Full Provision on the Journey

 Of all the passages in the Bible, Psalm 23 is probably the best known and loved and yet it still speaks more every time you open the pages and sit again by the quiet waters and green fields. It is full of imagery and the care of the Shepherd for his sheep. When I looked today, I saw a path, a trail, a way that he leads us: “He leads me beside still waters… He leads me in paths of righteousness… Even though I walk…”  We are on a journey with this master Shepherd and He is leading us. And what I saw today that I don’t think I have seen before, is that this path is one and the same all the way through. What I mean is that ‘the path of righteousness’ is the very same path that leads “through the valley of the shadow of death”. The righteous path that we are on with Him doesn’t end abruptly and then the path of ‘the valley of the shadow’ starts, it is one and the same path. The path that leads us beside still waters, to refresh and restore our souls, also leads us through the valley of the shadow, and all along the way is a table that is set before us in the presence of our enemies. “In” the presence of our enemies, not in the absence of them. The righteous path, this path beside still waters, this table set before us are still experienced even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. 

 So, it is not about having a time of rest, then you have to get up and go through the valley and then maybe there will be rest ahead again somewhere, sometime… No, the table is IN the presence of my enemies, and goodness and mercy follow after me everywhere that I go, all the days of my life. I am dwelling in the house of God now and forevermore - not just in some future sense when I get to heaven, but right now, in this place. Right now, God is with us, his rest and comfort and water and life and goodness and love and mercy in every part of our lives, in everything that we are walking through. At every turn goodness and mercy (“surely goodness and mercy shall follow me”), at every moment a table set before us, at every moment the darkness evident around, but at every moment still waters, and pastures green available to us. The perfect Shepherd is leading us, and He is providing for us every step of the journey.

 I used to think of it as separate kind of events, you have a season of rest, then a hard season of the valley, but the path is one and the same - righteousness in the path of darkness and death; a table of provision in the midst of the battles of life; and the presence of God dwelling with us both now and for all eternity.

 This Sunday as we continue our series on ‘God’s BIG story’, Rachelle Freeman is going to share about this path of following Jesus and growing in faith and how His goodness, mercy and grace is with us every step of the way.

 Love to all,

Andrew

(pastor/team leader at Kootenay Christian Fellowship)

Clearwater Bible College Annual Road Trip

Clearwater Bible College students will be coming to KCF on Wednesday, Feb 25 and Feb 26. The group will be at The Well on the Wednesday evening, and they are looking forward to meeting you there. Then on the Thursday morning they will be helping out at Our Daily Bread and the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson store.

 Multi Church Gathering

The next opportunity for us to gather will be Friday, Feb 27, 7pm at Bethel Church.

 International Dinner

Consider going to this delicious and fun evening to be a part of raising funds for Food Security in Nelson and area as well as a Teacher in Haiti.

(See attached Poster – Tickets required)

 Empowered to Witness Training Conference – Salt and Light

May 13 to 16 (Wed to Sat), Vancouver, BC

Registration Required.

(See Brochure)

 Family Camp

This year Family Camp will be held at Kokanee Park Aug 21-23.
Save the dates!

 Tithes and Offerings

For those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings, it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website via PayPal, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. Thank you for your continued giving to the church with your tithes and generous offerings.

 The Lookout

The Lookout space for our vibrant children’s ministry is now being used! A big thank you to all who have contributed time and resources to make this happen.

There remains a need for financial support. You can help and leave a legacy for generations to come. Please consider financial donations of any amount. Please etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com or provide a cheque or cash at the office marked children. Thank you.

 Celebrate Recovery

For anyone with Hurts, Hang ups or Habits.

A Christ-centered 12 Step Recovery Program

Are you ready to embark on a journey of real and lasting change?

Tuesdays, 7pm at the Lookout, 520 Falls Street.

Inquiries to Calvin – spring.10@hotmail.com

 Food Bank

Our Food Bank is in regular operation every Thursday from 9 to 11am!

We are always accepting donations of non-perishable food items, so feel free to drop items off that have been lingering in your cupboards.

Volunteers are needed Thursdays from 8:30 – 11:10am. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tyler Bethune at odb@odboffice.com.

 Our Daily Bread

If God is leading you to help someone not be hungry, to have a safe place to go for community, and to experience the love of God, please consider Volunteering or sending Our Daily Bread a financial gift today.

Etransfer: odb@odboffice.com

Here is a video link that captures the heart of ODB. We hope you can take a moment to click on the link and watch it. We also invite you to share this link everywhere. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf

Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator