Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium. The gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so the only way to find it is through testing. Health Canada estimates about 16% of lung cancer deaths in Canada are related to exposure to t his gas. Many people are unaware of this potential killer, iin spite of the fact that testing kits are readily available. How careless we humans can be. In relation to our spiritual well being, it is a similar but more serious situation. That’s because the Bible clearly states that all of us have siined, and that salvation comes to us only when we become properly related to Jesus Christ by faith. The Word of God also exhorts us not to put off our acceptance of God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Sadly, so many choose to remain in ignorance, depending on their own self righteousness. This ultimately leads to spiritual death. How sad, since Jesus loves us all and extends an invitation to everyone to accept His generous gift.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

The Butchart Gardens, in British Columbia is a National Historic site of Canada. Due to its striking floral displays, it, drawing many visitors every year. But this incredibly beautiful spot was once a limestone quarry. When the Robert and Jenny Butcharts originally moved to B.C., he was in the manufacturing of cement and came there because of the rich limestone deposits. After the quarry was exhausted, Mrs. Butchart made it into a sunken garden, and the rest, is history. Often we feel that our life is like an old limestone pit , and of little use. But God can make the most barren life bloom.A gospel song puts it this way- “Something beautiful, something good, all my confusion, He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful of my life.” And Jonah said of this life change – “You have brought up my life from the pit….salvation is of the Lord.” I am glad that Jesus is in the salvaging business.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

The Butchart Gardens, in British Columbia is a National Historic site of Canada. Due to its striking floral displays, it, drawing many visitors every year. But this incredibly beautiful spot was once a limestone quarry. When the Robert and Jenny Butcharts originally moved to B.C., he was in the manufacturing of cement and came there because of the rich limestone deposits. After the quarry was exhausted, Mrs. Butchart made it into a sunken garden, and the rest, is history. Often we feel that our life is like an old limestone pit , and of little use. But God can make the most barren life bloom.A gospel song puts it this way- “Something beautiful, something good, all my confusion, He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful of my life.” And Jonah said of this life change – “You have brought up my life from the pit….salvation is of the Lord.” I am glad that Jesus is in the salvaging business.

Pastor Alex Rockwell

This Summer’s double issue of Time Magazine had as its cover story- The Pursuit of Happiness. The American Declaration of Human Rights, signed in 1776, sought to guarantee the right of everyone to this. The 18th century meaning of happiness was “… the good of the whole or civic responsibility.” . According to Aristotle, it was “an ultimate good worth seeking for its own sake.” But we often think of it as personal gratification. However we define happiness, everyone agrees that it is a state we want for ourselves. But the more we pursue it, the more elusive it becomes. If our happiness depends on circumstances, friends, or financial success, it will be fleeting, because all these can change. But if our happiness is found in the Lord Jesus Christ and His forgiveness, He has promised , “I am the Lord, I change not.” That’s because over and over again, Jesus has proven that He is the same, yesterday and today and forever.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Last month, the world observed the 44th anniversary of a space milestone with the first landing of man on the moon. It was on July 20th 1969 that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the surface of the moon. Another astronaut , the last man to walk on the moon, Eugene Cernan said from his quarter million mile perspective, “you can see from the Antartic to the North Pole and the continental shores. The earth looks so perfect. You feel .…like you are looking back at the earth as God must be looking now, as he must have been when He created it. Cernan continued, “ I am convinced of God by the order in space.” Yes, there is a God, and Yes, He did create the universe. And thankfully this wonderful Creator loves not only the physical world He created, but all of us who live in this world. John wrote of His love, saying, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“Lighthouses are here to help everyone. They are a symbol of hope, help and guidance.” That’s the opinion of Carol Livingston of the PEI Lighthouse society. She was summarizing the feelings of many Islanders. And Environment Minister Peter Kent says that the lighthouse preservation program of PEI has been very successful. It is believed that most if not all of the lighthouses will be saved. It is encouraging to learn that these beacons on our shores will continue to be part of our future as well as our past. And just as lighthouses dispel darkness and give guidance to those at sea, so Jesus, the Light of the world assures us that anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. He gives hope, help and guidance. And best of all, that invitation is for everyone. Jesus’ words given in John’s gospel are clear- “ I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not walk in darkness.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

20 tourists and their guides who had been stranded on an ice flow off Baffin Island were airlifted to safety last month. They suddenly realized they needed outside help. And often,we too find ourselves adrift from our moorings. Financial loss, breakdown in health, or a trusted friend disappoints us. Whatever the cause, we find ourselves unable to cope, and in need of rescue. The Psalmist in the old testament offers a wonderful promise with the words, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” And Nahum adds, “ The Lord is good- a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.” When we turn to the Lord, who is greater than our problems, He will answer. He has promised forgiveness and eternal life to all who will call on Him, acknowledge their spiritual neediness and inability to save themselves. When we have this hope, God becomes the anchor for the soul.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

The actions of a nosy culprit – a live beaver, is responsible for the inconvenience of more than 1800 northern New Mexican users were affected by the blackout of their cellphones and internet..Centurylink spokesman David Gonzales told the Associated Press that the beaver chewed through fiber. Contractors who worked to repair the outage made the discovery. That little rascal! And just as these people were surprisingly interrupted by a beaver, similar situations take place in our lives lives when our well laid plans and expectations are interrupted by developments such as accidents, health problems, loss of employment betrayal by friends, or other surprises. It is then good to know that our Heavenly Father is never surprised,never needs to say “oops.” But if we have acknowledged our spiritual poverty- have invited Christ into our lives, whether the events seem positive or negative, it is good to know that “all things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem in many provinces of Canada. The tragic results of such irresponsible actions are often death or serious injuries. Surviving family members are often left with a lifetime of pain. Recently the PEI government, alarmed by an increase in alcohol related accidents, is considering forcing those convicted of driving under the influence to have a front license plate revealing their offense, at least to law officers. The idea has strong opposition and support. God’s attitude toward breaking His laws is different. He does not minimize our sinful nature, warning, “There is none righteous, no not one,” but He reminds us that He sent His Son to be our substitute. Paul wrote of it saying, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And when we accept His payment for our wrong-doing, He assures us with these words, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell

“Who has not experienced fear? I myself am a man who is afraid. All the wise men I know are afraid”. Those are the words of the noted scientist Harold Clayton Urey, an American physical chemist whose pioneering work on isotopes earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1934. Your child snuggles close, whispering “I’m afraid.” It may be fear of the dark, fear of something thought to be lurking in the closet. You reassure the little one, trying to soothe his or her fears. But deep inside, you too have felt fear’s chilling impact. There are irrational fears, but there is also healthy fear, causing one to do something about a problem. Fear of an epidemic may lead to immunization. Fear of a possible fire may lead to purchasing insurance. The wise man of the Bible, Solomon, wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If we are not in a right relationship with Him, a healthy fear should lead to repentance and faith in Christ. As Amos of old warned, ”Prepare to meet your God.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell