were well-liked by the whole neighborhood. Mydad always had time to help others, even when it meantsacrifice on his part. Mom was like a general and kepteverything going. But their top priority was getting usto the Catholic Church every Sunday.

Being raised in this religious system, I developed agreat respect for our priests. They were God’s “middlemen” in my mind. They were the only ones who readfrom the Bible. Our family did have a Bible that wasabout a foot thick but no one ever opened it except toinsert death or wedding announcements. I also thoughthighly of the priests because they would make housecalls with the doctor if anyone in our family was sick.The doctor would give us a needle or a prescription andthe priest would “bless” the sick one and the house.

I also believed that the local priests took care of allour spiritual needs in God’s sight. Their relationshipwith God was like a blanket insurance policy that cov-ered all the members of the church. Since the priestseemed to have the “God Department” taken care offor me, I figured the only thing left for me to do waslead a good life. To me, this meant being kind to oth-ers, not breaking any of the commandments (which atone time I thought was possible), doing good things inthe community, and making sure to go to confession atleast every two weeks in case I slipped up.

So this was my life. I put confidence in my priestsand lived in a way that I was sure God would approveof. Yet, down deep, I knew there was something just notright.

I eventually married my wife, Shirley, in 1975. Astime went on, I learned that some people actually didread their Bibles. Shirley had a Bible and read it. I triedreading hers but it made no sense to me at that time.

Shirley encour-aged me to goto a chapel sheattended withher mother. SoI did—as thechauffeur. Idropped the twoladies off andpicked them up.That’s as close as Igot to her ‘church.’

As time went on, we dis-covered that we would have no bio-logical children. So we decided to become foster par-ents. One thing I always believed was that childrenshould be taken to church so that they could learnabout God. But this belief backfired on me: If I felt sostrongly about the children learning about God, thenwhy didn’t I go in too? And so my wife convinced meto get out of the parking lot and into the chapel.

I sat during the meetings and listened to the mes-sages. Usually on the way home, my wife would askme what I thought about the meeting. I remember myanswers being about the same each time. “It was goodbut…why do they always talk directly to me when theygive their message?” She would always just smile. Iwas sure this was some kind of conspiracy to make meone of “them”—you know, someone who actuallyreads his own Bible.

But it didn’t take long before I was arranging ridesto Sunday School for the kids or just dropping them offagain. My biggest concern was that I might becomeone of “them.” So I came up with a list of excuses whyI didn’t go.

When my mother-in-law passed away, my wifeasked me to go with her every Sunday. Realizing whatshe was going through after her mother’s passing, Istarted going with her to the eleven o’clock meeting,the Family Bible Hour.

There was one speaker who always gave me thesense that not only was he talking right to me but hegenuinely cared about me. His name was Mr. Boyd

L E N W E B B

25

And so was I!

The Birds were Silenced

SAVED!


Nicholson. One Sunday, Boyd asked me if he and hisson Jabe could come over that evening to have a talk.My mind said “No, no, no!” but the answer out of mymouth was “Yes.”

When Boyd asked me what time would be good, Itold him six o’clock. I also told him that I had a hock-ey game at seven o’clock so I could only give himabout twenty minutes. I figured he would say thatmaybe another time would be better.

Instead, he said: “That’s great! We’ll see you at six!”All the way home from the meeting (and most of the

afternoon) I kept accusing my wife of setting me up. Ikept asking her what they wanted and why she didn’tsay that we had something else planned for theevening. Her answer to me was simple: “I didn’t say‘Yes’; you did.” I asked her to call Boyd and cancel. Ireally didn’t care what excuse she gave.

Again, her response was simple. “You want to can-cel? Then you call him!”

Well, for whatever reason, I just couldn’t make thecall. I remembered what I had told Boyd about myhockey game and that I could only give him and Jabeabout twenty minutes. Plus, I was sure that my threeparrots in the living room would drive them away pret-ty quickly. The birds always started to squawk up astorm whenever strangers came into our house.

Around 5:30, I started looking out the front windowand walking to the door every five minutes or so. Mywife asked me, “What are you doing?”

I told her, “They’re probably going to show up earlyso they can have more time with me.”

Without fail, she came up with one of those simplereplies: “They told you six; then they’ll be here at six!”

Finally, six o’clock came and there was a knock atthe door. It was “them.” I invited Boyd and Jabe intothe living room and, just as if I had planned it, the birdsstarted up. Jabe asked, “Are they always that noisy?”

