Since this is my blog, I would like to write about something that I see as a growing problem within the Christian community. Upon finding faith as an adult, I was discipled in a church that exercised strict expectations of what a Christian could and could not do. Alcohol was forbidden, premarital sex was condemned, and going to church twice a week was the bare minimum. There were a bunch of other rules too; like the length of hair, the type of clothes you wore to church, what movies you watched and the type of music on your ghetto blaster and later the Walkman (anyone remember the Walkman). Thankfully the latter has lost its hold on us, but unfortunately, the former has too. In our quest to be relevant, chic, and open minded, I fear that our new found freedom has actually become a form of bondage in the church and a point of confusion to those outside of the church.
According to CBC News, December 4th they aired a program called Wasted Lives: The Cost of Alcohol Addiction. In it they stated, “B.C. has the highest rate of hospitalization alcohol-related problems in the country. Consumption has continued to rise every year since 2012” In another article posted September 27, 2014 by CBC revealed, “Alcohol is a known carcinogen, even 1 or 2 drinks a day poses a risk” to one’s health. In the Wasted Lives article, Dr. Keith Ahamad, an addictions doctor at St. Paul's Hospital and a researcher at the B.C. Centre on Substance Use, witnesses the consequences of alcohol addiction firsthand every day. "The hospital is literally filled with the consequences of alcohol addiction," Ahamad said. "The number of people that present to the emergency department as a direct consequence of acute alcohol intoxication day-to-day is overwhelming.”
Last year, at least 36 per cent of emergency room visits to St. Paul's and Vancouver General Hospital for substance abuse were alcohol-related. By comparison, 24 per cent of emergency room visits relating to substance abuse were because of opioids.’”
Given the serious consequences of alcohol use and abuse, why do we as Christians participate in this social vice? I know, I know, having a drink of alcohol won’t send you to hell, but my question is why do it at all? Why not instead, so press into the things of God, allowing the Holy Spirit unbridled access to your life in such fullness that any mind altering substance would simply be abhorrent to you.
Every day, I hear of people struggling with alcohol and other substances that are causing them pain. You may think, I can handle it. Maybe you can, but as the studies show, even one drink a day has negative effects on the human body. If Christ is your Lord and Saviour, I challenge you to live a substance free life for your own health and well-being. In the process you will be a shining light and an encouragement to those who are struggling with the curse of alcoholism.
We are pleased to have with us Pastor Nyla Henry of Fruitvale Christian Fellowship bring the message this Sunday. I will be in Surrey ministering on Saturday night at Father’s Heart Church which is an Arabic Congregation where all is done in Arabic language and then on Sunday morning I will be at Redeemer’s Grace Assembly, a Filipino congregation. Please pray for me, as I share the word of God with these precious people.
Baptism
Coming up soon on Sunday, December 17th we will be having baptisms! Come and join us to witness and celebrate this wonderful moment in the lives of believers in Christ. If you have made a commitment to Christ, but have not yet been water baptised, we welcome you to enquire about this important step in your spiritual life. If you are interested in learning more about baptism email me at my personal email. pastorjim@kcfoffice.com. Romans 6:3-14 gives a good explanation for the benefits of being baptized.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Children’s Village in Haiti
Give an orphan child a chance as we enjoy a meal and fun night together. Funds raised will go towards building the next home in the children’s village. Visit http://www.haitiarise.org/childrens-village to learn more about this.
The Dinner will take place at KCF on Thursday, December 14 at 6pm. There will be a Talent Show and Toonie Auction. Tickets are $30 (includes $20 tax receipt). Click on the link for full details http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com/dat/images/2017-11/spaghetti-dinner-fundraiser-poster-2017.jpg
Tickets available at KCF Office, S.H.A.R.E. Nelson, from Pastor Jim or Kelly Eckes staygold1969@hotmail.com.
Do you or do you know someone with a special talent, please have them contact Kelly. Let’s invite our friends and get the word out for this much needed cause.
Share Housing Initiative – Call for Members
There is a long standing need for affordable one bedroom apartments in Nelson. There has been much talk over the years of this necessity for community health and well-being. Employers have no place for their staff to live. College students camping in their cars while attending class. Individuals living in less than safe, overpriced, cramped conditions simply because there is no place for them to go.
We, at Kootenay Christian Fellowship, wanted to do something about this. We formed a new Society called SHARE Housing Initiative Society to address this most basic need in our community.
The SHARE Housing Initiative Society is having its FIRST AGM Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018. This is a KCF Initiative. We need to ensure that we have four KCF Members on the Board at all times, which we currently have. We have put a call out to the general public for members to join the society; however, as this is a KCF Initiative, it is really important that we have KCF representation in the membership. Remember, if you aren’t a member, you can’t vote on important decisions regarding this project. There is no cost (this year) to membership. Under our bylaws you have to apply for membership and be a member for 30 days to be able to vote at the AGM. The Board must accept your application.
Accordingly, if you would like to be a member, please email office@kcfoffice.com. I will add you to the list for our January Board meeting and get you added as a member. We will then remind you of the meeting by sending an agenda to you.
We have accomplished a great deal so far. We expect to have even better news by February, so please take the time to get involved now.
Thank you in advance for coming on board to help create affordable low cost rental apartments in Nelson.
Look forward to hearing from you.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. Come down and support the poor. If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities. Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire. Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Pastor Jim
December 7, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5