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Putting Faith in Action!
By Joyce Pelletier
July 12, 2026
 
James 5:13-16 The Prayer of Faith
     Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them, and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
     It is a humbling experience to ask for prayer, but it is also a commonplace for us to be. The older I get the more I recognize the need for prayer. Even though we are Christians, we still make blunders.
     When I do things wrong and hold back from asking for prayer for forgiveness, it is sometimes rather difficult to accept that I am forgiven. As long as we are sincere, it’s a done deal.
     Mistakes happen. I like to think of them of golden opportunities for learning how to forgive and accept the human part of self. It does get easier as we grow in the Lord. He knows us and our sins. He knows when it’s going to happen. There is no preparation for sin. It sneaks up on you in a fastidious moment wherever we might be.
     I was driving along the Beltline from Colchester to Burlington. There were no other cars around in the area where slower drivers are to stay to the right so faster drivers can swish by you.
     We were halfway through that section and a black animal (no idea of what he or she was) and as it sauntered across to the island that divides the highway, it was rolling on his chest and next thing I new he was just under my car. There was no place for me to stop. It’s a rather tricky area when you never know if a car is coming up behind you or not.
     I didn’t hear any thud, so I assumed that I miss this little critter. However, as I kept going I saw it still moving, in the rearview mirror. I could not tell if it was still doing his fancy gait or not. It was not safe to stop, plus no place to pull over. Last I saw him he was still moving, so I assumed he was ok.
    I continued towards our destination and forgot all about the incident. Later that evening, I started to think of this poor critter and hoped that he had not been hit, he was in a very precarious situation. Then the guilt plundered on my heart and head.
    I love animals and we watch vet shows a lot on TV. I went from guilt to hope the rest of the night. I really don’t know if he made it or not. Because I didn’t hear the dreaded thud, my hope was on God protecting this creature.
     At bedtime I asked Maurice to pray for me. He reminded me that I needed to forgive myself. Truth be told is I am the hardest person to forgive.
     I thought about the book I’m preparing for our Bible Study group about the cross by Max Lucado and it brought me to thinking about Judas. He couldn’t forgive himself. He gave up his life because he didn’t want to face the truth.
     God knew this would happen before the beginning of time. Judas took things in his own hands and judged himself then took his own life. I know that this was not what God wanted him to do. The Father knew he’d betray Jesus, but he was also eligible for forgiveness. He could have experienced healing forgiveness and gone on to witness to the amazing presence of God. However He chose to run away scared, and his life was done.
     When I think of that kind of possibility, I know when I do wrong things, God knows about it and he’s more than ready to forgive me with the click of a finger. After considering this, God knew I did not mean to hurt this critter, he had for me a new lesson about forgiveness. It’s not okay to sin, but the greatest alternative is to “forgive myself” and allowing God to take the glory.
     I regret when these things happen, but I also know that forgiveness is intended for all who turn back to the one who has power to save us. That is the greatest lesson. The moral of this is keep my eyes peeled wherever I am. God has another lesson for me. Also, lest I won’t forget the value of prayer from a loved one, and reminders of the joy of forgiveness. 

The Bridegroom and the Bride

All that I have and all that I am I lay it before you
All of my hopes and all of my plans I lay them before you
As a living sacrifice That was bought with such a price
A covenant between bride and groom May I be an offering that’s pleasing
To the one who paid the debt for all my sins So All that I have and all that I am
I lay it before you

      Twenty two years ago, in a Church in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont, I
gathered with my friends and family to boldly go where some have gone before. I got
married to the love of my life, a man who I knew way less than I would have ever admit
at the time. We were young. We were naïve, and we were married.

       The future was ripe with possibilities, and I was all for it. The reality was a lot different
than I expected. In my fanciful imaginings as a child, I believed marriage to be this
larger-than-life bond that would fill in all the empty places in my soul. I would never be
lonely again. I would always have a partner in life to be there through thick and thin. All
the insecurities I felt as a single woman would be dissolved into bliss.
     
      Only the version of reality that I signed up for was very different than the fantastical
version in my head. My insecurities didn’t get soothed or dissolved. In fact, some of the
worst things I thought about myself were magnified in ways that I would never have
dreamed possible. And while I was able to work in the beginning, having children right
away, I soon became isolated in a way that I would never have pictured either. My
children were amazing and beautiful (still are) but they held a different kind of
companionship. They were never meant to be partners in life.
 
      I have never regretted my decision to have children, but pregnancy and postpartum
hormones did surprising things to my body that I also could not have expected.
The worst things about me were amplified in my mind and sometimes in my ears. Was I
actually lovable? Was I ever beautiful? Was I just destined to be alone for the rest of 
my days, while committed to maintaining a relationship with the man I had chosen for
myself? 

