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Yet the message of the world is that our solutions will come from a change in our society,
our economy, our political arena, or our environment. But we know that these things have
been changing for centuries and the world’s ills have not been solved. Mankind has to find
a solution in the “One” who created it. Only the Creator God and Father of all mankind can
bring about change in our lives and peace to our world. This sets a background for the
season of Lent in our church. The need for all (even those who have already found the
Lord in their life) is to “return to the Lord”.
On a warm Southern California day in June of 2002, Richard Van Phem set out in his
26-foot sailboat for a three hour adventure to Catalina Island. Richard was 62 years
old wanting to simply enjoy the day. Yet his “day” would turn into three months.
As evening approached, a bad storm came up. Strong winds broke his mast and tore
his rudder. When he attempted to call for help he discovered his radio was not working
and his outboard motor wouldn’t start. He was unable to steer or control his boat and he
was carried out further on the waves. Because he had no close family members no one filed
a missing persons report and his 25 mile voyage turned into 2,500 miles.
As Richard drifted at sea he would look in vain for any sign of land. “I didn’t
know where I was or where to go,” he admitted. “For weeks I saw nothing but water, sky,
and seagulls.” He drifted aimlessly and survived by eating sea turtles, fish, and seagulls
and by drinking rainwater.
Then on September 17, 2002, help came! A Navy P-3 patrol plane spotted him almost
300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica. They radioed a nearby vessel that was able to
rescue him and get him back to land where he flew back to Southern California.
Richard found himself drifting, lost, and unable to save himself. Isn’t that how we
sometimes feel? But God knows our “lostness” and our feelings of uncertainty. He simply
waits for His children to return to Him and find the solution to their ills.
The season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 17, is a great time for
us to returning to the Lord. This happens by first making it a point to seek God daily in
prayer. It then can come by returning to the Bible, by spending some time fasting, or
through group study opportunities, and always through worship. Unlike, Richard, who had
to wait for someone to find him, God already knows where we’re at. We simply need to
“return”.
May God by your Strength,
Rev. Dennis Bailey
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