Now I felt great. They wouldn’t last long with mybirds around. I thought, “Maybe I could strike up aconversation about my birds and by the time we finishtalking about them, it’ll be time for these guys to go.”

My wife asked if they would like a cup of tea, thenwent out to the kitchen to make it. All three birds werestill in hysterics with their ear-piercing shrieks. Boydwalked up to the cage and asked me the name of eachparrot. What happened next got my attention totally.

Boyd began to calmly talk to the birds. “Now listen,I need you three to be quiet. There’s something impor-tant that we need to talk to Len about.”

To my utter amazement, one by one, all three par-rots became silent. So did I! Looking back, I wonder ifit was almost like Daniel’s experience: My God hathsent His angel, and hath shut the birds’ mouths! In anycase, I was now ready to listen.

Jabe started talking to me about good works and thefact that we are all sinners and that we can’t earn ourway to heaven by the good things we do. This was pret-ty tough for a 46-year-old Catholic to hear, much lessunderstand! The hardest part was that I couldn’t reallyargue with them because all their points were takenright from the Bible. I knew enough that I couldn’targue with the Bible!

It wasn’t long before I had forgotten about my“twenty minute” plan—but not Boyd. He looked at thetime and said, “Well, our time is up. But before we go,I would like you to have something.” It was a hardcover book entitled One Day at a Time by WilliamMacDonald.

“How much money do you want for it?” I asked. “Oh nothing, it’s just a little gift.” I was genuinely

touched by his generosity. I knew that they both caredfor me.

Well, nothing used to get in the way of my hockeybut that evening I asked them both to stay because Ihad some questions I needed answered. I never didmake it to hockey. We talked for a long time and thatnight, the seed was planted.

A short while after their visit, just before Boydpassed away, I trusted Christ as my Saviour. I acknowl-edged that I was the sinner mentioned in Romans 3:23,“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory ofGod.” I also asked the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart,knowing that He came and died on that cross for me,and was raised from the dead to sit at the right hand ofGod so my sins could be forgiven. Having been raisedin a religion that placed a lot of stress on my works, Iwas relieved to read the simple truth in Romans 10:9,“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LordJesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hathraised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Since I have been saved, my wife and I have comeinto fellowship at a local assembly in St. Catharines.We have joined a small group Bible study held by a fewfolks from the chapel. We are studying the Gospel ofJohn. I am also teaching a primary Sunday Schoolclass.

And I am really enjoying my new life in Christ.

T H E B I R D S W E R E S I L E N C E D

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He did!

TThe word “refresh” does not appear in John 13:1-17,but in that passage we have the account of the LordJesus doing exactly that—refreshing His disciples bywashing the dust from their travel-weary feet.

Few things are more powerful than a good example,and I doubt if the disciples ever forgot that incrediblesight. What they saw was the Lord Himself rising fromthe place where He might have been waited on, layingaside His outer garments—identifying Him as to whoHe was, taking a towel and girding Himself with it as ahousehold slave might have done. Then, after pouringwater into a basin, He went from disciple to disciple,washing and drying their feet.

The disciples did not always get along and their firstthought was not always that of refreshing one another.In fact, during the last meal that Jesus had with His dis-ciples, right after He had broken bread with them, theywere concerned more about selfish interests than aboutone another. Luke wrote, “Now there was also a strifeamong them, which should be accounted the greatest”(Lk. 22:24). Think of it! Within sight of Calvary thedisciples were taken up with selfish ambition.

In light of the urgency of reaching the unreachedwith the gospel, and within sight of the Lord’s return,we might suppose that as believers we would neverquarrel and would certainly never allow anything todivide us, or cause problems in our relationships. Infact, one could suppose that we would do everythingwithin our power to refresh one another as we serve theLord in the harvest field together. Unfortunately, this isnot always the case with us as it was not with Jesus’disciples.

After He had finished washing their feet, Jesus satdown again and wonderfully unfolded the way to a lifethat refreshes others. He did this by asking a question,giving an admonition, and offering a promise.

THE QUESTION

Jesus’ question to His disciples (found in v. 12) isone we must allow Him to ask us if we would berefreshing to others. The question is simply, “Know yewhat I have done to you?”

Of course Jesus’ question would cause His disciplesto immediately think back on what they had just wit-nessed. They had seen their Lord with the basin ofwater and a towel going from one disciple to another,kneeling before them and washing their hot, dusty feet.The simple answer to His question was, “Yes, we knowwhat you did to us. You washed our feet.” But can yousee the true import of His question? It went far beyondthe basin and the towel!

What Jesus really wanted to know was if they werecoming to understand how He was always among themas one that served. Had they noticed He had justrefreshed them by humbling Himself and taking theservant’s position? He had just shown love, grace,kindness, compassion, care and an amazing humility astheir Lord and Master to serve them.

As we allow Jesus’ question to be directed to us per-sonally, what is our answer?

Knowing what Christ has done for you is the veryfoundation for living a life that is a refreshment to oth-ers. In fact, the greatest cause of trouble in relation-ships between believers is a lack of understanding howthe grace of God has touched our lives. If we are nothumbled by the grace of God extended to us, we willnot be inclined to extend grace toward others. There isa principle that applies to us as members of the Bodyof Christ, and it is this: The more we understand whatChrist has done for us, the more we respond in likemanner to one another.

The more we are amazed at how He humbled Him-self for us, the more we gladly choose to humble our-selves before one another. The more we understand Hisdepth of forgiveness, the more quickly we forgive oneanother. The more we understand the extent of His

C H E T P L I M P T O N

27

Reach for a Towel


patience and kindness toward us, the more patient weare with one another. The more we understand Hisacceptance of us, the more accepting we are of oneanother.

Paul brings this principle to our attention in his let-ters to the churches: “And be ye kind one to another,tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God forChrist’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32); “Let thismind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil.2:5); “Forbearing one another, and forgiving oneanother, if any man have a quarrel against any: even asChrist forgave you, so also do ye” (Col. 3:13).

If you are struggling in your relationships towardothers, the way to change that is to gain a better under-standing regarding what the Lord Jesus Christ has donefor you. This was Paul’s longing as he expressed it inPhilippians 3:10, “That I may know Him.”

THE ADMONITION

Jesus’ admonition was simply this, “Ye also oughtto wash one another’s feet.” There is no other referenceto the disciples washing one another’s feet in the fourGospels and there is no admonition to believers in thechurch letters to wash one another’s feet. This seems toimply that the work of refreshing that the Lord wantsus to do for each other is not the actual act of footwashing, but that of loving humble service, howeverHe leads us to perform it.

Jesus’ rationale was clear: If I as your Lord andmaster have humbly served you, certainly it is onlyright that you should humbly serve one another. Unfor-tunately the disciples kept longing for personal great-ness and recognition, even as we to do in many differ-ent and often subtle ways. Perhaps in our pride we mis-takenly feel that those who serve are less importantthan those who are served, but Jesus told His disciples,“He that is least among you all, the same shall begreat” (Lk. 9:48); and “He that is greatest among youshall be your servant” (Mt. 23:11). Humility is alwaysthe right choice to make.

When Jesus cast the unclean spirit out of the childas recorded for us in Luke 9, all who saw it stoodamazed at the mighty power of God. Yet, immediatelyfollowing this display of the greatness of God, we readthat the disciples focused not on His greatness but ontheir own. “There arose a reasoning among them,which of them should be the greatest” (Lk. 9:46). Wemay be thinking, “How could they think about their

own greatness when they had just witnessed the Lord’sgreatness?” But are we not often like those disciples?Each day we see His glory in the heavens and witnessHis redeeming power in the hearts of people, but whenwe choose not to humble ourselves and serve oneanother, we are thinking of our own greatness, not His.

We act like the wicked servant in Matthew 18 whosemaster forgave him a huge debt of 10,000 talents, per-haps equivalent to several million dollars. But then theforgiven one reacted so harshly and ungraciouslytoward a fellow servant who owed him a very smalldebt by comparison—only 100 pence, just a few dol-lars. We shake our heads at that wicked servant’s prideand arrogance as he grabbed his poor fellow servant bythe throat and cast him in prison. How could he be soblind to reality, we wonder. How could he treat his fel-low servant that way when his master had forgiven himso much? Yet we can do the same thing, and far worse,when we in pride withhold forgiveness and kindnesstoward one another.

Love motivated Jesus as He washed the feet of Hisdisciples. John 13:1 tells us that “having loved His ownwhich were in the world, He loved them unto the end.”Later on, the Lord clearly passed this motivation on tous when He said, “A new commandment I give untoyou, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, thatye also love one another. By this shall all men knowthat ye are my disciples” (Jn. 13:34-35). When othermotives drive us—anger, jealousy, selfishness, bitter-ness, resentment, fear, mistrust, and suspicion—wecannot hope to be a refreshment to others.

