On my drive to work the other morning I noticed a car which was plastered with advertisement for Pacific Tan Co. I wondered, "What made them choose Pacific rather than Atlantic?" That led to "Who named the oceans anyway?" It's not like anyone can say they own the ocean. Being human, of course we think we do. We claim the water off our shores, we fish it until it is empty, we destroy its coral reefs, we dump garbage and chemicals into it, we create drinking water from it, we build walls to keep it out and canals to let it in, and we think we have control over it - but we don't. The ocean moves in crashing waves and overwhelming tides and tsumanis and yet can be smooth as glass. it can be cruel or it can be soothing. We do not control its movement, we only react to it.

God is like that to me. He is all powerful - no one can control him. We abuse our relationship with him, pleading for the things we want or think we need, we ignore him, we try to bargain with him and make promises to him, and sometimes we are in awe of his magnificent power or are overcome by his love. But, we do not control him. God moves where and when he chooses just like the ocean which he created. As for this writer, visiting this reality more often would not be a bad thing.

Cheryl Hick
Administrative Assistant

Youth Ministry Cert School

I am in Florida. Yesterday was the first really nice day. I was 40 feet up in the air walking on a wire. The view was incredible. I could see the ocean. Dinner was at a restaurant on the beach. Sounds fun right? It is. Okay being 250+ pounds up on the wire that shook like mad was scary. But, overall the time has been great. I am learning alot. The big key that I am coming home with is that we MUST do a better job of connecting our faith with the Families we serve. That we must become a partnership with the parents in forming the faith of all of our members. I have a lot of ideas to bring home.

I have often stated that I cannot do ministry alone. We need all members helping out. You are not too old nor too young to teach someone something about faith. I hope you will support me as I try to bring home some ideas.

Please consider supporting the "House of Hope" in Haiti. The High school Youth have adopted a young girl from this place. HOH is based here in St. Louis. I have been informed that the house in haiti has sustained some damage and will need repairs. But thankfully the girls and staff are okay. We are awaiting word on some of the support staff. We are hopefull but.....

Additionally I am here in Florida with a wide range of people from across the US. It has been amazing how many have connections in Haiti. One of the host pastors and her family have lived in Haiti for years. We have prayed and shared about our friends in Haiti. My friend Keven lost a good friend in Haiti. So please consider supporting Haiti with your money.

In the Peace of Christ.

Dan Johnson
Youth Minister.