God's Comfort...a Window of Insight

In today's sermon..."Facing God's Will" Dave Dunn shared some insights into something that was hard to understand. Pastor Chuck was suffering so greatly...that towards the end, many were praying that God would just let him pass and be home with his Lord.

While we didn't understand why Chuck continued to live in great pain and suffering...we made the choice to trust God and know that he was bring good, even from Chuck's suffering.

Dave shared the story that while visiting Chuck at the hospital, he exited his room and stopped by the nurse's station. He exchanged a hello with one of the nurses present. Dave asked him what his thoughts were. The gentleman stated that he had been a nurse for a number of years...prior to working at St. Joseph's where he had been for about 6 months. He said in all his time as a nurse he had never seen such love exhibited through the love and care poured out from so many for Chuck, Linda and the Obremski family.

So even in Chuck's great suffering at the end of his life...God was able to use this time as a witness to others on His great love for us, poured out through his servants to one in great need.

One other insight that was shared with me today was from Doreen at church. In reflecting on all that God has done during this time...one message that she took comfort in and shared with others is that God loves us all equally. He doesn't spare his favorites from difficult times and sickness...and only sends it to those whom he hates and are evil. It brought to mind the scripture from Matthew 5:45 - "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.".

2 Peter 3:9 - "He is not willing that any should perish but that all would come to repentance." What a merciful God we serve.

Reflections on Keeping the Faith

Thank you to my dear friend Dan...sending his condolences on Chuck's death. Dan...I greatly appreciate you kind words and reflections on "keeping the faith". You are very eloquent...and have some keen insight...that seems to have increased with your years. Thank you Daniel...and by the way congratulations on your new job...and good to have you back in California! Susan


I was sorry to hear about the passing of Pastor Chuck. While I did not have the pleasure of knowing him personally, from what I have read about this man on your blog, we were indeed fortunate to have a man such as him.

Reading the notice of his passing, I was struck by the following words, "he fought the good fight, he kept the faith" Truly that is something to aspire to and to have that said of one at their passing. Keeping the faith is so difficult at times as life brings us many challenges, but to keep your faith in spite of all is something to be proud of. To fight the good fight, to do what is right, to not take the easy way out, but to struggle and persevere is something that many call old fashioned in these times, but as I age, the words have more and more meaning and more and more focus in my life.

My sincere condolences to his family and his congregation.

Dan H.

Grateful to God

Today's Kindred Update brought the news that our beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski has made it home...and is resting in the arms of his loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He finished the race at 1:05 PM on Sunday, September 18, 2005...game time for the Angels as it so happens. In reflecting upon his death...his passing into eternal life...my lips pour forth praise and thanksgiving for so much.

I thank God for leading me to this wonderful pastor...who so boldly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I am thankful for his open and transparent life.

I am thankful for his open and teachable spirit...and willingness to let God continue to mold him and transform him into the man that God would have him to be.

I am thankful for Chuck's straightforward, no nonsense style of preaching...my kick-butt Pastor....as I lovingly refer to him as.

I'm thankful for Chuck and Linda's willingness to step out into the unknown...and start our church, Kindred Community Church.

I am thankful that Chuck, Linda and Kindred Community Church elders...have been so committed to spreading the gospel message that they give away the CD's and tapes from the sermon messages.

I am thankful...that Chuck and Linda were so open and transparent through the whole experience of his ride on the "Cancer Coaster". Willing to let God use it...what Chuck went through, Linda and the family...and in turn our church family. They didn't hide it...but instead turned it over to God to let Him use it to get the gospel message out there and bring many to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

I am grateful for the example I saw lived out in the life of man that reflects Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that God let Chuck remain with us for two years after his diagnosis of cancer.

I am thankful for the life I saw lived out in the example of Chuck...of not quitting...and not resting until Jesus called him home.

I am thankful that Chuck and Linda have remained committed and faithful to their Lord and Savior in spite of and in the midst of great pain, suffering and loss.

I am thankful that there was no bitterness or anger or hatred towards God for this wretched disease.

I am grateful, thankful and most blessed to have seen a living example of someone so committed and sure of God's love that even when dealt the hand of terminal cancer at such a young age, there were no questions as to why, only what. What God are you going to do through this?

