Sacred Space

Ahhhhhhh, like cold water on a hot day, this web site gives nourishment for the soul. I've added it to my list of special and favorite places.

Take time today to nourish your soul, too. It's a busy world. Grace and Peace to you!!

Made it...

The weekend is over. Family have gone home. Now the healing can begin, again...

It's amazing how I come across songs that express things in my own life. Again, Ortega captures life in amazing ways... I am blessed!

A Place On The Earth

Find me a place on the earth
Where a weary man can rest
And listen for your voice
In the turning seasons

A quiet place in the world
Where I can bow
And confess that I fear
Where you have brought me,
Mysterious God

All of my life
You have been with me
My comfort in loneliness
My hope in the dark
All of my life
Lord, please stay with me
Be my sustaining breath
Guardian of my heart

My days are passing by
Like falling stars
That blaze across the night sky
Then they are gone

But Father, at your side
I will never be afraid
For you have held all my days
In the palm of your hand

All of my life
You have been with me
My comfort in loneliness
My hope in the dark
All of my life Lord,
please stay with me
Be my sustaining breath
Guardian of my heart

All of my life
You have been with me
My comfort in loneliness
My hope in the dark
All of my life
Lord, please stay with me
Be my sustaining breath
Guardian of my heart

Be my sustaining breath
Guardian of my heart

Be my sustaining breath
Be my sustaining breath
Be my sustaining breath

Now the hard part....

The next few days will be the most difficult of all. First, is the viewing and family time on Friday night...an old custom. Then the service and burial. The children are going through all their own emotions, as can be expected. As a Dad I need to help them understand that this goodbye is NOT forever! We WILL see Opa again...because he humbled himself and accepted the wonderful gift available to all of us.

Many family members are here, Mom and Marina are working hard at making sure everything goes smoothly, everything has fallen into place, as it always does at a time like this.

Believe it or not this is a precious, special time. When a death occurs in a family, the heart is tender, because a door to heaven has been opened, leaving the mind clear to sense the presence of God. Life and its true meaning are layed out before us. Questions never asked are pondered.
God can use this time to remind us what is important.

May I learn His lessons.

Safe now with Jesus

Early this evening, about 5:45 pm, Marina's Dad, Hans Loewen, passed from this world into eternity. Marina and I were with him at the time of his passing.

He was 67, just 5 days short of his 68th birthday. He recommitted his life to Jesus in the final days of his life, and so we do not grieve as those with no hope.

The family comforted themselves by reading Psalm 23 and then praying together.

God is faithful. There is really nothing much more to add than that!

Again, please pray for the family, especially the children who will miss their Opa. Also pray that God will use the opportunity to show Opa's brother, Peter, his need for Him!

Sing to Jesus

Just discovered this artist, and his work is profound!!

From the album, Storm, by Fernando Ortega, this song gives me much strength and hope!! May the Peace of Jesus fill you and surround you as well!

Come and see, look on this mystery
The Lord of the Universe, nailed to a tree
Christ our God, spilling His Holy blood
Bowing in anguish, His sacred head

Sing to Jesus, Lord of our shame
Lord of our sinful hearts.
He is our great Redeemer.
Sing to Jesus, Honor His name.
Sing of His faithfulness, pouring His life out unto death

Come you weary and He will give you rest
Come you who mourn, lay on His breast
Christ who died, risen in Paradise
Giver of mercy, Giver of Life

Sing to Jesus His is the throne
Now and forever,
He is the King of Heaven.
Sing to Jesus, we are His own.
Now and forever sing for
the love our God has shown.

Sing to Jesus, Lord of our shame
Lord of our sinful hearts.
He is our great Redeemer.
Sing to Jesus, Honor His name.

Sing to Jesus His is the throne
Now and forever,
He is the King of Heaven.
Sing to Jesus, we are His own.
Now and forever sing for the love our God has shown.

Boring?

One of the nice things about a blog, or boring, depending on who you are, is the fact that bloggers will write about anything that comes to mind. In my case, I write about my thoughts, or at least SOME of them, and what is profound to me at this moment. You might think they are petty, or even silly, but to me, well, it is my life.

Marina and I are currently dealing with all the emotions and activities that a family goes through when dealing with a terminal illness. Marina's Dad is not expected to live through the week. It's been a battle with cancer (and oh, how I hate cancer!!) that has lasted a year. It brings up many questions, things I argue with God about, and has opened some old wounds that are there from the death of my own Dad through cancer.

I ask you to please pray for our family. The children especially, but also Marina because there will be much placed on her shoulders in the coming months, I know she can handle it (God has given her much strength) but still, we can't do anything without the peace and grace that God gives.

On a happier note, Opa made his peace with God through all of this. One of the most profound things in the universe continues to be the forgiveness that God offers ALL of us. His Grace, Peace and Love knows no bounds!

Paradise

Marina and I have returned from our trip to Paradise! It was a tough call whether we would actually go, but in the end after prayer and counsel we decided we needed to get away for a time. And what can we say? The place we stayed was amazing, the people more amazing, and the location....stunning, warm and just beautiful!

We even tried scuba-diving!! It was a wonderful experience!

Becky & Jenna held the fort for us....and what a Blessing!!

More later about this wonderful trip! Meanwhile, you can look at our photo album here.

Happy Birthday to the Natster!!

Ahh, our sweet little Natalie turned 20!! Yikes!! Say it isn't so!!

Nat is 20!!! May your days be Blessed! May God lead you, guide you and keep you in the palm of His hand!!

We love you Natalie!!

The Russians are coming, the Russians are....

Finished a wonderful week with my good and dear friend, Len, from Moscow. Who would have thought a train ride 15 years ago would lead to a wonderful friendship, and impact a nation?

Len was here to see what we do with the Online School, and if the potential exists to work together. Greg is a visionary, so I know things will progress as God gives direction and leadership.

It's a dream and prayer come true.

(Plus I got Len to shovel the walk!)

Happy Birthday David!

Our second son is now 17, well within his grasp of 18! We love David and he holds a special place in our hearts. Happy Birthday David!

Being Real

Lunch with Derek was great as usual. Everyone should have friends such as these...people you can be REAL with, and can speak your mind about this pilgrimage we are all on.

Brought to mind the following song by Casting Crowns:

Stained Glass Masquerade

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away,
like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it,
maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin,
I play the heart again
So everyone will see me
the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Joy in our Hearts....

What can we say? On this date, 12 years ago, God gave us a delightful little package whom we named Kimberly Joy.

Now she has been exactly that. Joy. Kim brightens up our lives in so many ways. And we look forward in great anticipation of what God will do with her and through her.

Happy Birthday Kimmy!!

С новым годом!

Yes, The Russian way of saying Happy New Year!

May 2007 be a year filled with health, happiness and the wonder of God!

Post-Christmas

Our children totally spoiled us. Getting together they pooled their money to give us a large chunk so Marina and I could go to Mexico this winter, all to celebrate our 25th (which, BTW, given all the health issues in the family, we have had neither time nor energy to plan).

Can I write here that our children are the greatest gift we have ever been given? I am in awe.
Thank you Lord for such precious gifts!

Happy Christmas!!

To all of you, I wish you a wonderful Christmas!! On behalf of everyone in our family, may Jesus be the Light in your life, and may you remember that He is the reason for the season!

The Return...

Yes, that's right. The "Natster" is back. Our dear daughter, Natalie, is visiting us from Calgary. It means our family is complete for Christmas!

And that, my friends, is the best present any parent could hope for.

St. Boniface: A Christmas Story

Life is full of God's Blessings. One of those for me has been the wonderful privilege of getting to know and work with various living heroes of the faith. One dear brother, George Grant, has been a source of wisdom and encouragement over the years. Drinking the delights of wisdom from his wonderful blog is a regular pastime for me.

George has a cool story in a recent post that is especially meaningful to me. In various travels I have had the blessing of travelling to the city of Fulda in Germany to meet with long-distant relatives who live and work there. The Gerk family originated from this wonderful area, with Sebastian Gerk moving to Russia from there in 1767.

At any rate, St. Boniface is buried there and I have had the great opportunity to visit his tomb and meditate on his missionary work to the German people.

George tells this Christmas story about Boniface:

Boniface of Crediton spent the first forty years of his life in quiet service to the church near his home in Exeter. He discipled young converts, cared for the sick, and administered relief for the poor. He was a competent scholar as well, expounding Bible doctrine for a small theological center and compiling the first Latin grammar written in England. But in 718, Boniface left the comfort and security of this life to become a missionary to the savage Teutonic tribes of Germany. For thirty years he not only proclaimed to them the Gospel of Light, he portrayed to them the Gospel of Life.