      I had never felt more ugly, more fat, or less valuable than I did in marriage. And yet…
there was another covenant at play. Another bridegroom.
“For your maker is your husband, the Lord of Hosts is His name.” Isaiah 54:5
He is the One who whispered in my ear, “You ARE beautiful,” when I sat in a Bible study
feeling very confident that I was not.

      He is the One who breathed comfort to me while I mourned miscarriage after
miscarriage alone. He is the One who healed the wounds made against me again and
again. He is the One who allowed me to go from despair to confidence. He is the One
who spoke to me in the middle of my loneliness and reminded me that I am not alone.
I have known incredible and beautiful intimate moments with the One who promised
never to leave me nor forsake me, the One who told me He would be with me always,
even to the very end of the age.

      I was recently listening to an explanation about the new covenant that God made with
his Church. In ancient times, the marriage contract would have been clear to the
culture. The bridegroom would make a pledge, sealing the deal with a shared drink of
wine. They would then go on to pay a dowry price. They would leave a pledge for the
bride, and finally they would go to make a home for their bride. The response of the
bride is to give her life in return.
     
      Jesus, at the last supper took the cup of wine, and told his disciples that it was the new
covenant. He drank of the cup, and shortly after, he paid the price for the bride—laying
down his own life for her sake. He conquered death in a most valiant display of love,
and then after visiting his disciples again, he told them he would go on to prepare a
place for his bride, but not without leaving a pledge, the Holy Spirit. In response, as his
bride, I lay down my life to him.

      Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and
proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

      My beloved made a way for me through the darkest night, and the stormiest weather.
My beloved promised to be with me always and I live with that hope and understanding.
Marriage was meant to foreshadow or point to the most amazing relationship that we
could ever have or know. The most high God is my husband, and I don’t ever need to
be afraid.

 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)




 

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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. 

There’s only one thing that we need
By Kadeen Edwards

“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.””
Luke 10:41-42

Martha, while having good intentions, was busy preparing food for Jesus. Mary sat at his feet. It wasn’t that what Martha was doing wasn’t good; it was… However, Mary chose what was best, and that was sitting at the feet of Jesus. Sometimes it’s better to choose what’s best instead of what’s good. Although serving Jesus and those that he called us to serve is good, sitting at his feet is best. There’s only one thing that we need, and that brings complete satisfaction and that is Jesus. Through him all things move live and have their being. Because of him all things exist, and without him, all things would cease to exist.  It says seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. Seek first the kingdom of God"means making God and His will the priority in every area of one's life, above all worldly concerns and personal ambitions. It is a call to align one's values, decisions, and actions with God's sovereign rule and moral standards. What I’ve learned is nothing in this world satisfies and I believe a lot of people find that out when they become extremely wealthy. Wealth is like dirt never satisfied Proverbs 30:16 the grave, the barren womb, the Earth and fire is never satisfied. The grave: It continuously takes the dead and is never full. The barren womb: It is always yearning for a child. The earth: This is the "dirt" or land that is not satisfied with water and is always thirsty for more. Fire: It consumes its fuel and never says, "Enough". Matthew 6 says““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

By Peggie Potter-Balaun
Matthew 19:14  Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to Me,
for of such is the Kingdom of God .
Matthew 18:6 But whosoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe
in me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be
hanged about his neck and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

   Here in the Land of the Free and a declared Christian nation some evil "laws" were enacted during the 1960's that were not only unconstitutional, but downright satanic. Marxists, the ACLU, and Madalyn Murray O'Hair have Bible reading and prayer
removed from the public school systems of our Christian nation; a nation that
chose covenant with God and was founded upon the Bible and Christianity. We have been
in moral, financial, social, and governmental free-fall ever since. We have sown to the wind and reaped the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). Instead of teaching the children that they are Father God's special and unique and very much beloved special creation, they are taught they are "accidents" of evolution and that there are too many of them and that their existence is meaningless. Father God has a plan and purpose for each of their lives from the moment of conception (Psalm 139 13-18). The wicked powers that be want to drastically reduce our numbers. Father God ordered that "we increase and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it" Gen 1:28.
  Children have been shamefully lied to!  They are told that belief in God somehow makes them intellectually inferior: tell THAT to Einstein, Pasteur, and to Sir Isaac Newton-
all of whom believed very much in God ! They are told our founding fathers were evil
self-seeking robber barons. Revisionist history is one of the biggest and most destructive
lies being force -fed to our young people and has led to tragedies such as tearing down
monuments and staging violent protests that have no foundation in truth. Many parents
today who were force-fed these lies not only profess unbelief, they actively forbid their own children from learning about Jesus and His great Love for them. Children are even being lied to about their own genders-the very foundation of their identities !
   We must teach the children about Jesus , the Word of God , and His great Love for
them . It's a matter of life or death, for now and for eternity !!!