September 2025 Update

Dear Ones:

September has certainly been a historic and critical month with an admixture of tragedy and victory. The assassination of Charlie Kirk challenges our perspective on what’s going on in our country. Man’s perception of human events and God’s divine purposes may seem to be miles apart. Mr. Kirk was a young, stalwart, and effective ambassador for Christ; yet his life was snuffed out in a moment by an assassin’s bullet. Unbelievable! Beyond comprehension! Yet, while the messenger was stopped, they could not stop the Message of God’s grace which still lives on! PTL!

I’m reminded of Stephen in Acts 7 who was stoned to death by religious zealots who rejected his Gospel message. Like Charlie, his only crime was proclaiming the Truth. Yes, when the unbelieving crowd couldn’t handle the Truth, they killed the Truth-teller! But this event resulted in many coming to Christ, not the least of which was Saul of Tarsus (Paul)!

Was this not the same scenario of the Truth Himself? (cf. John 14:6) The same rebellious crowd crucified the God-man (deicide)! The sinless, perfect, all-loving Son of God was “assassinated” by those who couldn’t handle His message. What else is new? Human nature has not changed. Jesus warned us that “if they hated me they will hate you.” Someone said, that if you want to see the depth of man’s wicked rebellion against God, just look at the Cross! Yet, wonder of wonders, it was the death of Christ that was essential to grant sinners eternal life!! (John 3:16) Surely, God’s ways are not our ways! Amen!

My tests at Cleveland Clinic last week determined that there is a robotic laparoscopic surgery procedure to remove prostate tissue hindering my urinary function. After prayer and counsel I’m impressed to follow through with a skilled surgeon at the Clinic. Obviously your continued intercession is an intricate part of the process. Thanks. I’ll keep you posted. God willing, it sure would be a great blessing to return to some “normalcy” after this long siege.

As it stands, my teaching at the Mission will resume one day per/wk. sometime in October. The mission staff has been most gracious and supportive during this “sabbatical.” I know that I need wisdom in “pacing” myself in this healing process. Thanks for being there!

Much love and appreciation in Christ,

Pastor Bill

Psalm 107:1-2