Uplook - April 18, 2026

Good afternoon to all,

April is a month with many memories for me.  Over four decades ago our first child was born on the second day of April. I was so full of joy and happiness at the addition of a beautiful healthy daughter that I thought I might burst.  (figuratively, of course).   Only 12 days later, my father passed away after a 13-month battle with brain cancer.  I was so distraught with grief that I thought it might crush me.  I recall sitting in the rocking chair holding our daughter and crying, not sure if it was joy or grief.   Today I understand that it was a bittersweet mixture of the two.  

April also reminds me of the first "special meetings" which I ever attended in 1974 after getting saved and sanctified six months earlier.  Bro. Allen Crabtree (the Seattle Church founding pastor) was the guest evangelist in our church for a week and it was during that week when the Lord brought a 17-year-old boy with little to offer God, to a place of consecration and surrender resulting in my receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  There were only a few around the altar and it was not loud or overly emotional but it was deep and real and has stood the test of time.  

Easter also often comes in April as it did this year and that always brings memories of Church programs, family gatherings, and most of all a deep gratitude to God for sending Jesus to die for our sins.  And better yet, the hope of the resurrection which has been given to us because of His resurrection.  

As we look forward to our own Special Meetings upcoming on May 16-17, may we remember the Lord's faithfulness to us.  The devil would like to discourage and limit what God has planned for us but we are glad that death has been swallowed up in victory.   Because of Christ, I will see my father again and we will be able to make up those lost years throughout eternity.  Better yet, that baby and her siblings and now their children also have a chance to meet Him and enjoy the same fellowship.  The Holy Spirit reminds us of that living hope which is available to each of us.

God bless you all.
BB

Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor