ACTION NEWS
Issue 31 – Fall 2022
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
As thoughts and memories about the queen circulate many of us have watched this cute video made for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration. This short video has all the “feels”. It struck me that the character of Paddington Bear is able to thank the Queen--thank her for
“everything”. What an incredible opportunity and wouldn’t many of us wish to have been able to do the same.
I am thankful that the Queen stood for truth and carried on our Christian traditions. Elizabeth II seems to be the last world leader standing who publicly proclaimed faith in Christ. When we were most confused about the pandemic and what it’s outcome might be she gave an Easter message in 2020 that could have been preached in any Christian church.
“This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn’t cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever. The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that Coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be — particularly for those suffering with grief —light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.”
have received a few profound thank you’s in my lifetime and more importantly I’ve been able to give a few. This little video reminded me that we should take the chance when we have it to show our gratitude to the people we love and the people who’ve given themselves for our benefit. THANK YOU Queen Elizabeth II for EVERYTHING.
–DBM
You Can Have An Impact On Our Youth
It is through the generous support of people like you that we are able to create programs that impact the lives of our youth. Through your support, our programs provide youth with information to help them make wise and healthy choices for their lives.
Marsha’s Comings and Goings
I liken life post- pandemic to drinking from a fire hydrant. When most mandates dropped in March things came alive again. I was busy with things at the school and also had enjoyed sharing with the congregations around the region. The summer was camp season and Matt and I were pleased to make some visits to camps in NB and get the word out. As our school, church and camps work their way back to normal scheduling we are pleased to be available to visit groups and encourage youth to make wise choices. Thank you for your prayers and please reach out if we can help you or your group in any way.
THANK YOU
Thank You to the Atlantic Baptist Foundation for their generous support of our Climbing Higher and Rekindle Hope programs.
For more info about the foundation visit their website: www.baptistfoundation.com
MATT'S MUSINGS
by Matthew Hanson
Not only has this past summer been hot, it’s also been so exciting for me! I’ve had the wonderful pleasure of sharing the messages of #ClimbHigher and #RekindleHope with some lovely people! It was my privilege to visit Tay Valley Bible Camp and share not one, but BOTH of these campaigns with the campers and staff! (I wasn’t even worried about getting lost in the woods on my way home!)
While informing teens of anxiety and its impacts, one of my favorite resources is 1 Kings 19. Elijah was scared for his life as he ran from Jezebel. He was tired of running and he wanted to give up. However, God had different plans. God fed Elijah and proved to him that in all circumstances, God is all powerful and has control over the situation. This is such an important thing to remember when we’re surrounded by life’s struggles. God is our lifeline and we can always count on him to protect us and keep us safe.
The end of the summer was also exciting for me. I shared #ClimbingHigher at both Snider Mountain and Arrowhead Native Bible Center. Pray for me as I share truth with today’s teens.
SO SMART
by DBM
Through the continued generous support of the Baptist Foundation CAFNB has received a grant to develop a campaign to research the impact of smartphones on our kids/teens in this generation. This program development for the kids/teens and their parents will be important. There is a lot to learn on all sides of this issue. A recent article from the UK suggests that 90% of 11-year olds have smartphones. The article is positive with some constructive caution:
“Parents could also, for example, spend time playing games with children to make sure they’re happy with the content, or set aside time to go through what’s on the phone together.” (Kelly Oakes, 2022)
There is no doubt about it, smartphones are here to stay. The good Lord knows we need His wisdom and guidance to make the right choices regarding this technology.
This generation has many challenges ahead and at CAFNB we want to provide encouragement to kids/teens/parents for this topic. Pray for us as we continue to research and develop a fun, innovative plan to guide the daily practice of these devices. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in our Maker’s image and we are created SMART enough to use this technology for His Glory.
