by Tim Bauer, Capstone Ministries

There is a popular expression amongst counseling groups today that says, “Hurt people hurt people.” As a result of their own hurts in life, some will turn around and hurt others. Their own inner strife and pain spills over into their relationships with others. With the help of compassionate people, in particular a Christian with the Spirit of counsel (Isaiah 11:2), and a desire to get help, they can be set free. In fact, this is God’s desire for them. He suffered and died to make this possible.

Another expression has come to my mind lately that is just as powerful, if not more. It is this: “Clean people clean people.” What I mean is that only a person cleansed by the blood of Jesus will possess what is necessary to cleanse others. We cannot give in the spiritual realm what we do not possess in the Spirit. This is why there is so much bondage within the church in America today. “Unclean” people are trying to clean people. The results are a church, and therefore a nation, bound up tight with little to show for its efforts. More times than not it’s the blind leading the blind.

In Leviticus 14 the Lord gave Moses the law for cleansing a leper. It required the blood of a sacrificial bird in an “earthen vessel” over “running” or “living” water. The Hebrew word for running is “chay.” It’s defined as “alive, fresh, strong, flowing.” The priest was to take another bird, a “live bird,” which is also interpreted from “chay,” together with cedar wood, scarlet string, and hyssop, all symbols of God’s redemption, and dip it in the blood of the bird that was slain. Afterward, he was to sprinkle the person with leprosy seven times in order to cleanse him, pronouncing him clean. Then he was to let the live bird go free.

The Hebrew for dip is “tabal.” It means “to dip, to plunge, to immerse.” This is also the definition for Christian baptism. When the blood of the slain sacrifice, Jesus Christ, is applied to us through our identification, our immersion in Him through a repentant heart, we become like the “live bird,” the “living creature,” that was set free. John 8:36 says “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” no longer a slave to the power of sin and death.

In Revelation 1:5, John speaks of “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us, and released us from our sins by His blood.” The Greek for released is “luo.” It is defined as “to loose one bound, to let go, to set free.” Like the live bird in Leviticus 14, after being dipped in the blood of Jesus Christ through repentance we are set free from the bondage of sin, able to soar up into higher realms over the “open field” (Leviticus 14:7).

In this lofty position, we are safe from the demonic, wild beasts that roam about below. From our new vantage point we have eyes to see that which was previously unseen, discerning by the Spirit of God the movements of the kingdom of darkness. This makes us a great threat to the devil. At that height we freely soar out of range of the devil’s flaming missiles with a much better view of the battlefield below. Greater visibility in the Spirit makes life extremely difficult for the demons. This is why Satan desires to bring us down through deceptive tactics to a place where he can overpower us, once again taking us captive to do his will instead of God’s (2 Timothy 2:26). May we all rise through a repentant heart, placing us in a cleansed position where we can be used to cleanse others. Amen.

Thanks to the good Lord, all of us (including the dog) got out of the house unharmed from our house fire on Christmas Day. We would like to say Thanks to our family, friends, neighbors and most important the “Dog.” Your offers of help, your cards of encouragement, your acts of kindness, the good advice we were given when our minds were numb, the gifts of money, warm clothes & hot coffee. Cell phones were used and given, instruction to make and take calls, small note pads for notes and numbers. Warm houses to go to, your vehicles to drive and your help removing things that were left. For all these things we are very thankful, and we are very blessed for the wonderful support from all of you. And to all the firefighters, you went above the beyond to fight this fire and help save what we could. We Thank You.

Thanks for caring and sharing,

Don & JoAnn VandenBerg

Calvin D. Campbell

Calvin D. Campbell, 83 of Pierson, died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at his home. Mr. Campbell was born March 31, 1928 in Hastings, MI the son of Alonzo and Fern (Abbott) Campbell. He worked for McInerny Spring and Wire for 40 years retiring in 1987. Surviving are his wife Evelyn whom he married on June 8, 1947; children, Sheila (Douglas) Ostrander of Sand Lake, Judith (Larry) Strunk of Mason, Steven (Lynne) Campbell of Pierson; daughter-in-law, Dawn DeVreugd of Belding; 12 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; stepbrother, Morris Stafford of Arizonia. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel in 1973. The family will receive friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where services will be held Saturday 11:00 am. Pastor Mary Ivanov officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice.

