Our confession of God’s faithfulness is heaven’s chosen instrumentality for revealing Christ to the world. For the past three years of my life, I have written an annual letter during the month of my birthday, to share with family and friends what God is doing for me. Here is a brief summary.

I attended, as staff and participant, a "health camp" held at a beautiful facility in Huttonsville, WV. The "lifestyle guests" were taught the use of the eight natural remedies given to us by God to maintain our health, and to regain it, if we through foolishness or ignorance have lost it.

These remedies are best remembered by an acronym, NEWSTART: N for nutrition, E for exercise, W for water (inside and outside the body), S for sunshine, T for temperance (now often loosely translated as, "Just say no."), A for air (fresh, that is), R for rest, and T for trust in divine power. Simple remedies: no powerful drugs, no empty promises of an easy path, no hypnosis or hype. But what amazing results! Eight of the sixteen guests were diabetic. In just fifteen days, all eight were able to cut their insulin intake by half, and two were able to put their insulin aside altogether, with a fasting blood sugar level well within the normal range. One woman quit coffee, after drinking five cups for 43 years, without withdrawal symptoms. (This wouldn’t necessarily happen to everyone, but it did to Rhonda, for which she was very thankful.) One man was able to throw out his anti-depressant. Three people quit smoking, one who had indulged the murderous habit for 31 years. A woman with a BUN of 37 upon entering camp came out with blood work showing her BUN to be 17, now in the normal range.

That I, a previous slave to many lifestyle choices that were killing me, could be staff at such a wonderful camp, is proof of the Creator, love and deity of Christ, who gave us these natural remedies when He created the world.

This year was crowned with deaths: the death of a pastor and friend who was a great writer and expositor of God’s word. He died a lingering death, filled with the presence of God, his loving wife and his six year old girl. He never stopped praising God. Among the last words Pastor Brian Jones left in his computer were these: "Many are looking for a silver bullet to end life’s problems, when what’s really needed is three rusty nails --- the nails of Calvary, and the application of Christ’s cleansing blood. No new psychological theory will ever effectually take the place of letting the cross be the blotter to soak up our suffering and grief, and, [changing the imagery] letting the cross be the fountain that washes away our sin and refreshes our soul with the life of our Redeemer."

Another death was that of the young man, a literature evangelist who, through the sale of books about Christ from door to door, presented the everlasting gospel. He had a pronounced speech impediment, but it did not deter him. He was killed in a car accident while returning from a youth convention. The fallen bodies of God’s people become seed for new crops.

In April, I did an "evangelistic series" of meetings, held at Upper West Fork Community Park. The meetings were sparsely attended, but that was not a discouragement. I felt the power of God through the words spoken to the mostly empty chairs and silent walls. God’s word will not return to Him void. It will accomplish that which it is sent out to do. He speaks, and whatever He speaks, is. By faith we go on planting seed.

I’ve been writing for Two Lane Livin’ for a full year. What a blessing it has been to me. Of all the realms of things God is doing in this world, He has allowed me space to write a few thoughts that He gives me about Himself to share with you. Amazing grace!

I am finishing up work on a short compilation about the history of the Reformation in the "Low Countries," Belgium and the Netherlands. This history occurred in the mid 1550’s. I hope to share it with my family still living in Belgium. Our freedom to worship the true God will always be threatened by the god of this world. Happy Birthday to you, too. John 3:3