Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
Daniela and I are now back in Switzerland after our quick trip to the United States. We want to thank all of you for your prayers for us, and for my Mom during her final days and hours here on earth. As many of you who have also lost loved ones know, their absence leaves a great void in our hearts, but greater still is the assurance we have of the resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
My Mom walked with the Lord for 89 years, having been baptized at the age of 12 in a small, Baptist Church. While she did not have gifts that put her up on the stage or in front of others, she faithfully lived out her calling, showing love and grace to everyone. So many people have told me or written or how my Mom’s gentle faith and loving ways impacted their lives. I am so grateful for the lifelong example of faith she was to me and all who knew her.
This reminds us all of the many opportunities we have to be an example of Christ-like living to our children and other family members, our colleagues at work, our friends, our neighbors, etc. All of us, no matter which spiritual gifts we have been given by the Holy Spirit, have numerous opportunities to bear witness for Christ and His work in our lives. As we seek to grow in Christ-like character, as we nurture our faith, as we allow the love of God to fill us and flow from us to others, we all can be used of God to touch the lives of others with His grace. What a great privilege we have!
Probably none have a greater need to be influenced by the love and grace of God flowing from or lives than children, including those who attend IBCZ. Right now, we have a need for more teachers – for both the ages 3-7 and 8-12 classes. If you think God might be calling you to serve in this way, please contact Catherine Leonhartsberger or me.
Finally, I want to thank Andreas Wiget for preaching in my absence last Sunday, and for Oliver Herrmann who will preach this Sunday as I complete my ten-day quarantine. I look forward to seeing you again on Sunday, Sept. 6th.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob