Pastor's Blog

Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, as my wife and I along with Pastor WallyGlucklich and some members the Elim Mission congregation walked toward the state of Minnesota capitol building in St. Paul, the loud and majestic, but mournful strains of John Newton’s “Amazing Grace”, being played through bagpipes, floated through the air to our ears. Soon we would be joining the large throng (between 4,000 and 5,000) of people who were gathering to mark the 37th anniversary of the decision which was passed by our Supreme Court in 1973 which legalized abortion, the taking of the life of a child in the womb. It is estimated that approximately 50 million unborn children have been killed through abortion in America since that time. This event is held annually on the anniversary date of that decision and is sponsored by the organization called Minnesota Concerned Citizens for Life. (MCCL) Many of us marched around the grounds carrying signs on which messages promoting the culture of life were displayed. After the march, speeches were made by various leaders of our state as well as those who are leaders in MCCL. One emphasis in particular struck a chord with me. A speaker noted that in our Constitution of these United States of America, every citizen is guaranteed the right to life, to liberty and to the pursuit of happiness. It was pointed out that if we do not keep these in proper sequence, and there is no life to live in order to enjoy liberty and to pursue happiness, well, how does that work? Another speaker noted that change begins in our hearts, and as a result of inward change, outward attitudes, convictions and practices change, and over time laws are changed which reflect the attitudes and convictions of the people. And therefore we must pray that God’s truths would be accepted and received in the heart.

As I walked away from the gathering, and to the music again playing the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace”, I thought of the words that are sung along with this tune. I thought to myself, why, Lord, have I never come here before to show my support for those who have devoted their lives to promoting life and to resist those forces that would diminish and devalue life? Why have I been so indifferent to the cries of those who have no voice, who cry from within the womb? What has been preventing me from being more involved publicly in this cause?

In my heart the words of Amazing Grace were being pressed into my heart as the music slowly faded away as we left the area: Amazing Grace! How sweet the sound! That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, I was blind, but now I see.

Then the second verse came to me: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed.” For a moment as we walked away, I caught a glimpse of the heart of our Creator for His creation; for those who have been not allowed to live, for those who are living with the regret of abortion, for those who believe that they are justified in the killing of the unborn, and for those such as myself who do not want to get involved, or do not think it necessary to be involved outside of our churches. Through the music and the words, I heard the Lord calling to me: “My grace is greater than all your sin, and may the reawakening of my grace in your heart motivate and inspire you to my truth in all things, both in the church as well as outside of it. But remember, I love all my people, be graceful unto all even as I have been graceful to you.”

Pastor Orval Wirkkala

Today's contribution is by Rebecca Matson, Natalie's mom.

Natalie is in good spirits. She hasn't been eating a whole lot but that comes with the chemo. She enjoys socializing with the nurses and they enjoy her even more now that she can talk and she is quite the talker. Fortunately little ones adjust so quickly to changes(as long as mom is there). She had the nurses aid check her babies Temp. and figured I needed my blood pressure checked too. Probably wouldn't want to see that. Lyle and the siblings were here this weekend, along with Grandpa and grandma Aho. She loves the tiara and necklaces grandma got her. Orval and Beth and Dan and Wendy came to visit Sunday always nice to see friends. Natalie is able to go out into the hall and walk around ,while her counts are good. she likes to bring her baby for walks .She throws a fit every time we go back in the room. wondering if its such a good idea. good to see she has plenty of spirit. She is a little tired but seems to like to be up a little later at night. She ate pretty good at supper tonite so i'm hoping we can hold off on feeeding tubes or at least not have to use it too much. Canton has to have a line/access put in for extracting the lymphocytes so it will be a 5-7 hour process. He has to lie still the whole time. so he will have movies to watch and will be fed the whole time so that he keeps his energy up. I told him that it probably wouldn't be a good long term health plan. He doesn't seem too worried, but he has always been so mature about things. The other kids are alright. Allie was a little heart sick she is better now that she got to see mom and Natalie. Eve is fine as long as her favorite dad is around. And Garin is like Canton about everything do what you have to do. But I get lots of hugs from him. But you can never get too many of those. We are at peace with our decision to do further treatment. We know she is the Lords and he has a plan for her life that we can not see. We have had to learn so much about blind faith. Trusting when we have no evidence we can see or dicipher. But most of all trusting that our prayers will be answered when we need to give an answer.And to have that perfect peace. We thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. But like all things in life it ultimately comes down to you and God no one else can give you what you need and give the answers you seek. He is the only one who has the complete picture and can meet our needs prefectly. I can say today that as a family we all know more about the character of God and have experienced His love in a greater way than we would have before this all began. We have seen the importance of what we do with the day we are given,because we only have one at a time for a reason. So stop living for what could have been or what may be in the future. don't cheat yourself out of today, because it maybe all you have. I could write so many things and I'd like to say that I always remember to live out the things i've learned, but old habits die hard. And it seems God has so much more to teach us. Someday we will be able to look back and rejoice for all we have been given in this season of Testing and growth.. I was taking a walk at home one day and marveling how much our life was like the winter day so beautiul and terrible at the same time. How we can still see the beauty inspite of the bitter cold or in the midst of sorrow. God is so wonderful that way he has created everything that way. Everything to be good and bad. We just need to let him show us things through his eyes. leaving you all in his care as you faithfully do for us. resting in his love, Rebecca