Win a FREE Trip to Switzerland!

“God will rescue the lost, yet He uses us as His agents to bring the life-saving Gospel to those who need to hear it.” – Dr. Bill Waltz

As I pen these words, my son Chris is enjoying an all-expenses-paid trip to Switzerland. Lucky guy!

Actually, Chris earned the trip by being one of his company’s top producers last year. The previous year, he reached his quota and qualified for a similar trip to Ireland… and if he meets his sales target in 2027, he will be heading to the French Riveria.

Chris’s wife Rachael accompanied him to Ireland, but the year before she was still waiting for her passport to arrive. As a Nigerian citizen, she had to apply through their nearest consulate in Atlanta, and they were in no hurry to process her papers. And so, at the last minute, Chris invited me to join him for a free trip to Banff, Canada.

In case you’ve never been to Banff, it is a quaint town full of shops and restaurants – similar to Aspen or Vail, Colorado – nestled in the spectacular Canadian Rockies. We stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel, a world-famous five-star resort, and visited Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Google describes Moraine Lake as a “stunning glacially-fed lake… famous for its turquoise water set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.” Of all the places I have visited in my 66 years on this planet, nothing prepared me for the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park and its twin lakes.

Just imagine if I had told Chris “Thanks, but no thanks” when he invited me to accompany him in 2024? I would have missed out on the trip of a lifetime! Well, my friend, the same goes for people who – when God offers them the privilege of sharing the gospel with others – find something else more pressing to do. What a tragic mistake… and what an insult to God, who simply chooses someone else to use (and receive the blessing and reward).

Back to Chris for a minute. Rachael is applying for U.S. citizenship, but while she waits for her application to be approved, she remains in limbo. And so, this year, Chris invited his cousin Colton to fly to Lausanne with him… and of course, he said “Yes!” without a moment’s hesitation. Oh, that we would respond to God with that same level of enthusiasm whenever He calls.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (BSB)

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: ‘Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?’ And I said: ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Isaiah 6:8 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President