October 2025 Update

Dear Ones:

As a boy, sledding down steep hills in the snow was great fun. The only problem was climbing back up the hill afterward. The force of gravity makes it easier to go down rather than up. An airline flight with a “tail wind” usually makes it to the destination quicker and safer. Yet every pilot must expect and learn to navigate an aircraft in a “head wind.” I’ve witnessed a sailor steering his sail boat into the wind and still arriving at his destination; but not without a struggle.

How these analogies illustrate our daily lives in a world filled with “head winds.” Apart from God’s enabling grace, this life is not only tough but impossible! Modern psychology insists that we seek what “makes us happy,” or whatever “floats our boat.” The problem is that no one can ever find true happiness by seeking it. That’s why there are so many miserable people! God’s joy is a result or byproduct of walking in loving obedience to Him. (Psa. 1:1-3)

Our success in this journey is based not on feelings or emotion, but rather on making right choices. Marital love, for instance, is not an emotion per/se but a commitment of the will. Thank God for romantic emotion but in the long run it’s the “blast that doesn’t last!” Genuine love endures to the end despite the wind blowing in our face. It’s been said that “any dead fish can swim downstream; but it takes fortitude and strength to swim against the tide.” This applies to our marriage, family, ministry or any other challenge we face. As I’ve said so many times, it’s too soon to quit!

Thanks for your continued intercession for me. I am amazed at the miraculous distance I’ve come. The “head winds” have seemed insurmountable but God’s healing and strengthening grace has been increasingly evident. I’m so grateful! I’ve already taught three sessions at the Mission and the Spirit’s work has been obvious. I feel like I’m back home! PTL! I’m scheduled to see the urology surgeon on Nov. 11th and anticipating a prostate procedure soon after. Thanks for being there!

May our God prove Himself faithful and powerful to each one of you, my dear ones.

With loving gratitude,

Pastor Bill

1 Thess. 5:16-18