He held his hand tightly and shared the wisdom of an old man. “When God gives you a wife, take care of her, she is a precious gift… you will do incredible things with your education keep working hard…” Then he mustered up enough breath and energy to say one more thing, “The most important thing, my hope for you, is that you will know Jesus like I know Jesus.”

These were the words whispered by Don Petersen to Mike Crandall. Their relationship began years ago, when Don served as Mike’s confirmation mentor. The mentoring has continued informally through high school years, college adventures, and even last week at Kline Hospice House. Mike isn’t the only one being mentored by Don; Both Pastor Scott and Pastor Jenny made frequent trips to spend time with Don. We wish we could say it’s because Don needed us. More so, we somehow knew, that this saint was fortifying us with his prayers and his instructions. As he journeyed through the winter of his life he showed
evidence of God’s sanctifying work. Like so many of the saints we serve, Don was not concerned for his own needs or wishes, rather he was using every last breath to bless and build up those God gave him to love. To be with Don, and see the assurance of salvation he
clung to, is to be with Christ Jesus.

Our challenge for you this winter, Don’s challenge for all of us, is that we get to know Jesus now, before the winter of our life comes. Get to know the One who came to live among us so that we would know how to live. Get to the know the One who died for us so that
we could know our sins forgiven and live and die with the assurance that after this life a greater life is coming.

Each weekend this February we will be focusing on the life of Jesus in worship. As we journey through the gospels we will get to know Jesus better and discover the extraordinary life Jesus is willing to teach us to live. We also encourage each of you to consider joining a small group so that you can get to know Jesus through dialogue and scripture study.

We continue to be blessed to be your pastors,

Pastor Scott, Pastor Jenny, Pastor Jason