Dear Families of the Mar Thoma Church of New Jersey, Randolph,

We have entered the second quarter of the year. We have completed yet another Lenten period, which was a time set apart by the church for fasting, prayer, meditation, repentance, and renewal. As a faith community, we must pay attention to giving glory to God, and must remain in active pursuit of God’s agenda in our life. Our worship life, our personal life, and our witness must be in sync. Many of us came to this country seeking better resources for ourselves, and our generation. But let us not pursue this at the expense of our spiritual life.

I want to highlight the life and ministry of Late Billy Graham, who passed away in February 2018, at the age of 99. He was known as “America’s Pastor.” He was known to speak to over 215 million people during his ministry and transformed the lives of many through his ministry. He also served as a spiritual guide to many of our U.S. Presidents. His ministry was unlike others: the messenger and the message went together. That’s what made his preaching of the gospel of Christ as not only relevant, but also effective and fruitful. During his funeral, his son, Franklin Graham said: “The Billy Graham that the world saw on television, the Billy Graham that the world saw in the big stadiums was the same Billy Graham that we saw at home. There weren’t two Billy Grahams.” The gospel is most powerful when the scriptures and messenger go hand in hand. This is a message for us all as a Christian community. The blessed Apostle Paul in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians says: “…we are the ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Cor 5:20) The world is watching. What living and dynamic presence of Jesus Christ can we offer the world? Let us paint a beautiful and inspiring picture of Christ through our lives.

At this juncture, let me point your attention to the spiritual programs being organized by our Diocese and Regional ministries in the summer months for our youngsters. The Regional Sunday School is having its Junior/Senior conference from June 28-July 1, 2018 at Ramapo College, NJ (for students entering Grades 6-12 in September 2018). Furthermore, the Diocesan Youth Fellowship is having its annual conference from July 26-29, 2018 in Chicago (For youth ages 18-35). Also, our Diocesan Family Conference will be held in Houston, TX from July 5-8, 2018. Our Diocese is arranging mission trips for Native American Mission, Neighborhood Mission, & India Mission this summer I exhort all families to mark these dates in the calendar and to encourage our children/youth to attend.

A family giving priority to spiritual matters is making the greatest investment for God’s kingdom. Remember, what is invested on this earth is temporary. What is invested for the Lord is for eternity. Now, the choice is yours!

May the blessings of God the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit, be with us all.

Sincerely,
Dennis Achen (Youth Chaplain)