Beloved Friends in Christ,

Next Sunday, God willing, we will dedicate our new lift and building addition. And none too soon. How long has it been?

Not long after I came to St. Paul's, more than 18 years ago, the idea of making our church accessible to all was discussed. At that time however things did not go beyond the discussion stage. While I was initially disappointed, it did not seem as bad after someone let me know that this had not been the first time. Making the church more accessible had been discussed before, and before being adopted, the idea would come up and fail again.

Since that time, I have learned that other congregations have had similar experiences surrounding building projects. And should that be a surprise? A worthwhile venture is rarely a thing into which people rush, and is often a thing for which people patiently labour.

Consider our Lord Jesus Christ. It took Him about 4000 years from the time of the world's creation and its subsequent fall into sin to carry out His plan of salvation. Although He had spoken of it many times throughout history, He delayed. He waited not because it took Him a few runs at it to sell the idea; rather because He was waiting patiently for just the right time.

Was the wait worth it? Who among us would dare to suggest otherwise? If another four million years were required to effect our salvation, would we not still say that it was worth it? I give God thanks that He did not tire of waiting for just the right time. Moreover, I thank Him that He is still patient toward us, not wishing that any should perish.

That's the attitude that I pray God would also grant each one of us. I pray that He would grant us an unrelenting desire to see others come to know Jesus Christ. Regardless of how long we must toil, whatever it takes, even if it is for just one or two, may God grant us a loving and patient heart that never gives up.

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey