“But now, more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But [Jesus] would withdraw to deserted places and pray.” – Luke 5: 15-16
“Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles.” – Luke 6: 12-13
Dear Friends in Christ at Christus Victor,
Change is both exciting and frightening.
There are good changes. When kids are graduating from high school and college, there is celebration and expectation, as well as fear and worry, on the part of parents and their children together. Marriage brings huge change, not just for the couple, but for the whole system of family and friend relationships. The birth of a child brings a lifetime of changes – sometimes faster than parents can handle.
There are bad changes, too. The diagnosis of cancer or some deadly disease brings unwanted change and dread. Getting laid off from a job brings unforeseen changes that threaten the stability of families, not only financially, but emotionally as well. The ending of relationships – whether through divorce, a break-up or moving to a new community or new church – are full of painful changes and adjustments.
The question about change, “What will happen next? can be asked with anticipation or anxiety, and often times both.
“What will happen next?” has been a big question for a lot of people as Spirit Bound heads out on their farewell tour after 24 years of music ministry. When people ask me, with anticipation and anxiety, “what will happen next?” I have to say, “I have no idea what will happen next.”
But, I do know that whatever new ministries will arise here at CV will only come after people take time to pray and discern God’s leading and calling. Just like Jesus, all of us need to take a little time every day to get away from all of the distractions and demanding voices to pray, to be in God’s Presence, and let the Holy Spirit guide us and bring us together to discern what God wants to happen next.
As we celebrate 24 wonderful years of Spirit Bound’s ministry, I thank God that Anne Nyquist and Deb Archer listened to God, in their own unique way, and started Spirit Bound. God showed them a very real need for a ministry for senior high youth at CV. They looked at the gifts God had given them, namely a passion for music. They shared their idea and passion with a few other supportive people and then got going, even in the face of resistance and lack of support. It has taken a lot of energy, a huge commitment of time and resources, and a lot of love to keep this ministry going over these 24 years. Through the many ups and downs of Christus Victor’s ministry, Spirit Bound has been a central and consistent ministry that has kept CV going through thick and thin. Spirit Bound has not only touched the faith and lives of hundreds of people at CV, but also many thousands of people from the 30 states and 4 Canadian Provinces to whom Spirit Bound has brought their musical Gospel message.
What happens next at CV will come from prayer, passion, and committed people using their gifts, talents, time, and treasure to serve God and make a difference in the world and in the lives of other people for the sake of Jesus Christ.
I invite you to join me in celebrating 24 years of Spirit Bound’s ministry at their homecoming concert on Sunday, June 27, at 7:00pm! Let’s make their homecoming potluck and concert a big celebration, and show our thanks and appreciation for all that Spirit Bound has meant to the life and ministry of Christus Victor!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud
