It was Saturday night, December 26, 2003. I was returning with my son Matthew and his friend Steve from Great Lakes Crossing. We had just seen the movie, “Lord of the Rings – Return of the King.” It was about 6:10 pm and we were going east on Walton Boulevard, just west of Perry Street. Both Matt and Steve were sitting in the back seat taking about the movie and I was looking at the traffic ahead of me. I was coming up to a green light and there was no direct traffic in front of me. I was traveling 45 miles per hours. We were in our 1994 Plymouth Sundance.

We were about 100 feet from the 7-11 at the corner when a light blue Ford Aerostar pulled out on east bound Walton Boulevard. The van was probable not going more than 10 miles per hour and seemed oblivious to my car. I put my foot on the brake, trying to brake and I also tried to steer away from the van, but I was unable to do so.

I caught the van in the sliding door, spun her car and flipped it on the driver’s side. My airbag went off. When we came to a stop, I though the car was on fire from the smoke from the airbag. We got out of the car and made sure that we were not seriously hurt. I also helped free the driver from her car. She was not injured.

Matt and Steve were both wearing seat belts, as was I. Matt bruised the left side of his neck when he hit my seat and I suffered a stress fracture of my left hand. Both cars were totaled. Since the accident, matt and I have talked about how lucky we were that we were not seriously injured. We both feel that God was watching over all three of us and protected us from more serious injury. I also thank God that the other driver was not injured at all. A car can be replaced, broken bones mend, but not a life. I still find myself careful when I am driving and see other drivers recklessly pulling out onto main streets. In this case, I can really say that I felt that God was my co-pilot.

- Russell Prus

It began as a New Year’s resolution. For the third year in a row I had made the same resolution; to become more active in exploring my faith in God. But no more excuses. I missed attending church too much. I missed the traditions of the holiday celebrations, the Holy Days, the candles ands the stained glass windows, the significance of the crucifix and all it had meant to me over the years. This year I knew I had to follow through.

I had been born into a “good Catholic” family, the youngest of six, parochial school education, morning mass EVERY day and ambitions to enter the convent. But at college I met the man who would become my husband. He represented so much I had never known, a world outside my security blanket. He challenged my thoughts and abilities. He is a Christian although there was never any doubt that the “Catholic” faith was not how he intended to raise our children.

For many, many years after our son was born we searched and stumbled for a compromise on our beliefs. We came to know Bruce, not as a pastor, but as a friend through scouting. It was his quiet consistency in speaking with me that lit the candle that is becoming once again the fire of faith. For too many years I had tunnel vision as to what I thought a church experience should be, so I neglected not only my needs but also those of our family.

Your monthly newsletter kept that candle lit. I thanks you as a group for not giving up when you did not always see me in the pew. Recently I was comfortable enough to ask about weekly envelopes. I learned that they were already printed; you had faith all along. I am learning the uniqueness of this church community and the small differences in the church service itself. My blinders are off and I thank God and each of you for removing them. Do not lose your faith, for there are many temptations and excuses available to us. But I will be there for you, as you were there for me.

- Pat Helson

I have been blessed in many ways over my life span. Gad has given me a wonderful family to love and to care for. I’m very thankful for His many blessings.

Like most men, I have always thought that it was my priority and duty to insure that my lovely wife and two daughters were taken care of and provided for in ways that they would be able to live an enjoyable life. My thoughts have always been that the girls must have a solid foundation as they approach adulthood and to fully understand our approach to living.

There have been times in my life when I questioned as to whether I would be able to consistently provide the type of guidance that I thought they should have. One such time was in 1978, when I moved my family from Dayton, Ohio to Michigan to take a new job opportunity. After leaving a good solid professional experience in Ohio to seek what I thought at the time was a better idea. This better idea lasted about 20 months and I was out of work. I said’ “Oh, my God, how would I take care of my family?” What a shock to be told that your professional experience was no longer needed.

To me, at the time, I thought that was the worst thing that could happen to someone. However, I refused to give up and lose faith. Some how my faith stayed in tact and within a short period of time, I was offered a new assignment in another state. Unfortunately this meant relocating my family again. Again my prayers were answered and we were successfully relocated. But after being there for a year I was saying, “Oh, my Lord, do I have to stay here when my family is not happy?” However, we selected the right congregation because we developed some solid friendships and decided to settle in and enjoy ourselves. After about 18 months I was without work again. To me, at the time, this was the end. We were a long way from home and no family to call on. During this time I knew my faith grew stronger because I knew that I did not deserve these unpleasant circumstances in my life. At least that’s what my thoughts were at the time. I knew that there must be a plan.

Within a short period of time, I was offered an assignment back in Michigan with a full relocation package.

I have looked back over these situations many times and thought about how things could have turned out differently. But, as I reflect, I know faith was on my side and all I needed to do was to make a commitment. That commitment was made to love and serve the Lord with all my heart and soul. I will forever remember not to question the plan.

- Thomas R. Butler