True North
In a world of uncertainty, instability and constant change, stability, security and consistency are sought and valued. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” and John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life” make it clear that Jesus is absolutely our unwavering True North. While the magnetic North pole shifts, the True North remains consistently stable and fixed.
Many hours of work went into decorating the church for its summer VBS program.
This summer’s VBS at ACF focused on trusting Jesus, the only True North. With the help of various animal characters, relevant Bible truths were reinforced and the 67 attending children were immersed in life-changing faith formation activities. Crew leaders led their smaller groups of children in a rotation of stations such as the Wild Bible Adventure Station, the Imagination Station, Glacier Games, the Sticky Scripture Station, Tundra Treats and Compass Closing, learning and experiencing that Jesus can always be trusted.
Visually, the entire church building became a mini ‘True North’ complete with northern lights, ice bergs, grizzly bears, a bush plane, nesting bald eagle, dog sled, camp site with a canoe and an actual 15-foot by 22-foot log cabin, just to name a few decor items. About 35 volunteers during the VBS week as well as several others involved in prop prep, set-up and take-down were involved.
Several of ACF’s recent baptismal candidates and membership transfer individuals referred to their personal journey from a perceived correct path to trusting in Jesus upon searching for the truth.
Pastor Chris Hughes stands with June 15 baptismal candidates (left to right) Mugisa Byaruhanga, Alex Milton, Kullee Berhanu, Aynalem Gondel, Arab Sultesa, and Abigail Berhanu.
Ajab Sultesa, born and raised in a Muslim family, but wanting to know the truth for himself, started reading the Bible and made the decision to trust in Jesus. He is now actively involved in the ministry of spreading the light of God’s Word.
Through Christian friends at school, Aynalem Gondel was able to see the difference between religion and a real relationship with Jesus and realized that his was the true path.
Kullee Berhanu needed and wanted a deeper relationship with God. The more she sought him and read his word, the more peace and calmness she experienced, even through uncertain and difficult situations.
Other baptismal candidates were Abigail Berhanu, Mugisa Byaruhanga and Alex Milton. Their testimonies (how they determined to set their compasses to the True North), are available for listening to/watching on ACF’s June 15, 2025, YouTube stream.