As you read this I want you to know that I’m “slaving away” for the Kingdom of God in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado.  The newsletter article is due on July 7th and I didn’t accomplish the task of writing it before leaving for vacation.  So I am sitting on the balcony of the Administration Building at the YMCA Camp in Estes Park reading, reflecting, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.  I know – it’s a really hard place to be but someone has to do it.  I’ve been reading a book of devotions by A J Russell called “God Calling”.  This devotional struck a chord in me and I want to share it with you.  This is what Russell says:

“Turn out all thoughts of doubt and of trouble.  Never tolerate them for one second.

Bar the windows and doors of your soul against them as you would bar your home against a thief who would steal in to take your treasures.

What greater treasures can you have than Peace and rest and Joy?  And these are all stolen from you by doubt and fear and despair.

Face each day with Love and laughter.  Face the storm.

Joy, Peace, Love, My great gifts.  Follow Me to find all three.  I want you to feel the thrill of protection and safety Now.

Any soul can feel this in a harbour, but real joy and victory come to those alone who sense these when they ride a storm.

Say “all is well.”  Say it not as a vain repetition.  Use it as you use a healing balm for cut or wound, until the poison is drawn out: then, until the sore is healed; then until the thrill of fresh life floods your being.

All is well.

As I read Russell’s words I am reminded of an old hymn that comes to mind:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

The person who wrote It Is Well had just lost a child to death.  He would know about peace in the midst of the storm.  As I am enjoying the magnificent beauty that God created and reflecting on the marvelous work of His hands, I’m reminded not let my doubts in the midst of the storms in my life to take my joy away.  Have a great month of July!

— Wayne Van Regenmorter

Wayne’s Schedule:
July 
7:  Conference Call
8:  Synod Executive Team Meeting
9:  Office
10-14:  Meetings in Florida
15:  Office
16:  Meeting/South Holland, IL
17:  Meeting/ Holland, MI
18:  Office
19:  Off
20:  Preach/New Hope Community Church/Wausau, WI
21:  Office
22:  Meeting/Hammond, IN
23:  Office
24:  Coaching, Office
25:  Meeting/Tinley Park, IL
26:  Off
27:  Sunday Worship
28:  Office
29:  Office
30:  Ridder Implementation Team/WI/Mid-America/Preparation Conference Call
31:  Office
August 
1:  Coaching
2:  Performing Wedding in Minneapolis, MN

Wayne’s contact information:
10088 Prairie Knoll Ct.
St. John, IN 46373
Mobile: (941) 302-1281
Email:  wregen@msyn.org