by Linda Hokit
June 22, 2026
…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given unto you.
(Matthew 6:33 KJV) Allelu, Alleluia..
Ask and it shall be given unto you. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
(Matthew 7:7 KJV) Allelu, Alleluia..
…man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
(Matthew 4:4 KJV) Allelu, Alleluia..

Song: Seek Ye First
Song Writer: Karen Lafferty
1996

     I went to a camping event for young girls this weekend and as usually happens we began to sing! In fact,
as I thought back over the years, we sang when we where happy. We sang when we where pensive. We
sang when we needed to fill time. We sang to say grace at meal times. We sang to say good morning or
good night. We sang when there was a crisis and we needed to settle the children.

     In fact, I remember a video few years back where girls being evacuated from their camp after a flood
sang on the bus. They were commenting about the overwhelming scene they were experiencing and
then they began to sang! They sang many of the “old” choruses I remember singing in youth group. They
sang “Pass it On”, “Sanctuary, Seek Ye First”, “Amazing Grace”, “Reckless Love”, etc. There is something
about learning scripture this way. I think that’s why the Psalms are so special to many of us when we
want to express joy or sadness or fear or thanksgiving. They are scripture meant to be sung. Learning
verses as songs seems to not only make the scriptures quickly accessible to us but also provides a Godly
message to those around us.

     The three verses above are among my favorite! I learned these verses in my young years by singing
them! I still remember them and was able to sing along with the girls on the bus. Better yet, I know how
to apply these verses to my life circumstances. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” has always been
important when I have to remember what is really important in life! In the scriptures it comes after
Jesus talks about worry. He says, look at the birds and the flowers. God takes care of them. They don’t
have to worry about having their needs met! Neither do we.

     For example, when I moved to Vermont, I was having trouble finding a place to live. Before I moved, I
had thinned out my belonging so I could live in a smaller place. I knew the time would come when I
would need to downsize, so I did it while I was packing to move. It took a couple of weeks of looking. I
finally saw an ad that had very little information and no picture, but I was strongly impressed to call. I
made the call, drove out, met the landlord and walked away with a “tiny apartment” that is now 10
years later is about half the rent being asked by other landlords. That allowed me to retire three years
ago, something I did not imagine doing at the time!

     “Ask and it shall be given to you”, is not a verse we sling at God when we want the latest or newest item
on the market. It is a verse that reminds us that God will provide what He knows we need to be all that
He wants us to be. I believe God will provide what we need so we can be His servant, not so we can be
comfortable. When I retired three years ago, it did not seem like a good decision at the time. And, yet 
there was no doubt in my mind I should make that choice. I was strongly led to not just retire from a job
but to embrace a new adventure. Since then, opportunities to serve have steadily come my way. I now
volunteer for about five different entities. As I do, I am finding God opening doors to share my faith,
speak with people in crisis from a spiritual foundation, and making friends who enrich my life each day.
     
     The opportunities to speak about the value of God in my life have been real and divinely provided in
every way. But God does still come to the rescue as well. A couple of days ago I lost my phone. Oh, my word, it was
stressful because I lost it while away from my home. You know I asked God to help me find that phone! I
searched. I had friends call the phone. I retraced my steps. Finally, I went to my carrier thinking I might
need a new phone. However, I asked one more favor and it worked! What I want to share is that the
person at the provider store stayed at his station and continuously hits the right buttons so I would hear
my phone ring while I was looking at the place we discovered it was located! If he had not done that, I
would not have found the phone and would have been out more than a few pennies! He taught me
what to do next time it happened and answered the questions I asked. Not once did he try to sell me a
new phone. He is the only person in 10 years who has not tried to benefit from my need in that store!
     
     That brings me to, “Man shall not live by bread alone”. The gentlemen in the story above acted like he
understood that man does not live by bread alone. So, did the students in one of the English as a
Second Language Schools we taught through our churches in Alaska. Our students where quite
motivated to attend classes so they could learn to communicate better in English. Little by little they
opened up and shared their faith background as well! In one class the teacher asked the class why they
wanted to learn English. More than a few said, they wanted to be able to witness for Christ in English!
     
