August 19, 2020
THE END OF AN ERA
The chaos, panic and uncertainty that has permeated society this year had a noticable impact on attendance at our final Northwest College Alumni of the 1960s Reunion/Retreat in July. It was not without a great deal of soul searching that we decided to proceed with the reunion trusting fully in the Lord for His provision and protection. Eunice and I felt in our spirits that it was a "Now or Never" thing for us.
The weekend of July 24-26, 2020 was beautiful in Sedro-Woolley and those who came together were overwhelmed with the joy of the Lord and thrilled to be together again. The weekend was very unstructured and unscripted but was beautifully orchestrated as only the Holy Spirit can do. 57 classmates and spouses participated along with 10 additional friends and guests.
Friday night was predominated by something that many had been deprived of for months ... GROUP SINGING! Hymns, gospel songs and choruses flowed spontaneously for over an hour without books or projected words. What a blessing to again blend our hearts and voices in loud, harmonious praise to God! The theme that developed throughout the weekend through testimonies and song was, "Conquering Fear by Faith". Near the end of Saturday's session we quoted and then sang the nearly 500 year old hymn by Martin Luther, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" followed by taking the Lord's Supper together. The final service Sunday morning was a rich and intimate fellowship as we sang together and different ones shared brief but poinent spiritual insights and exhortations.
It was a bitter sweet moment to embrace the ending of a nearly 20 year tradition but all acknowledged that God is not finished with us yet. The rich ministry of the Holy Spirit that has characterized this "reunion season" will continue to be experienced as He leads each of us forward. His Grace has brought us safe this far, and His Grace will lead us home!