Mrs. Merle Marie Braford, age 92, of Grand Rapids and formerly of Sand Lake, went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 30, 2012, after a long illness. She was born on April 25, 1919 in Grand Rapids, MI to Bert and Mary (Rysdorp) Gotfredsen and passed away at Clark Retirement Center in Grand Rapids. Merle is survived by her children, Dick and Jeanne Braford and Betty and Hal Clegg; grandchildren, Joseph Braford, Gail and Scott Walldorff, David Braford, Steven Braford, Robert and Mary Clegg, Bradlee and Margaret Clegg; great-grandchildren, Kyle Walldorff, Neil Walldorff, Kathryn Clegg, and Sean Clegg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Braford, step-son, John Braford, and sisters, Alberdene VanHeest and Marguerite Lovett. Merle was a faithful member of Sand Lake United Methodist Church where she held many roles as Sunday school teacher, a member of the United Methodist Women’s group, soloist and choir member, Vacation Bible School teacher, and various other offices in the church. She was also the much loved librarian at the Sand Lake Library for 32 years. Merle was well-known through the community and loved by all who knew her. She will be missed for her ready smile and gentle ways. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Clark Retirement Center for their wonderful care during Merle’s extended stay. The service for Mrs. Braford will be Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Sand Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Darryl Miller officiating. Interment in Sand Lake Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Sand Lake United Methodist Church, 65 W. Maple St., Sand Lake, MI 49343 or Clark Retirement Center, 1557 Franklin St., Grand Rapids, MI 49506-3331. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Robert Hunter, 58 of Big Rapids, MI passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 28, 2012 surrounded by several loved ones after a long fearless battle with lymphoma. Ken was born May 10, 1953 and was raised in Cedar Springs by his loving parents, Robert (deceased) and Rose (Wesche) Hunter with his brothers, Roger Hunter of Rockford, Jim (Sallie) Hunter of Caledonia and sister Robin (Dave) Hole of Greenville. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula Newland Hunter whom he married in 2005; children, Rochelle Hunter (Angie Hines), and Braden (Jessica) Hunter; stepchildren, Brenda Risley (Thad Kruger), Denny (Amanda) Magoon, and Kirk (Kristina) Magoon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Shirley Kruis, Marlan (Bonnie) Newland, Randal (Cheryl) Newland, Bryan (Susan) Newland and Karla (Bob) Roebuck; 12 beloved grandchildren, Quentin, Logan, Madison, Riley, Julia, Olivia, Donovan, Kyla, Kaiden, Shaylee, Evie, and Destiny, who couldn’t wait to come to Grandpa’s house where they enjoyed watching the great turkey flocks and crossing the bridge through the woods and playing in Cold Springs Creek. Several caring extended family members will also mourn his loss including many close nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and awesome lifetime friends. He will be deeply missed by all. Kenneth served proudly in the U.S. Air Force, was a member of the Rockford American Legion Merritt Lamb Post #102 for 25 years and enjoyed working at Hurst Mechanical until 2010, taking pride in his work as a mechanic. Ken was a very strong, brave, and loving man whose family, friends and his God meant everything to him. His earthly joys besides family and friends included riding his Harley, watching Nascar, golfing anywhere and anytime with his crew and listening to Classic Rock and Roll. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, to share his love and loss, and as he requested a “party” and to remember his life. At Ken’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. A luncheon was held between visitations on Wednesday at the American Legion Post, 80 Main St, Cedar Springs. Remembrances in lieu of flowers, the family is setting up a fund for educational expenses for Ken’s children and grandchildren. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Mrs. Ardath Bowers, age 93, of White Cloud, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.  She was a 1937 graduate of Rockford High School.  From 1962 to 1972 Ardath worked for the Meijer store in Cedar Springs.  Since 1942 she was a member of First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs.  Ardath, a godly wife, mother, and grandmother, is survived by her loving husband, Leon “Jack”, whom she married in 1938; children, James and Sharon Bowers, Jerry and Helene Bowers, Nancy and Pastor Mike Bergman, Bruce and Claudia Bowers; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brother, Bill Sevey; and nieces and nephews. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ for Mrs. Bowers was held Sunday, January 29, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs with Pastor Jim Howard and Pastor Mike Bergman officiating.  Interment in Algoma Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider First Baptist Church of Cedar Springs, 233 S. Main Street, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.  Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Pastor Craig Carter
North Kent Community Church
1480 Indian Lakes Rd., Sparta, • Church Phone: 550-6398