​     They knew what it meant live by the Word of God. In another class, there was a gentleman who spoke
English quite well. Yet, he came week after week. I discovered he was a deacon in his church and wanted
to minister to those from his country that came to Alaska. I witnessed many situations where he found
ways to provide for both the physical and spiritual needs of those around him! He understood about
living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. May we all be so obvious in our faith in
Christ.

​​Putting aside differences
By Kadeen Edwards. 

      I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭

      We share many similarities. As creations of God, when we look at each other, we’re essentially seeing the image of God. Not only are we made in his image, but we’re also made in his likeness, carrying many of his attributes, just as a child inherits traits from their parents.

      The apostle Paul emphasized that everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory. However, we’re all invited to join the family of God. By accepting Jesus, we establish a connection with God. Sin separates us from Him, but through Jesus, we’re made righteous and can boldly approach God’s throne.

      Furthermore, we’re now connected to one another, recognized as brothers and sisters in the kingdom of heaven, sons and daughters of God. It’s natural to have disagreements, but true spiritual maturity lies in the ability to work together despite differences.

      God loves all of us, regardless of our differences. His love is unconditional and constant, encompassing us when we follow Jesus, even before we knew Him. God loves those who don’t follow Him because He loves all people, embodying the essence of love.

      When we follow Jesus, we must love as He loves, without prejudice or judgment. By transcending our disagreements and embracing diversity, we can open ourselves to those who differ from us. In this way, God can utilize us for His will and purpose in various situations.

                                                     

God Has Given Us the Ministry of Reconciliation
                                                         by Linda Hokit​

“Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
(2 Corinthians 5:18 HCSB)

     I wore red, white and blue to church the Sunday of the Memorial Day Weekend, but I am not sure my intent was noticed or realized. It is a special and important time of celebration for me, first as the child of veterans and second as a missionary. I did not were a flag pin or a poppy until Monday, because I wanted to acknowledge that even with the sacrifices made, there are still people in countries unable to worship Christ safely and freely.  

     In respect to those who served in the military in my family, I will share that my father served in the Air Force and my mother in the Army. My father served in Germany with Occupation Forces. I have uncles who served in the Air Force and Marines in battle zones. A great-uncle served in the Army and died in the line of duty. So, when they sing the “Armed Forces Meledy” I standing a lot! So, we celebrated Memorial Day as Decoration Day. 

     Growing up around those who served in the military was a nature experience. We lived in places near bases and in places where people were influenced by that culture. Yet, I have no doubt that I learned things that influenced my work as a missionary.  The first profession, I considered as a high schooler was Military Chaplain. It did not work out at the time, but it would influence my future. Let me share a few examples about how that happened. 

     I learned early to be polite and respectful, for example by saying “Yes Sir” and “Yes Ma’am”.  That served me well when I moved to the South! It was comfortable for me to show courtesy in a way that was not only culturally appropriate but often expected. Because my father worked on a military instillation, we also learned to follow rules and protocols, because what my brother and I did reflected on him. So, no speeding on the base! My first job was a youth agency administrator. On my first assignment, I organized groups on two military-bases. 

Being a rule keeper is a good quality to show as a missionary as well. It helps us show consistency in our behavior as Christians living out God’s expectations and purposes. It was helpful for me when I went to a new place for missionary service as well. I was strides ahead of other missionaries who had never experienced different cultural practices or boundaries. It helped me merge into life in both the church and community quickly!

     Along those lines, we moved a great deal. Before I left home I had lived in California, Alabama, Mississippi, Alaska and Colorado and moved 25 times. After I left home I lived in Georgia (twice), Alaska (four times), New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Vermont. So, when I became a missionary, I was the person that was asked to go and quickly set up ministry for large special events. It was called Resort Ministry, which I explain by sharing that it is ministry to PEOPLE: Persistent, Evangelistic, Outreach to People on Leisure everywhere God leads of to meet them in His name.