I am most thankful for my beloved church family...the members of Kindred Community Church.

I am thankful that God has unified us with strong bonds of love...with roots that have grown very deep over the past two and a half years.

I am thankful and eager that when I get to heaven...I will get to hear Chuck preach the message that he was unable to preach on 9/11/05, The Influence of the Genuine Servant.

I am grateful and humbled to know that I too will one day go to heaven and meet face to face my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am thankful...that there too welcoming me to heaven will be Chuck and my friends Hugo and Neil who recently passed away.

I am thankful that God used the time from Chuck's diagnosis of cancer until He took him home...to allow us time, give us His grace and enable us to trust Him and accept His will.

I am thankful that today...even this very day, in which my heart is breaking...my lips sing forth praise for my great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that I have a hope, joy and peace...that nothing and no one can ever take away...not even the death of a loved one.

I am thankful that Chuck is no longer suffering.

I am thankful to know that God continued to use Chuck...even in these days when his life was wanning...to witness to others about Jesus Christ.

I am thankful...that I will not taste the bitterness of death and hell...since I have received Jesus Christ...who paid my sin debt that I might be forgiven and join him in heaven.

So...even as I wipe tears from my eyes...and I am most grateful to God and sing forth is praise loudly.

Waiting

Waiting

From unimaginable,
To Lord, if that's Your will,
To please Lord, don't let him suffer.

Waiting for news,
Prayerful and silent,
Hearts and minds focused on St. Joe's 391.

A glimmer,
A flicker,
A hope passes by.

He's able,
Not willing,
We know not why.

We wait,
We pray,
We look to our Lord.

He strengthens,
He comforts,
And each step He guides.

No breath,
No word,
We bow before our Lord.

We surrender,
We are humbled,
All trust in our Lord.


By Susan Bunts 9/17/05

As we await word on our beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski...I find throughout the day...my mind, heart, thoughts and prayers are focused on Saint Joseph's Hospital and what God is doing there. Each e-mail that comes I tremble when I open it and read slowly to take it in.

I hold my breath, focus...and look to Jesus...and make a decision to trust Him in and through all things.

"Lord, help us in this time. Amen!"

The Kindred Prayer Update reported that the above prayer was uttered today by Chuck Obremski as he is looking towards the finish line of this race. Please keep this precious man of God in your prayers as he is suffering greatly. His family is also in need of your prayers too. An exhausting time...and they are sustained, strengthened and comforted by their Lord and Savior. They are touched by the outpouring of love and prayers from so many. Daughter Dana reports the nights are especially tough...so keep those prayers coming.

"Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you."

Hebrews 11:5

Cross In the Rubble

Do you have a cross in the rubble of your life? In those times of tragedy, loss and death? When your world is turned upside down...when that which you could never have imagined is upon you? In those times when all have deserted you...and you are alone?

To Whom do you turn?

Let's Roll

We've all heard the story about Todd Beamer and other passengers on United Airlines Flight 93...who in a heroic fashion upon being informed of the high jackers true motivation and plans...attempted to regain control of the plane.

Who among us...when imagining themselves in a similar situation...doesn't hope and pray for the courage to do likewise. The story of Todd and his fellow passengers really captured an American spirit...and helped bring courage to others in wake of September 11th.

Below are excerpts from an article found on Focus on the Family's website. To read the full article...please click on the above link. Also to note...Lisa Beamer is carrying her husband's example and has started a foundation to help children effected by tragedy, Heroic Choices.

Airfone Operator, Lisa Jefferson recounted how in a calm and businesslike voice, Todd told her the details: three hijackers, two with knives; 10 passengers in first class, 27 in coach, five flight attendants. The passengers were discussing ways to overpower the hijackers. "It’s what we have to do," Todd had said.

The hijackers, in an apparent effort to thwart these plans, sent the plane diving and swerving to try to knock the passengers off their feet. For a moment Todd’s voice showed fear. "Jesus, we’re going down," he said. Then he steadied. "We’re coming back up."

Jefferson told Lisa that Todd had talked about his family, and he asked her to call his wife if he did not make it home. "I don’t think we’re going to get out of this thing," he told Jefferson. "I’m going to have to go out on faith."

Todd asked Jefferson to pray with him, and together over the phone they recited the Lord’s Prayer. "Our Father, who art in heaven . . ." He then recited the 23rd Psalm. "The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want . . ."

"Jesus, help me," Todd said.

Then Jefferson heard him say: "Are you guys ready? Let’s roll"—a phrase he used often with his boys. Sounds of struggle, then nothing.

Pray Like Never Before

"I just heard that!! NOW it has really impacted me. Barbara Olsen was a bright face with the words of truth and logic. She will be missed. Somehow, when you put a face to this horrible event, it humanizes it. We must continue to lift up all the people who are now suffering loss. Pray for our leader's like never before. I know American's will all band together...today will go down in infamy like never before. Another reminder that every day counts. Another chance to do the right thing. God ...bless our land."

The above quote was taken from the Free Republic website from one of their contributors called Neeneh...posted on 9/11/01 at 12:28 PM.

Barbara Olson, wife of Solicitor General, Ted Olson. She was on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon.

A Crown of Righteousness

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

This picture was taken on the first day, we as a church moved into our church home, Kindred Community Church in Anaheim, California. It was snapped as Chuck was welcoming everyone. As it so happened, it was also our second anniversary as a church.

It was a time of excitement, anticipation and expectation as to what our God would do in and through our church, it's members...and how He would continue to use this man of God whom He had raised up to preach His Word to a weary and dying world. We had already seen Him move His hand and bring forth miracles...and spread the gospel message through the life and suffering of His humble, willing and obedient servant.

Until we get to heaven...we won't fully comprehend why God is choosing to take His servant home from assignment so early. We won't be aware of all the people whom God has touched through the faithful teaching of His word. We won't have the full picture on how we've all been changed, not only through some awesome preaching...but also as witnesses to a man fully committed to his Lord and Savior...and finishing the race strong.

Please join our church was we pray for our Pastor Chuck, wife lovely wife Linda, the entire Obremski family...including his mother Pat and their children Dana, Ryan and Krista. Chuck is in the hospital...and struggling to breath and is not always coherent. His family is by his bedside.

Dear Heavenly Father...please touch our precious Pastor, Linda and the Obremski family. Shower Your peace upon them, comfort them...and reveal Your love for them. Please still any pain that Chuck is having...and ease his breathing. Let him have clarity during his remaining moments with his family this side of heaven. May You give him visions of the joy and beauty that he will be entering into. May it bring him peace and joy. We thank You for giving us this lovely man and letting him be a part of our lives. We ask that even now...that You will continue to be honored and glorified through the life of our Pastor.

Liberty!

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Ask, Seek and Knock

Luke 11:9-10
"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Philippians 4:5-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Father...you tell us in your word that we are to be anxious about nothing...but instead come to you with praise and thanksgiving and lay before you our prayer requests.

Tonight...we do just that. Jesus...just as the friends of paralyzed man tore through the roof to lower their friend before you for your healing touch...so too we lay our beloved Pastor before you tonight.

We give you thanks that the doctors were able to disgnosis what caused Chuck's fever and shaking. We thank you that a possible blood match with the needed antibodies may soon be available. We thank you that the swelling has gone down. Most importantly we thank you for your presence, peace and strength sustaining your much loved servant.

Father we pray that your hand would be upon Chuck that you would enable him to breath without pain. That you would keep the swelling down and that you would remove the infection from his blood. We pray that you would allow him to start receiving nutrition and that it would cause no ill effects. We pray that you would guide the doctors...give them great wisdom in their treatment plans. That you would allow the chemo treatment at just the proper time...and that it would do that which it is designed to do.

May your hand of comfort rest upon Chuck and Linda...and may you help them to bear that which has come upon them. May their faith remain strong and solid...and may the enemy be defeated soundly and swiftly.

We thank you for the salvation that you have offered through your precious Son Jesus Christ. We pray that you will continue to use this to reach out and bring others to a saving faith in Christ. We pray in the precious name of your Son. Amen and amen.