Stories of his courageous intervention on behalf of the innocent abound. He was constantly jeopardizing his own life for the sake of the young, the vulnerable, the weak, the helpless, the aged, the sick, and the poor—often imposing his body between the victims and their oppressors. Indeed, it was during one of his famed rescues that his name was forever linked to the celebration of Advent during Yuletide.

...

You can and should read the complete story here. Be Blessed!

Thought for the day...

A living faith is nothing else than a steadfast pursuit of God through all that disguises, disfigures, demolishes and seeks, so to speak, to abolish him - Jean-Pierre de Caussade

The Rest of the Story....

My good friend Len S. will be visiting us in January, coming all the way from snowy and cold Moscow to snowy and cold Kelowna...go figure!

Anyway, Len is the head of the International School of Tomorrow in Russia and is a dear brother of mine. I'm writing this to set the story straight on an event that Len has spoken publicly on, but needs another perspective so that the real truth can come out.

In July of 2003, I visited Russia with 2 of my children, Natalie and David. Our goal was to visit a number of villages that never get visitors from the west, delivering Bibles and offering a little hope to an area that hasn't changed much in 200 years.

Nat, Julie (Len's daughter) and David visit a friendly grandma who had a sad story to tell of the murder of her son


We delivered the Bibles and spent much time visiting with the villagers...one lady even wept that we would come "all that way just to visit her".

Our trip back to Volgograd would be eventful. The Volga area is much like the Prairies here in Canada. Summer storms can catch you unprepared, and since I was born and raised in the Okanagan, where such events are rare, we were taken by surprise.

It started to rain. And this was no ordinary rain...thunder and lightening also added to the experience. There were lightening strikes all around. We took a dirt road back, deciding to visit the site of our family's destroyed village...

Natalie & David at the site of the cemetery in our old village

What should have been a half hour drive to the next village, turned into a 6 hour ordeal....driving through fields, pushing the car, me going outside in front of the car to ensure there were no holes in the fields where we could get stuck...permanently. I was even almost hit by lightening at one point!

The kids were great, we all pitched in and helped push the car, braving the Russian mosquitoes and pouring rain. Did I mention not ALL of us?

While we struggled, pushed, heaved, and battled the elements, Len stayed perfectly dry and warm INSIDE his car.

Yes, INSIDE his car. Deciding that it would be best for us if he was safe and warm and rested, Len commandeered the car through the elements raging around us.

Now, I for one can attest to the goodnes of God in keeping us safe, even when I was running to direct the car to safe areas in the fields of Russia. He was even with us as we spent the night cramped in this Russian car, all 5 of us, deciding that the Russian mosquitoes were too much for us to chance staying outside.

In the morning, the rain had stopped, the ground had dried sufficiently to allow us to drive safely back to our Russian home.

Len has used our adventure many times in a devotional on God's providence. I too agree. But I just want it recorded that WE got wet while Len stayed dry. WE were eaten by Mosquitoes while Len cheerfully waved through the window. I was almost killed by lightening, while Len pointed to the areas he wanted me to "check" out for safety.

Nice and Dry Mr. Len?

This is, indeed, the rest of the story.

Gotcha Len!

Prayer for Stephanie

Our Stepharoshka is in hospital with possible appendicitis. We thought about taking her in overnight, but of course she would have languished in emerg for untold hours. Marina booked an appointment this morning with the family doc, and she confirmed our suspicion. Off to emerg for an ultrasound and blood works...ordered by the doc. Please pray that all goes well. Her team mates will miss her for tonight's basketball game, but such are the things of life. Get better and be safe Stephanie!!

UPDATE!! Steph is now out of hospital and it was not the old appendix! It appears she had an "ovarian cyst", which is not pleasant and IS painful. The healing process will be quicker and Steph should be back terrorizing basket-ball teams soon. Although just to have her pain-free would make me happy!

Remembrances

I warned you, from time to time I would write here about our family going back a few years. Family will remember in 1989 when we brought our Uncle Vanya from Russia to visit for a month. He was the youngest brother of Grandpa (Paul) Gerk and had not see anyone from our side since 1925. In 1933 when the iron curtain slammed shut, he was not even allowed to write to us. Of course, the days and weeks of his visit were filled with "catching up", mostly getting dates of loved ones and when and where they died in Stalin's GULAG. It was bittersweet for Granny because she at last discovered when her parents died and how. One place that Uncle Vanya and many of our family were sent (in 1941) was the labour camp situated in Krasnoturinsk, near Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains. I've got a book now that lists 4000 of the dead from this camp, all of German origin, who died in horrible conditions. The city now has a web page and they've even published some photos of the special memorial set up to commemorate the dead from this concentration camp (you can see the one here). It's an interesting story that will be in "The Book", you know, the one I never have quite finished! Honest...this next year...it will be done...I promise!!

I've already been overwhelmed with requests to do "look-ups", which is merely folks trying to piece together what happened to their loved one and grasp on to anything printed about the camps in hopes of closing a sad chapter of their families life. We're still trying to obtain copies of the original KGB files (no easy task). I think I'd like to be an archivist in heaven.

1989-Uncle Vanya with Andrew & Elissa

Currently Listening to:
Life Song
by Casting Crowns (CD)

A life lived....

Many years ago, a man named David Gates wrote and performed a wonderful song entitled "Everything I Own". Thought to be another addition to a long list of love songs, it was written by David in honour of his father, who had passed away.

On November 27th, 1992, My father, John Gerk, went to be with Jesus. I've often told people that while there are so many sad stories of bad fathers, my story is a happy one. I had a good Dad. While certainly not without faults, his life was a testimony of his commitment to his faith, and to his family. What more is there? When I grow up, I want to be just like him! I love you Dad and I miss you. And I look forward to that day when we'll all stand together and see Jesus!!

Here's that song...in a little different context...

Everything I Own - David Gates and Bread

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you
And...

I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give ev'rything I own
Just to have you back again
You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go
And...

Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear
The words you long to say

Just to touch you once again

Praise You In This Storm

Life quite never goes the way you want it. I've learned over the years that even in the midst of much pain, that God is there with us. Not a "pat" answer, but a reality. This song speaks to me very loudly because it is so like our Father. He whispers when I want Him to shout. He gives and He takes away. Lessons that are learned when you are weeping at a hospital bed, not knowing if one of your children will live or die, or watching a parent courageously battle and then succumb to cancer.

At any rate, each of us can go on, even if we don't understand. Because He is there with us.

Be Blessed with these following words...

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
And stepped in and saved the day
Once again, I say Amen, and it is still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I’m with you
As your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who you are
No matter where I am
And every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find you

I lift my eyes into the hills
Where does my help come from
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth

+Casting Crowns

Remember....

A Prayer for a Mom & Dad

Currently Listing to:
Mark Harris
The Line Between the Two (CD)


Mind blowing song. The heart of a parent can be found in the words to this song, by Mark Harris:

Find Your Wings

It's only for a moment
that you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
for all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
you're walking in the truth
And if I've never told you
I want you to know that
as I watch you grow
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings
May passion be the wind that leads
you through your days
and may convictions keep you strong
guide you on your way
May there be many moments
that make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer you as you fly
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings

Waking up the Sleeping land....

Friends of mine know about my passion for Russia. My family (including my wonderful wife) was from there, and it is something I have always felt that God placed on my heart. There is a Canadian missionary family living in Novosibirsk (where Marina was born and raised!) and they have a blog! Wonder of wonders! Anyway, I regularily check it out and a recent post really spoke to me, because of the insite it brings to this wonderful yet dark nation.
He writes:

I have recently been reminded about the darkness that exists in this country. Let me explain it to you. Before I do though, let me say that I know it is tempting as a westerner to always be able to find solutions for problems. In my first five months here I have had a long list of solutions as to how this country can be fixed. But the longer I live here the more I realise how much those ideas of mine are rooted in my own world view. I need to take the time to truly see this country through the eyes of God.

He also writes:

Russia is a depressed nation. Alcoholism is rife, suicide figures are overwhelming and the AIDS pandemic threatens to wipe the nation from the face of the earth. If current trends continue, it is predicted that Russia's population by 2080 will be 52 million. In one person's life time that is a drop of 90 million people. Putin has described the situation as a national crisis. Yet it remains to be seen what the national solution is. So few Russians have the will to live. So many men become alcoholics at an early age. It is very common to see 10 year old boys walking the streets smoking. It is also very common to see a Russian man with cuts or bruises to his face as a result of a drunken brawl with his mates. Russia is dying. The population is decreasing by 700, 000 people per year. In 1991 when the USSR was dissolved Russia's population (not the USSR) was over 150 million. Today it is 142 million. This is not just because of emmigration. It is because many are dying of AIDS related illnesses and many are simply killing themselves.

