“These are the times that try men's souls.” This simple quotation from founding father Thomas Paine's The Crisis not only describes the beginnings of the American Revolution, but also could rightly describe the time period we are going through in 2011. The economy in Michigan is in crisis, the unemployment rate is not a pretty sight, the very fabric of our culture is being questioned and torn apart. In the midst of all this change, one thing remains constant –God is still on the throne and is Sovereign. The God who took nothing and created the entire universe is the same God who reigns today. The God who spoke and brought forth dry land and seas; the God who spoke and brought forth the fowl of the air and the fish of the seas; the God who spoke and brought forth all kinds of animals (including dinosaurs); the God who formed man from dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life is the same God who gives us life today. The God who rolled back the Red Sea and Jordan River is the same God who can roll back the “obstacles” that would prevent us from reaching our Promised Land. The God who “over-shadowed” a virgin and caused her to give birth to the Messiah is the same God who sits on the throne today and is still quite capable of doing what we would consider to be the impossible.

This year’s Michigan Christian Convention will be focusing on the God “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us.” These may be the times that try men’s souls, BUT these are also the times that demonstrate what a great and awesome God we serve. I would encourage you to put this year’s convention, April 20-21, on your schedule and join us as we give glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus.

Henry Hawver
President 2012