Power for the Journey

Peter cautiously sat down to eat on the beach. After his initial excitement at seeing Jesus again, and jumping out of the boat to get to him as fast as he could, the shadow of failure passed over him once more with a shiver as if it was night again, like that night; “failure” “deserter” “denier” “liar” clanging in his mind.

He had gone back to fishing, “maybe this is the only thing that I can actually do?”, he thought to himself! And yet all night even with a whole crew of them, they had caught nothing! Zero! Not a single fish! “Maybe I can’t even do that?”

Then a figure on the shore line calling out to them “got any fish?” The question was like rubbing salt into a wound! “No” sounded the reply, with a sigh to the stranger. “Cast the net on the other side!” the figure said, silhouetted by the morning sun. His words sounded strangely familiar. Obeying, casting their nets once more, it yielded a miraculous catch of fish in an instant. Suddenly it was crystal clear “It is the Lord” John said to Peter and that was it, he was in, wading his way through the water toward Jesus.

Reaching the shore, the fire is already burning, hot coals, fish already cooking, bread warming - a picture to all that “the miraculous catch was a sign for you, not for me, I don’t need your fish, but bring some of it over and let's have a real meal…” “Come and have breakfast”. They drew near, Invited to the meal, acceptance, warmth, friendship, honor, love…

Then the questions begin, “Simon… Do you love me?” Three times the question is repeated and to Peter, even though he tries to sound convincing, his words sound a little hollow, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you”. The third time the question stings… he replies the same again, feeling weaker each time. “Feed my sheep” Inside he asks himself “How am I ever going to live this life? I just don’t have what it takes. I talk big words, but the reality is plain to see.”

After more discussion, some of Jesus' last words to Peter were the same as the first… “Follow me.”

Just like Peter, maybe we have wondered, perhaps many times, “How on earth can I live this life? How can I keep going? I don’t have what it takes.” Maybe there is a failure fresh or old that drives the point home.

But like Peter, the only way we can live this life is to obey the words that he also says to us… “Follow me”. It is only in connection and relationship to Jesus that we can possibly walk the journey that he beckons us to. And it is only in the promise that Jesus left this weak, failing, unimpressive group of followers, as he urged them to wait, saying, “YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER!”

Love to all,

Andrew

(pastor/team leader at Kootenay Christian Fellowship)

Multi Church Gathering – Tonight!

Tonight is the time to gather - Friday, Feb 27, 7pm at Bethel Church.

 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