Aches and Praise is now posted at http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Sixty Three
Dear friends,
In light of the tragedies of the deaths of mountain climbers in Nepal, including a Christian woman from Quebec, and the shooting deaths of soldiers in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa, one is tempted to ask “Why?” It is a normal reaction to question why bad things happen to good people. What we need to realize, though, is that no one is good, except the Lord Jesus. The Bible clearly teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). When a young man asked Jesus “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life? He answered “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:16-17). As the dialogue continues, Jesus pinpoints the greatest need in the young man’s life: to put God first.
When Dr. Frank Humphrey told the congregation at Peoples Church of Montreal that he had ALS several years ago, it was hard to see that anything good could come from this. However, Dr. Humphrey began to have many conversations about the Lord with the Muslim men who drove him to and from the church, as the disease took away his capability of walking. Furthermore, he was interviewed by television reporters covering the Quebec government`s decision to introduce legislation regarding euthanasia. His testimony is available at:
As many of you know, Dr. Charles Stanley is one of my favourite authors. In his book “How to Handle Adversity” he writes: “God uses adversity, regardless of the source. But your response to adversity determines whether or not God is able to accomplish His purpose … As much as we all want to know the answer to the why question, it is really not the most significant question. The real question each of us needs to ask is, ‘How should I respond?’ To spend too much time trying to answer the why question is to run the risk of missing what God wants to teach us.”
Scripture for the weekend: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “God, I pray, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn up for Thee. Consecrate my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one like Yours, Lord Jesus.” – entry in Jim Elliot`s diary on January 29, 1949 (from the book “Jim Elliot – Missionary Martyr” by Susan Martins Miller)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Sixty Two
Dear friends,
Today (October 17th) marks the 40th anniversary of the incorporation of Action Mondiale d’Évangélisation (Québec) Inc. What is that, you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked. It is the charitable organization, registered in Quebec, for the Quebec radio ministry of Global Outreach Mission. When Karen moved here with her family in 1971, the number of evangelical churches was growing in a remarkable way, as the Holy Spirit moved in the hearts of French-Canadians.
Back to the Bible Broadcast in Lincoln, Nebraska, launched the first broadcast of La Voix de l’Évangile (“The Voice of the Gospel”) in April 1955, twelve days before I was born. In 1973, Karen’s father was asked to help in the follow-up of the radio broadcasts. The address given at the end of each broadcast was changed from Winnipeg to Châteauguay and some years later, Back to the Bible Broadcast passed the ministry of La Voix de l’Évangile to Global Outreach Mission.
In 1984, Michel Martel became the radio evangelist for the broadcasts produced in the studio in Châteauguay. I remember reading George Orwell’s book “1984” when I was in high school and thought that this date was so far away. Now, I remember it as the year that our first child, Joëlle, was born.
Seven years ago a brother in Christ set up the ministry website and has maintained it ever since. We want to publicly express our thanks to Henry for the outstanding job that he has done. In recent months, Gaetan has been redesigning the website and the changes should be completed very soon. We thank the Lord for the team of brothers and sisters in Christ who stand with us as we proclaim God’s Word over the air waves and Internet. At this time, there is an urgent need for additional income in order to meet the radio budget and maintain the follow-up office in Châteauguay. Would you please pray with us that the Lord would supply the needed funds through His people? To God be the glory!
Scripture for the weekend: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “Smart leaders believe only half of what they hear. Discerning leaders know which half to believe.” – John C. Maxwell (from his book “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader”)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Sixty One
Dear friends,
This morning, while filing papers in my study, I found a copy of a letter that I sent to our Mission headquarters a couple of months ago. When I took a look at what I had written, I realized that it was not what I thought I had written. Then, I compounded my error by sending an email a couple of weeks ago, asking for a correction of what I thought was someone’s mistake, but I learned today was not. I read recently that a friend looks forward to the autumn because of the great variety of pies available. When I saw that, I agreed, not realizing that I would add humble pie to the menu.
This coming Monday many Canadians will be eating one or more pieces of pie for dessert on Thanksgiving Day. This evening, driving home from work, I saw a spectacular rainbow. While many people complain about the rain, how often do we stop to consider that the harvest of fruits and vegetables that we enjoy would not be possible without the water that God provides? Another thing that we sometimes take for granted is the abundance of worship hymns and songs that the Lord has inspired His children to write.
While feeding my father-in-law’s cat today, I found a book by Kenneth Osbeck entitled “101 More Hymn Stories” that tells the stories behind some hymns, including “Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary.” Several years ago, Karen and I had the joy of meeting Dr. John M. Moore, the author of this hymn, when he was the keynote speaker at the annual conference of Global Outreach Mission. Hearing him sing his composition, while playing the piano, was a tremendous blessing. The fascinating story of this hymn is on the Internet at:
Scripture for the weekend: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:14, 15 (KJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Pride slays thanksgiving, but a humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow.” – Henry Ward Beecher
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Sixty
Dear friends,
It is encouraging to know that you are praying with us for the salvation of many Québécois and others in these days. If you would like to receive a newsletter about the Québec radio ministry, please email Global Outreach Mission at: gom@globaloutreachmission.org to request this.