I recently spent some time with a friend and his family. He shared a personal story about his son, who recently went through some legal difficulties. We had the privilege of praying for and encouraging his family and his son through these difficulties. Since that time, my friend’s story has profoundly touched my heart and life. It has reminded me of how much I need God and am dependent upon Him.
His story went on to include details about his son’s arrest. He shared that after having been arrested, his son appeared before the judge, where his bond was set.   His son had some money on him personally and was hoping to simply bond himself out of jail. Unfortunately, the judge set the bond amount for $12 more than he had on his person. He found himself $12 short! His financial shortfall required him to call his father for help. Of course, this was not want he wanted to do. His son’s desire was to just take care of his problem on his own.
Does this sound familiar? How many times in our lives as human beings have we tried to solve our problems on our own? We, like my friend’s son, respond the same way. We say, “I can take care of this myself.” The problem with this thought process is that God never intended for us to do things on our own. As a result, we too fall short. I do not like this feeling of “falling short.” It makes me feel inadequate and nobody likes that feeling. However, I have come to realize that is exactly how God planned it. Our “shortfalls” and inadequacies, if we let them, will cause us to rely on God for his help. The Apostle Paul knew this truth when he wrote, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Rom 3:22-24 –NIV). Paul reminds us that trust (faith) in Jesus Christ makes up the difference. We are redeemed from our sin, and our shortcomings, simply by trusting in God and His amazing grace. You cannot earn it, you must simply believe and receive it! In essence, God provides the $12 you need, but you have to ask Him for it. Have you ever asked God to make up the difference in your life? Have you ever acknowledged that you are a sinner and that you fall short? Even if you are a Christian, do you live with the realization that without God, you will always come up short of what you need?  Or do you live a self-reliant life? In another portion of scripture, the Apostle Paul said, “In Him I live and move and can’t get away from him (Acts 17:28 -The Message). We realize that without him we can do nothing. You have to come to realize that your self-reliant nature does not like this truth. That is what I have come to realize in this story.  My self–reliant nature always leaves me $12 dollars short of what I need. However, when I simply acknowledge my complete dependence upon God, He always makes up for what I lack. I just need to humble myself, like my friend’s son, and call my Heavenly Father.

Virginia M. Bliss, 92 of Pierson, went to be with her Lord, whom she loved on Friday, January 20, 2012 at Spectrum Health – United Memorial Campus, Greenville. Mrs. Bliss was born April 22, 1919 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Phylo and Ila Bell (Sales) Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leland Bliss on July 5, 2010 after 72 years of marriage. She spent her life as a loving wife, mother and person. Surviving are her children, Janet Glidden of Cutlerville, Lanette Stevens of Edmore, Muriel Kay Hoover of Grand Rapids, Irving (Elizabeth) Bliss of Sand Lake, Hazel (David) Hawley of Cedar Springs, Ila (Ron) Fisk of Sand Lake, Leland (Debra) Bliss of Cedar Springs, Sherrie (Jeff) Peters of Cedar Springs; 110 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Arthur (Delores) Bliss; sister-in-law, Althea Welch; many nieces and nephews. The family received friends on Monday from 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services were held on Tuesday 11:00 am. Pastor Larry Young officiating. Interment in the spring at Solon Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Bliss Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs

The staff at Cedar Springs Mill & Supply Inc will be hosting a retirement party for Emma Gebhardt and Lynn Green. The party will be Saturday, January 28th, 2012 from 3:00-5:00 PM at the American Legion in Cedar Springs. Coffee, punch, cake and snacks will be served. Please come and help us celebrate twenty plus years of service for these great ladies. No gifts please, just memories.

Sam and the staff at the mill.

Dr. Edward L. Lepley, age 73 of Stanwood passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born October 10, 1938 in Bellevue, Ohio the son of James Edward and Leona Catherine (Buchman) Lepley.
Ed graduated with honors from Bellevue High School in 1956 where he not only excelled academically, but also on the football field and basketball court.  He still holds several school athletic records. Ed enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for two years, furthering his engineering and mechanical skills.  Following his honorable discharge from the service, Ed enrolled at The Ohio State University where he completed his undergraduate and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.  He then proceeded to practice in Denmark, England and he set up a poultry research facility for the Spanish Government located outside Barcelona.  While in England he contracted with the province of Alberta to eradicate the Brucellosis Abortus bacteria.  Along the way he stopped in Michigan and in December of 1966 he met his wife to be, Sharron Binkley.   The young couple married on December 9, 1967 and resided in Union Lake where their son Erik was born. Ed established the Waterford Veterinarian Hospital in 1968.
Ed, Sharron and Erik moved to their Ore Box ranch, located above Canyon City, Colorado in 1973. They returned to Michigan in 1978 where Ed opened Riversbend Animal Hospital.  Over the next 33 years Ed would open Cedar Springs Animal Hospital and his current practice in Howard City, which will continue to be managed by his family, to his high standards.
Ed was a devout member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Pine Island, Florida and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a strong supporter of The Ohio State University “College of Veterinary Medicine” Alumni Association.  He held a specialty degree in the practice of Veterinary Dentistry and his professional memberships included: the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, and the West Michigan Veterinary Medical Association.
Ed enjoyed a number of construction projects in both Michigan and Colorado which included, an A frame Cabin and several barns.  Ed was a mentor to numerous students interested in Veterinary Medicine.  His other hobbies included sailing with his wife, Sharron and helping Erik and Tami with chores around the farm and in the field, especially operating his combine this past season.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years Sharron; his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Tamara and their children, Mallory and Grant all of Stanwood; a brother, S.J. Lepley of Bellevue, OH; three sisters, Suzette Marie Green of Bellevue, OH, Sandra Dillon of Columbus, OH, Gail (James) Miller of Bellevue, OH; two brothers-in-law, Eugene Sanders and Al Flicker both of Sandusky, OH; sister-in-law, Carol Lepley of Columbus, OH and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Ed was preceded in death by two brothers, James D. and wife Nancy Lepley, John K. Lepley; three sisters, Jacqueline Sanders, Marilyn and husband Ted Fox, Catherine “Kitty” Flicker.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City with the family greeting friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. until mass at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor James Wyse, Father Ray Bruck, Father Phong Pham, Father Lou Anderson and Father Phil Wikowski concelebrate the Mass.  The family will greet friends at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Thursday, Jan 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Friday Jan 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed that evening at 7:30 p.m.  followed by public personal reflections of Ed’s life.
Immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial, at Christ the King Catholic Church, a luncheon will be served at the fellowship hall.
There will be additional visitations and services in Bellevue, Ohio with interment at the Bellevue Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be given to his family and directed to the establishment of the “Ed Lepley Scholarship Fund” or to continue Ed’s legacy of aiding underprivileged animals.
Share a memory or leave a condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com