Well, FaithSearch made it through the hubbub of the holidays, and have rounded the corner into a new year. Everything goes back to “normal,” whatever that is.

New FaithSearch Web site

In the past month, we have made some changes here at FaithSearch. Working with an outside contractor, we have created a new online resource center. It is the first step in entirely renovating our online presence. Stay tuned for some significant upgrades.

For now, our ministry resources are available in a more streamlined shopping experience. Giving to FaithSearch online is now easier than ever, allowing you to clearly choose a ministry project, a field of ministry, or to support and learn about each individual staff member.

All this was done quickly on a very short timeline in order to avoid paying for the renewal of our previous online store, which saved the ministry hundreds of dollars. Looking forward, this same platform will integrate well with new interactive features. Stay tuned!

In other news, it’s not too early to start thinking about our annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction. It is scheduled for May 2, and will be held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN. I’m pretty excited about the program this year. We have a special guest lined up (more about that later) who has a very unique approach to presenting evidence for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Finally, I am still struck by the enormity of God’s love: in the incarnation (which we celebrate at Christmas); in providing a way for us to be reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:17-21); and in allowing me to serve Him here at FaithSearch. 

We recently sang “The Love of God” (a hymn from 1917 by Frederick M. Lehman) which contains a verse which captures for me brilliantly, poetically, and visually how great the Father’s love for us is. (These Bible verses also do a fairly perfect job of pointing this out: Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:1; John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; etc.)

Here is my frail and all-too-literal attempt to represent this graphically:

“The Love of God” by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917 (public domain)