THE PROMISE

Jesus’ promise was one of blessing. He said, “If yeknow these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Notice carefully the two active ingredients in thispromise—“know” and “do.” These two words arelinked together by a word not found in the text but def-initely implied by the context—choice. It is sadly pos-sible for us to know a truth without walking in thattruth. Jesus clearly distinguishes these two realities ofknowing and doing, and explains that if we want to betruly happy or blessed, we must choose to walk in thelight His Word gives us. If we would enjoy His bless-ings on our relationships, we must obey His admoni-tion to humble ourselves.

Just knowing that He wants you to humble yourselfand serve your co-worker is not enough. Just knowing

R E A C H F O R A T O W E L

28


He wants you to forgive and let goof your bitterness and resentmenttoward that other believer is notenough. Just knowing He wantsyou to love and accept that personyou find difficult is not enough.

The sad reality is that we mayhave a lot of scriptural knowledgebut remain unhappy and miserablebecause we are not walking in thelight of that knowledge. We canlive our lives like the man of James1:22-24 who gained knowledge ofwhat he looked like by looking intothe mirror, but then, because hedidn’t act on what he had seen, heforgot what he looked like. We caneven be deceived into thinking weare acting on what we know simplybecause we have known it for sucha long a time. It is not a lack ofknowing what God wants us to dothat is our biggest problem. Ratherit is a lack of doing what we knowHe wants us to do.

DOES YOUR LIFEREFRESH OTHERS?

As we look at our lives in lightof the Lord’s example of humbleservice, what do we see? Perhapswe can visualize ourselves clutch-ing so many things of self-worthand pride that we have no hands totake a towel. How many times havewe missed out on being a refresh-ment to others because of anunwillingness to humble our-selves? Is it more important to us tobe right than to be refreshing?

In verse 7 of his letter to Phile-mon, Paul wrote, “The hearts ofthe saints are refreshed by you.”You and I have many wonderfulopportunities each day to refreshthe hearts of others, and we can doso simply by humbling ourselves.Let’s reach for that towel!

Some years ago our family had a fewdays’ rest at the seashore. Our (then)six-year-old wanted to try her hand atflying a kite. So we visited a kite storeand made the proud purchase of alovely rainbow-colored one. “All theinstructions are inside the package,”we were informed by the smiling salesclerk. I wanted to make sure, becausemore than 30 years had passed since Ilost my last kite in a large oak tree near our home.

The next morning the two of us happily headed for the beachwith the kite, 500 feet of line and high hopes. The beach wasalready crowded and it took a few minutes to find a clear spot forthe launch. Dad held the line; little smiling Moira held her rain-bow kite. A steady breeze blew at my back as the kite took wing.

Not too much line, I told myself as I watched it scamper up aninvisible ladder of wind toward the sun. The instructions had toldus to give more slack if the kite began to dive. It kept diving and Ikept giving it more line. Every time it dipped, in my mind I couldsee it diving into some highpowered New York lawyer basking onthe beach who was recovering from abdominal surgery. I was get-ting frantic now; beads of perspiration dotted my forehead. Thou-sands of beach-goers lay placidly sunning, ignorant that far abovethem in the morning sky lurked my “killer kite.”

Panic set in when I reached the end of the line. Too late I dis-covered that the instructions had informed me how to get the kiteup, but not HOW TO GET IT DOWN! The only solution was tochase the thing along the shore, trying all the while to rewind thestring without infringing on its freedom. All I had to do was holdthe line with one hand, wind it up with the other, run faster thanthe kite, and avoid the strangers sprawled on the beach.

I now discovered that, while the kite had exalted itself by thefoot, I was humbling it by the inch. It takes a very long time to reelin five hundred feet of line by the inch.

As I stood panting beside the now unresisting kite, the lessoncame to me. How like that kite I was. How ready to receive praise;how slow to receive correction. Opportunities for advancement arequickly grasped; opportunities for servanthood lie neglected allaround. Like the kite, I tugged at restraint, longing to be free, notrealizing that “freedom” from the one who is controlling meansbeing at the mercy of every adverse wind.

Peter, who had learned from the Master the art of coming down,wrote: “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, andgiveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under themighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet.5:5-6). When you feel the tug of His hand on the line of your life,yield to His will and learn the sweet blessing in the art of comingdown. —J. B. N., Jr. from Aug. 1989 Uplook �

29

The Art of Coming Down


Aging doesn’t mean you have to grow old in your soul.

