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Jesus Loves Me

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Jesus Loves Me - Russel Ward

Photo: Russell Ward

 

I read a very moving story recently about a minister from Oregon. He was assigned to provide counseling in a mental institution. As he approached the large padded cell, he realized the task he was given was much greater than his years of training.  

 

The cell housed deranged people and the room was filled with an over powering stench from their inability to control human functions.  He couldn't even communicate with these people, so how was he going to counsel them? The only response he could get from them was deep guttural moans and high pitched sounds.

 

It reminded me of the story of Jesus and the demoniac in Mark 5:1-20, and how even the most tormented can find peace when exposed to the love of Jesus.

 

The minister felt the Spirit of God draw him to the center of the room, where he sat down on the floor. He began to sing just one song, over and over again for the entire hour. The song was "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong."

 

Nothing happened that first day, but he continued to sing this song with greater conviction. Every day for weeks, he sat down on the floor and simply sang, "Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so."

 

In the weeks that followed, one by one a patient joined in the singing. Miraculously at the end of the first month, 36 severely ill patients were transferred to a self-care ward. Within a year, all but 2 were discharged from the mental institution. 

 

Such simple words, but such a powerful, life changing message.

 

I don't know if Anna Bartlett Warner knew that the words she penned in 1827 would be put to music 35 years later, but I'm so glad she took the time to share it with all of us. No matter what difficulties come or failures we experience or how weak, hopeless or tormented we feel, our peace is found in the constant and unconditional love of Jesus. (I John 4:10)

 

The greatest message, the greatest comfort, the greatest truth is sung by God’s children, young and old: Jesus Loves Me!!! This I Know!!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Judy

 

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Judy Buffum-Hemmila

About the author

Judy

Judy

Judy
As a licensed and ordained minister, Judy has traveled to many countries and visited many prisons and military bases, bringing the Good News of Jesus' love and the power of His grace, through music and the spoken word. She is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, speaker, author and pastor. Judy loves traveling with the Women of Faith Team as their Prayer Pastor, as well as with the Revolve Ministry, as their Tour Pastor. In 2005, she and her husband, Keith, began a brand new work, Crossfire Church, which is growing strong. Judy is the proud mother of recording artists Tammy Trent and Virginia Hill (husband Ken Hass), and son, Norm Buffum, of Buffum Builders (wife Diana). She is also very proud of her two step-sons Ryan (wife Danita) and Aaron (wife Asher) Hemmila. Together she and Keith enjoy family times with their 15 awesome grandchildren. A woman of grace, she radiates the love of Jesus through her down-to-earth personality, contagious humor and loving touch. She loves to bring hope, healing and restoration, and she does it with God-given Authority!

MEET THE TEAM

We have a dedicated team to help you on your journey toward a greater love and understanding of God's Word and how to apply it in everyday life.

Pastor Keith Hemmila: Senior Pastor / Financial and Spiritual Leadership / Watchmen Men's Ministry / Outreach Events

Pastor Judy Hemmila: Associate Pastor / Creative Arts (Worship/Media/Sound) / Count it All Joy Hospitality Ministry / Grace Connection Women's Ministry

Pastor Steve Swanson: Assists Pastor Keith / Fired-Up, Membership & other classes

Pastor Randy DonGiovanni: Refuge Youth Ministry

Tim Ransom: Watchmen Men's Ministry

Penny Gentz: Women's Grace Connection Morning Bible Studies / Ladies Summer Connection

Glen Gentz: First Impressions Usher / Greeter Ministry 

Ross & Kay Merlington: Refuge Youth Ministry / Visitation Elders

Laura Youngquist: Worship Team / Kingdom Kidz / Office

Katie Ransom: Kingdom Kidz

Val Merlington: Nursery Coordinator

Laura & Jordan Youngquist: Faith Family Fellowship

Rich Webb: IT / Creative Arts (Worship/Media/Sound)

Sherrie Webb: Communications / Office / Refuge Youth Ministry

Lead Elder: Pastor Keith Hemmila | Serving Elders: Pastor Judy Hemmila, Pastor Steve Swanson, Ross Merlington, & Tim Ransom 

Lead Deacon: Scott Elliot | Serving Deacons: Scott Snyder, Rich Webb, Jordan Youngquist, & Eric Wilcome

 

Giving frees us from being self-centered to being God centered.

It is a trait of God's kingdom, because it acknowledges His ownership and Lordship in our lives. Malachi 3:6-12 instructs us to test God by giving our tithes and offerings. May you experience God's blessings as you sow into His kingdom.

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