Mike Long Comes to Kalamazoo!

Hey everyone!

We are so excited to have Mike Long come to Kzoo for our annual fall banquet!

Mike is such an awesome Christian leader who is boldly going where not many churches or ministries go: the S-E-X word. Mike addresses and dispels all negative or red flags associated with the S-E-X word and instead replaces the ever-so-popular word ABSTINENCE with his directive education approach. Curious? Then visit his website and blog: http://www.mikelong.com/about/biography/

We are so thrilled to have him join us and we hope you are too! Spread the word about Mike Long at the Alternatives Fall Banquet!

Why Do Prayers Go Unanswered?

Check this article out: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/25752-why-do-prayers-go-unanswered

This is a very emotional and confusing topic. When I talked to friends of mine who were not Christians, one of the common questions they asked was "If God is a loving God and truly cares about us, then why do prayers go unanswered?" Many of these friends had Christian backgrounds, but turned from God and left their faith behind because of issues like this. They went through a life experience where they felt God was not present or cared about their problem, even when they needed Him the most. 

It's hard to answer this question. I'm not sure anyone has THE answer, but many Christian leaders and godly people offer great insight. No matter what the situation, we must remember this: 

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:7-10

And also,

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

We must always remember we belong to a loving God; whatever He does, never compromises what the Word tells us. There are times where we are confused about what He is doing in the situation, but we cannot understand God's beautiful character fully. But what we do know is that God is love, and He gave us the ultimate form of love: His Son, Jesus Christ, as the propitiation of our sins. So, as we pray, let us pray without fear or doubt -- because God hears us. 

"Lucy"

It's not very often that you find a band who's not afraid to stand up for the Truth, even if it means hardship, threats, loss of fans, bitter name-calling, and a pro-life label. So props to Skillet, with their new song "Lucy." John Cooper, lead singer and bassist, wrote the song and added it to their album, "Awake." 


If you are at all familiar with the song, you know that it is steeped with emotion and narrative writing. Although there were a lot of misconceptions concerning what the song was actually about, this article reveals the true meaning: http://www.natecarlson.com/2010/11/22/the-meaning-behind-the-song-lucy-by-skillet/

itunes ranks "Lucy" as very popular on the "Awake" album. It's interesting how the John Cooper didn't share the meaning behind the song until November last year -- the album has been released since August 25, 2009. I think it was very smart to wait; it gave people a chance to think about it and try to figure it out on their own. It also created a bigger impact when the meaning was finally revealed. 


Here's the truth: abortion kills. And it kills more than one person -- it kills the whole family: the child, the mother, and the father. It creates massive heartbreak, pain, suffering, and intense regret and remorse. Why go through devastation willingly? 


If you haven't checked the song out yet, make sure you have a listen. It will move you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhDOHks7OQQ

Life Walk/RUN

All right all you runners and walkers, get ready for our Annual Life Walk/RUN coming up on June 11th at the Valley Family Community Center! We are so excited to have everyone join us! And there's going to be a phenomenal pancake breakfast and family festival after the race is over. And don't forget about the awards and prizes! So we will see you bright and early on Saturday morning, June 11th! Check out our website for more info! http://www.pregnancychoices.com/lifewalk.htm

Life Walk/RUN

All right all you runners and walkers, get ready for our Annual Life Walk/RUN coming up on June 11th at the Valley Family Community Center! We are so excited to have everyone join us! And there's going to be a phenomenal pancake breakfast and family festival after the race is over. And don't forget about the awards and prizes! So we will see you bright and early on Saturday morning, June 11th! Check out our website for more info! http://www.pregnancychoices.com/lifewalk.htm

The New Heaven and Earth

“And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” ” Revelation 21: 2-4 NASB


This is a great passage; one that I am not too familiar with, actually. However, the imagery and poetic speech are so captivating and descriptive; they paint a very eloquent and vivid picture of Christ's return. Although, this passage remains a mystery to me. 


This isn't a passage to read without pondering or digging in deeper. So what do you think the imagery and analogies are referring to? What have you studied or learned from this passage?