So, what hope is there? There is always hope, and Pasha knows it too:

Let me leave you with one more encouraging verse that promises that God's glory will be made known in Russia. Habakkuk 2:14 "For the time will come when all the earth will be filled, as the waters fill the sea, with an awareness of the Glory of God."

So, folks, whose on for my next trip to Russia? If you want to go, or if you want to help, drop me a line!

Happy Birthday Becky!

Our wonderful daughter Rebecca has now turned 22! Wow! She's grown into an awesome young woman, who has a heart for her patients (she's a nurse) and for her brothers and sisters. Becky, may you never lose sight of what is important in the world!

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

On September 17, an amazing girl was born. Stephanie Gerk came into our lives and we will never be the same! She is now 15! Happy Birthday Stephanie....and look out world!!!

25 Years!!!!

On August 1, 1981, I was Blessed enough to marry the girl of my dreams.

Marina is a shining light in my life. We've been through a lot together, and I love her more and more each day!

What can you say when you are this Blessed? God has been good!

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

Happy Birthday Steven!!

Hello world! Our dear Steven is 9 years old today!! Go figure. Quickly growing up to be quite the guy, Steven's dream is to some day be a pastor!

Happy Birthday Steven!! We love you!!

Happy Birthday Andrew!!

Andrew is now 18! We are proud of you son! Go out and make a difference in the world!!

Another Grad!!

Our oldest son has completed 12 years of schooling!! We are very proud of Andrew...he's worked hard, had fun and is growing into a fine young man.

Andrew...we are proud of you! Your future is before you. Seize the day!!

Happy Birthday Kristina!!

Our Kristina has reached that magical age of 13!! She is growing into a beautiful young woman! Kristina, keep God at your center, and you can achieve anything! He will continue to lead and guide you!!

We love you Kristina!!

Well done!!

We attended the awards ceremony at Heritage Christian School this past week. Cleaning up with awards were Stephanie who received the Athlete of the Year award, as well as academic and character awards for Kristina and Kimmy.

My dear ladies, you finished well! We are so very proud of you!! Bravo!!!

Sometimes, art imitates life...

Currently Reading:
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown

Work is going very well. God has been so faithful!! Andrew is in Mexico for one month, on a missions trip with the school. They're blogging, keeping us updated here and here.

CCCChanges....

Wow...sorry for the long spate in posts. Life gets busy, plus I had to make sure my hero of the week actually read my comments! I'll have more heroes to post as well...after all, I have 11 children who are awesome, each in their own way, so I'm blessed to have so much material to use.

Changes are afoot. I actually started a new job this past week. There were rumblings about it earlier, and it was to start in May or June, but I was asked to start earlier...and, well, went through the door God had opened! I'll post more about the job as time goes on, but I'm working with Heritage Christian Online School. It's a great honour to work with such a great group of people!

Nat has been down from Calgary this past week...it was wonderful to see her and spend some time with her...we will miss her again as she travels back to Alberta.

At any rate, God has been good to us, although the last week it seemed that everything that could be thrown at us, was thrown at us...all as I started the new job. Hmmm, connection? Go figure!
But, I write these words on Easter Monday, and He is Risen!!

And that is the message we will focus on!!

Happy Birthday Elissa!

Our oldest daughter is now 23!

Choke!

Elissa is so special and dear to us. She is a survivor! She's tough. She's beautiful! And I know that God will continue to lead her and direct her paths.

My Hero...

Have you ever had someone touch your life by the way they live theirs? There are lots of people who we label heroes in our society. How blessed we are when we are close to these people and they touch our lives directly!

In 1987, a beautiful little baby was born to Marina and I. She had some medical problems that needed to be fixed, and after umpteen operations, she stands as a testimony to the goodness of God.

But her smile, the way she looks at life, encourages even me. She has faced all her surgeries throughout her life with a courage I can only dream of having. Her smile lights up your day. Her laugh brings joy to all who know her.

I'm talking, of course, about our daughter Natalie. Natalie is 19 now. She has her whole life ahead of her....this special girl has had the hand of God on her since she was born. We just knew that God will use her mightlily by what she has gone though. When I am down, I think of Nat. I think of her ordeals, and I think of her smile. And I think of her courage!!

Nat, you can do anything you set your mind to do! You truly are my hero!