The series of messages that is being broadcast this month on the Quebec radio network and on the Internet – http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca – is entitled “Le banquet royal” (“The royal banquet”) based on Matthew 22:1-14. Pastor Michel Martel identifies different reactions to God’s offer of a relationship with Him: indifference, hostility and a refusal to cooperate with God. If you do not understand French, I would encourage you to learn it so that you can hear Michel’s messages!
On Monday night, Karen’s father, Clarence Shelly, had an operation to repair a hernia. The doctor phoned Karen after the surgery to inform her that the procedure went well. Before being taken to the operating room, Dad told a nurse that his time was in God’s hands. She said “And the doctor’s,” to which he replied “God uses doctors.” Please pray for Dad as he recovers at the Anna-Laberge hospital in Châteauguay.
A man phoned today to say that he received the New Testament that he requested from our ministry. Please pray that Jérémie (pseudonym) will know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, as he is in a facility for people with mental health issues.
Scripture for the weekend: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)
Thought for the weekend: “The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for the sick, for sinners.” – Michel Martel
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Fifty Nine
Dear friends,
The calendar revealed earlier this week what the people of Quebec have known for quite a while: a new season is here. Falling temperatures, changing colours of maple leaves, and the abundance of apples are some of the signs that Autumn has arrived.
On Tuesday evening, I saw a number of remarkable things in the sky. First, there were at least six wide rays of light streaming through dark clouds near Châteauguay. While looking at them, I wondered what it will be like when the Lord Jesus returns to gather His church. Later, I saw a beautiful sunset, like a pot of gold descending in the horizon. Then I saw two jets flying in parallel formation above a horizontal streak of white cloud, which was intersected by a vertical cloud, reminding me of the cross.
When I was in my last year at Concordia University, I drove with friends from Montreal to Illinois for the Missions conference organized by Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). The theme of the conference in December 1976 was “Declare His glory among the nations” based on Psalm 96:3. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1) and, as Luke recorded in his gospel, a multitude of angels praised God and said “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13-14) when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
At Urbana `76 I received a book entitled “The Great Commission for Today” by David Howard, who was a missionary in Latin America before becoming the director of IVCF’s Missions Department. In his book, Howard writes: “Notice also the comprehensive use of the word all in the Great Commission in Matthew.
All authority – there is no power that is left out.
All nations – there is no person that is left out.
All things – there is no precept that is left out.
All times – there is no period that is left out.”
May we be obedient to His command to make disciples.
Scripture for the weekend: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
Thought for the weekend: “The King of kings is the one who says, ‘All authority is mine and, therefore, I am sending you.’ On that basis we have an obligation to obey and a right to go to every nation with the gospel.” – David M. Howard (from his book “The Great Commission for Today”)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Fifty Eight
Dear friends,
If you enjoy reading books, listening to messages or watching videos, I invite you to visit the lending library of “La Voix de l’Évangile” in Châteauguay. Thanks to the generosity of friends, many excellent books in English and French, audio messages by Dr. John MacArthur, Charles Swindoll and others, as well as a number of DVDs are available in the Oasis room of our radio follow-up office.
Did you know that the “Jesus” film has been distributed in more than 1,000 languages, with more than 6 billion viewings? The DVD “Jesus: Fact or Fiction?” includes this film, testimonies of people like Lee Strobel, an award-winning journalist, and answers to dozens of tough questions. If you are seeking to know more about Christianity, this resource could change your life. If you are a child of God, the content of this DVD will help you grow closer to Him. To learn more, please visit: http://www.jesusfactorfiction.com.
As many of you know, my wife, Karen, grew up in France, where her parents were missionaries. When she was a baby, one of her mother’s friends, Anastasia Soula, took care of her on occasion. Soula was born in Greece and met her husband Jean, a native of Paris, at the European Bible Institute in Lamorlaye, France. They were married in 1962 and ministered in several countries before Jean went to be with the Lord in 1999.
In the introduction to his book, “Even to the Ends of the Earth,” Jean wrote: “Evangelism and Missions are two sides of the same coin: their goal is to proclaim the Gospel to all, near and far.” By God’s grace, Soula continues to serve the Lord, teaching and counselling women around the world. For more information about her ministry, please email her at: soula.isch@sim.org.
Scripture for the weekend: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Thought for the weekend: “God’s grace humbles our pride. The sight of God’s Son dying in our place forces us to confront the evil in our own hearts. Your sin and mine put Jesus on that cross. If the grace of God, demonstrated on the cross, does not humble us, then God’s judgment must humble us. Willingly or not, ‘every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.’” – Ray C. Stedman (from his book “God’s Final Word”)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Fifty Seven
Dear friends,
Today’s date is in between two dates that are etched in the memory of many: on September 11, 2001 vicious acts of terrorism in New York City and other parts of the United States resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. On September 13, 2006 a crazed gunman shot a number of students at Dawson College in Montreal and lost his life the same day.
Karen and I will never forget hearing that a shooter had entered the college where our son, Ryan, was studying. Thanks to cell phones, we were able to keep in contact with Ryan, who was in a classroom above the cafeteria where several people were shot, including Anastasia De Sousa, whose life ended tragically. It is interesting to note that her name in Greek means “resurrection.” As believers in Christ, we have the tremendous gift of eternal life because He rose from the dead.
Many of you have gone through traumatic events and know the range of emotions that accompany such times. Worry, fear, relief and many other emotions come in waves to those who face life-changing events. The words of the Lord Jesus in the Scripture below remind us that He alone can give us peace in the midst of the storms of life.
Scripture for the weekend: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Thought for the weekend: “Your response to adversity will determine whether or not God can use you to comfort others.” – Dr. Charles Stanley (from his book “How to Handle Adversity”)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Fifty Six
Dear friends,
While driving to the office one day this week, I heard the radio announcer say that a guest would be discussing the subject of procrastination after the news. I didn’t get to hear the interview … maybe another time? As we get older, and hopefully wiser, we find that “another time” does not always present itself. When we sense the Lord speaking to us about something, we should respond right away.
Three years ago, I sensed the Lord leading me to write this blog to encourage Christians in their journey of faith and to share prayer requests. Since then, several family members and friends have passed away, some have received encouraging reports from their doctors and others are coping with difficult challenges, by God’s grace.
This past month, Karen began a Facebook group called “Pearls Of Wisdom” in honour of her mother, Pearl, who went to be with the Lord on January 27th. Her description of the group is: “A place of encouragement and blessing for women whose faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ and who are actively seeking to live lives pleasing to Him.”
Karen would love ladies to join the group. It is a place where you can be an encouragement to other Christian women, share of yourself and be blessed in return. There are also two sub-group Facebook pages that she has created. One is called “POW: Group Devotional”. Several ladies are following a Bible study by Donna Partow called: “Becoming a Vessel God Can Use” and commenting on what they are learning through Facebook posts and online interaction. They are in their first week and the book is available from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback, so it’s not too late to jump in! The second is called: “POW: Less of me, more of You” for members who would like to work together on weight loss. If you would like to be part of any of these Facebook groups, ladies, please let Karen know at our email address: ksfrank6@yahoo.ca.
Scripture for the weekend: “and they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “When you find yourself in the position to help someone, be happy and feel blessed because God is answering that person’s prayer through you. Remember: Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the dark but to be a light to others, so that they may find the way through us.” – Alberto Casing (thanks to Eden for posting this)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: http://www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: http://www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise One Hundred & Fifty Five
Dear friends,
It was thirty three years ago today that I proposed to the love of my life and she said “Yes!” Having dated for several months and talked about almost everything, I was ready to “pop” the question. It wasn’t a surprise to Karen, as we had picked out the engagement ring and chosen the day. I was a lot more awake than I had been three years earlier, when I returned to Montreal after being in Europe for fourteen months with Operation Mobilization. Thanks to a strike by Air Canada, I waited in line in London for two days for a standby seat on a flight with another airline. By God’s grace, I arrived in Newark, New Jersey and took an overnight bus from New York City to get home in time for my mother’s birthday.
Although I loved serving the Lord in France and England, I wanted to establish a closer relationship with my home church and supporters. During the next three years I enjoyed teaching children in Sunday School, including two future boxers (Howard and Otis Grant) and a future football player (Shawn Daniels). When Clarence Shelly spoke to the College and Careers group at church about the Quebec radio ministry that he directed, my heart was stirred and soon I was on a bus to Chateauguay to help on a day off from my job at the Montreal Gazette. To make a long story short, I fell in love with the beautiful secretary at Action Mondiale d’Évangélisation, who happened to be the daughter of Pearl and Clarence Shelly!
I thank the Lord for leading Karen and me to unite our lives on December 24, 1981 and I thank Him for the many people who pray for our family and ministry. There are a number of challenges at the present time and we count on your continued prayers to help us face them.
In last night’s men’s group meeting, Patrick mentioned an interesting mathematical calculation. While contemplating Genesis 22:12, he discovered that the number 2212 divided by 7 results in 316. The subject of Genesis 22:12 corresponds remarkably to that of John 3:16. It also applies to 1 John 3:16.
Scripture for the weekend: “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16 (NASB)
Thought for the weekend: “Abraham walked away having experienced God in a way few ever do. God wants to know if we’re willing to give up what we love to Him who loves us more. He desires for us to open our fists and trust Him with absolutely everything.” – Lysa TerKeurst (from the book “When I Lay My Isaac Down”)
In His grace,
Steve
Ministry website: www.lavoixdelevangile.ca
Mission website: www.missiongo.org
Aches and Praise 