     It also helped that in each place we went there were churches, sports program and Girl Scouting. So, when I was asked to serve as the director of the Winter Games Ministries during the Calgary Olympics or the director of the World University Games in New York, I was able to quickly learn the church and community culture. I would often find a church and then quickly start joining in clubs and community activities. Often, I would meet key people before I understand the value they would be to the ministry!

     Another thing that helped me was learning about the various cultures in each location. For example, in California I grew up around Mexican-Americans. To this day, Spanish is a language that is music to my ears! I don’t usually know exactly what a Spanish-speaker is saying but I am able to follow them enough to offer help. In Vancouver there are a number of people groups, but I was taken in by Chinatown. I became very comfortable worshipping in churches where I could not understand the language spoken.  
Likewise, during seminary, I went to classes with pastor from Korea and the Philippines. In these experiences, I learned to ask people to share their story.  Which of course, also opened the door for me to share as well.  When I was assigned the responsibility of supporting English as a Second Schools in Alaska as a ministry director, I already loved the people and had some sense for how to guide churches in helping them learn about American and God! 


     Finally, as a child I learned about respect. Respect for those serving in and with the military, whether that was in America or someplace else. I also learned to show respect to the flag and have been thrilled to teach children what to do when the flag comes by in a parade. One of my joys was looking up at a flag barrier in a parade who saw the children and smiled! Sometimes the smallest actions mean the most!


     In closing, remember we all have been prepared to share the story of spiritual reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). As the old hymn goes, “We’ve a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right. A story of truth and mercy. A story of peace and light. For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright. And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth. The kingdom of love and light.” (Hymn by Henry Ernest Nichol).

                              A Missionary being appointed to serve in a location with Unreached People (2022)




 

​

By Joyce Pelletier
 
     I wanted to look at what God says about making plans. I like to plan and organize things. Always have and if I listen to God, He will give the sign to start planning and seek what He has to say.
 
      Proverbs 19:21 ‘Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.’ 
 
     Our granddaughter became engaged in the middle of May this year. What a delight when we heard the news. Aha! Time to start planning, but God says, just wait and I’ll tell you when.
 
     I am so guilty or jumping in when inspired. But when I realize God has nudged me to wait and see when other things are in place before I jump in for my take on things. She lives in Virginia and it is a daunting task to just pack a bag and go. 
 
     Details drag us back to our demands to get it all together. I am so excited for her to be planning her wedding. It’s a blessing for her to be allowed to enjoy every moment. Our only need is to wait for a few details to be organized in our life to change things, so it is possible to be part of this festivity When our kids were married, we had our turn to help them plan. Now is the time for the next generation to do this. 
 
     However, a few days ago, in the process we made our plans, so we are free to travel over 650 miles to be part of this exciting time. In the light of this, we have things planned with Physical Therapy, medical tests, and then there is Ollie to be taken care of. Ollie is our Toy Poodle who could not make this trip. He’s old and not physically well. 
 
     Then we considered the trip by plane or train. The plane won  hands down Either way it is difficult in our mid-80s. It was a bit challenging to process these plans. Now, the tickets are purchased, the plans are coming together, the  train got pushed aside and on the plane we will go. God will be with  us, and that is all we need. We talked about the plans but then realized we have not asked God for his input. We decided on the plane and thus it will be. Time is passing quickly and all I need to do is enjoy each moment as we go.

     Plans are made and now we wait, Not my best gift, but as I sit here, writing this, we're going to make it and it will all be good. God is in control. the plan for Ollie has not been revealed, and I want to ask God why, I hear a whisper of 'just be patient, it will all happen.' Timing is key. Does not my word say in Proverbs that we "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.' I can only live in this moment that God has given me. So, the planning stays idle until the right time comes. And it will come. Joyce must learn the best thing I can do is wait for God’s next direction. It will be there where I need it at just the right time.  I never realized how impatient I am, but as sure as God's presence is with me, He remains silent. When t he time is right the plans will take full tilt to the way it will go. 
 
     We knew that this exciting event was coming, and now that it is here, 
What does is say in Proverbs 16:9 ‘In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.’  
 
     As I finish up this blog, The Lord's will is being done and we will be at peace, as we remember, Those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up on the wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. Teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait.