JCK-at-large SITE

Ndola, Zambia to Winnipeg, Manitoba… more or less non-stop.  It wasn’t the dead of winter (fortunately) but Portage and Main was  boasting a pretty stiff wind in mid-May!  Still, the PAOC General Conference was a “live event!” After living with the CoronaVirus for what seemed like forever, we had been looking forward to coming together in a live gathering.  Old friends from College days … feeling the heartbeat of a one-hundred-year-old denominational Fellowship again —  it was not to be missed! 

Opening night featured a reception at the Human Rights Museum. With its amazing architecture and vivd depictions of the struggle for human rights throughout history, the museum provided a perfect venue for first night of Conference. 

Then General Superintendent, David Wells, delivered an outstanding keynote message: 

(1) Our Great Commandment” “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.”

(2) Our Great Requirement: “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God.”

(3) Our Great Commission: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News.”

It was a timely reminder to keep the main thing the main thing — and “minimise the distractions.”

Murray Cornelius, with his virtually complete and well-deserved doctorate in missiology, was re-elected to another term as International Missions Director.  Murray has a great heart for Zambia, along with all his other far-flung fields — having taught at our Trans-Africa College in days gone by.  We even have named the soccer pitch “Murrayfield” in memory of his legendary prowess!  As for our world of missions, we are now re-branded: “Mission Global!”  When you think of the scope of our global reach, it seems perfect!

Speaking of “Live Events,” in mid-June, Lucy Katherine Kerr, got married to Ryan Heim — whom she met in High School Band!  The band director attended our grand-daughter’s wedding — it seems he has generated a number of romances💕— and it was a highly blessed (and very up-tempo) occasion!  Following her graduation from NorthCentral Christian University in MSP, Lucy was hired by Denver’s Dream Center to do inner city ministry & social work!  “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”  Amen and Amen.

As for the grandparents of the Bride…   John & Ruth are looking forward to joining their Zambia colleagues in a few months for another term — before they start pushing their walkers!  Meanwhile, they are enjoying reconnecting with churches, partners, family & friends.  Who knows?… our paths may cross before this beautiful season is out!

“The Lord Turn His Face Toward You!”

 John & Ruth