CGROWING GRACEFUL

B O U Q U E T o f B L E S S I N G S ❋

❋❋❋

Could the young but realize how soon they will become merewalking bundles of habits, they would give more heed to theirconduct while in the plastic state. —William James

God chose me because I was weak enough. God does not do His great works by

large committees. He trains someone to be quiet enough, and little enough, and

then uses him. —J. Hudson Taylor,

Though long by following multitudes admired,

No party for himself he e’er desired;

His one desire to make the Saviour known,

To magnify the Name of Christ alone.

If others strove who should the greatest be,

No lover of pre-eminence was he.

—Charles Wesley, writing of George Whitfield

God has three kinds of servants in the world:some are mere slaves, and serve Him from fear;others are hirelings, and serve Him for wages;and the last are sons, who serve simply becausethey love. —A. Secker

Do not be angry with yourself that you cannot getthe others as you wish them to be, when you can-not get yourself as you wish to be.

—Thomas a Kempis

Kind hearts are the gardens,Kind thoughts are the roots,Kind words are the flowers,Kind deeds are the fruits.

Take care of your garden,And keep out the weeds;Fill it with sunshine,Kind words and kind deeds.

—H. W. Longfellow

30

You are young at any age if you are planning for tomorrow.

31w w w . u p l o o k . o r g • N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3

Teach me to live! ’Tis easier far to die—Gently and silently pass away—On earth’s long night to close the heavy eyeAnd waken in the glorious realms of day.

Teach me that harder lesson—how to live,To serve Thee in the darker paths of life;Arm me for conflict now, fresh vigor give,And make me more than conqueror in the strife,

Teach me to live Thy purpose to fulfill,Bright for Thy glory let my taper shine;Each day renew, remold this stubborn will;Closer round Thee my heart’s affections twine.

Teach me to live for self and sin no more,But use the time remaining to me yet;Not mine own pleasure seeking as before,Wasting no precious hours in vain regret.

Teach me to live; no idler let me be,But in Thy service hand and heart employ.Prepared to do Thy bidding cheerfully—Be this my highest and my holiest joy.

Teach me to live—my daily cross to bear,Nor murmur though I bend beneath its load.Only be with me, let me feel Thee near,Thy smile sheds gladness on the darkest road.

Teach me to live and find my life in Thee,Looking from earth and earthly things away.Let me not falter, but untiringlyPress on, and gain new strength and power each day.

Teach me to live with kindly words for all,Wearing no cold, repulsive brow of gloom,Waiting with cheerful patience till Thy callSummons my spirit to her heavenly home.

Te a c h M e t o L i v e—Author Unknown

G R O W I N G G R A C E F U L

UPLOOK

AT RISKFISHING, FARMING, FIGHTING, FINANCE—EVERY PICTURE JESUS USED OF HIS WORK EXPRESSED THE RISK INVOLVED IN THE PLAN

We don’t think much about it, I suppose, but Christmas was a risky business. It’s risky for a young woman, expectant for the first time, to be away from family in that condition.Risky to travel, too, especially over rough roads, not to mention having a lack of medical

personnel on hand. And such unsanitary conditions! But that wasn’t the half of it. Think of the risk taken by the wise men in committing months to following...

a star? Where would it lead them? Over dangerous territory to be sure,and in (and out) of the clutches of Herod (and the Enemy behind him).

Just imagine all the hope of humanity, the completion of the will of God, and the fulfilling of the prophetic Scriptures resting in that little Babe, object of a manhunt so ruthless as to wipe out a whole

generation of children in a vain attempt to destroy Him. Yes, it is avery risky thing to shine light into a world where “men loved darkness

rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (Jn. 3:19), where the “Prince ofdarkness grim” was vehement in his schemes to put out that Light. And when at

last, after shining His benevolent rays upon those that “sit in darkness” and as a “lightto lighten the Gentiles,” when they sought to once and forever put out that Light at the

place called Calvary, it seemed that the plan of God had failed. Even the disciples thought so.But then, “at the rising of the sun” (Mk. 16:2) on the first day of the week, the Light broke again over the dark and brooding horizon of man’s hopelessness. It reflected from the faces of His wondering disciples, and has been doing so ever since. Now little lights revealing His glory twinkle in the darkness across the whole human landscape. And the Light shall win

the Day. It should come as no surprise that it’s still risky business to “let your light so shine.”But it is a risk that must be taken if that Light is to rescue the perishing.

—J. B. N., JR.

2003_09

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