A few days ago, smoke from the western U.S. had turned skies shocking shades of bright red and orange. Photos and videos of the hazy sky looked apocalyptic. According to NASA, the color-changing skies were a result of smoke particles, which blocked certain wavelength colors—such as blue, yellow, and green—from the sun.

Loving God and loving others is Jesus’ Great Commandment to his followers. The Apostle Paul also wrote of the importance of loving followers and non-followers of Jesus: in other words, everyone!

Greetings from Minnesota! They have been doing well, staying in good health while sticking close to home because of COVID-19. Praises & prayer requests: They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary; Prayer for Sandy's back and leg pain; Praise that Jim is doing okay; Prayer for them to continue to be careful with their health issues; prayer for a deaf lady who has been sick; for God to heal our country.

We will be visiting our grandchildren in the near future. Both of them are growing so fast. Physical growth is normal for children, and spiritual growth is normal for God’s children!

Where were you on September 11, 2001? Esther and I were on a vacation trip in China when terrorists attacked our country. God helped us through that national crisis, and I trust him, as we trust in him now, to also see us through this one.

Support Circle is sharing a series of seven special stories of hope. Here’s part of what has been shared: “Gina,” only 18, was scared and felt alone when she realized she was pregnant. In her mind, abortion was the only option. When her boyfriend was supportive of her keeping the baby, she went to Support Circle for more information.