When Jesus first spoke these powerful words, He knew that He would soon be the one laying down His life for all of us.  He wanted us to understand just how deep His love for us really is.  His disciples were struggling to understand what lay ahead.  But Jesus forsaw His own arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial and Resurrection…and He went forward willingly, knowing it was necessary to set us all free from the power of sin and death.

Monday, millions of Americans remembered others who laid down their own lives to preserve our freedom.  I was blessed to be able to visit the place where my own father’s remains were laid to rest, and to remember that his service during World War 2 was that type of sacrifice, even though he lived to a ripe old age, passing away only last summer.  In his teens, the worldwide struggle for freedom from tyranny tore him away from family and friends and everything familiar, and placed him in danger, so that I could benefit.  So this week I honor him, and all who gave pieces of their lives to pursue peace in a belligerent world.

 I also remember the admonition of the apostle Paul, as he reflected on the liberation from sin, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery…For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”  (Galatians 5:1,13)

NWxNW Set for June 14, 9-11 AM at Deer Island Community Church
Many thanks to Pastor Dennis and Ruth Brown who have agreed to host our next meeting of the NWXNW ministry leaders fellowship.  Shepherds of the six churches in the far northwest portion of our mission field invite you to join them for a couple hours of sharing and prayer as we encourage one-another in serving Jesus.

 Other Ministry Activities this Month:

TCOTM Men’s Retreat, June 3-5 at Camp Morrow
It may be too late to book a group, but if there is still room, you may be able to find out by calling The Church on the Mountain at  503-622-4079.

Sandy Area Pastors Breakfast, June 15, 9 AM at Tollgate Inn
As of this morning (May 31), Tollgate is open for breakfast again.  So don’t miss this chance to break bread with fellow pastors and church leaders, and to update your area missionary on what is going on in your lives and ministries.

Portland Area Pastors Prayer, June 23, 10 AM at Woodland Park Chapel
Let us lift up one another before the Lord as He blesses His work among us.

 And please pray for me this coming weekend as I am honored to be speaking at the 80th birthday celebration for brother Foohinh Fo Saechao of New Life in Christ Church (Portland), and sharing again Sunday at The Church on the Mountain (Welches).  Please pray that the Lord’s Word will come through clearly in both services.  Blessings to all of you!

 Tom Hiscox, NW Oregon Area Missionary thiscox@infaith.org