Newsletter February 2026

Dear Family,
    In a couple of weeks Valentine’s Day will come and a big out pouring of love will take place. Millions of cards will be given, flowers, chocolates, jewelry and other gifts will be given. If you are not aware of how it came about, it happened in the third century. There is also a biblical foundation to it, the gift of giving love. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.” John 3:16a.

    While in prison, Valentine was approached by a jailer to pray for his daughter, who was blind. He did so and God restored her sight. Because of that, the jailer and up to 44 people, came to faith in Christ, and he freed all the prisoners under his jurisdiction. Valentine was summoned to go before the Roman Emperor Claudius II, because he disobeyed the Emperor’s decree. He forbade engagements and marriages, because men wanted to be with their wives and families. Because of that, they would not enlist in the military. Valentine would not renounce his faith or recant on performing marriages and engagements. He was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; instead he tried to convert him, from paganism to Christ. The Emperor was furious, and ordered him to be beaten, with clubs and beheaded. Later he was recognized as a Saint after he was martyred in 269 AD. On the eve of his execution, he gave the first Valentine card to Julia, the jailers daughter, and signed it “Your Valentine”.

    The most meaningful card ever given was “God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son” John 3:16a. Love is action, not just words spoken, or a poem and card. Valentine showed his heart toward Julia, by putting his faith into action. He was part of the healing process, which is why I believe he signed the card, the way he did. God’s love is active, selfless and geared towards others. The best example of His unwavering love for mankind was when he sent his only perfect son, to atone for our sins Rm 6:23. “Greater love has no one than this than one who lays down his life for his friends” John 15:13. “A new commandment I give to you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another”, John 13:34-35.

    Abraham, who is the father of faith, was willing to offer up his son (his best) as a sacrifice to the Lord. He believed God would raise Isaac up from the dead, because he was given this promise: “And in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed, because thou has obeyed my voice.” Gen. 22:18. Abraham said to his young men, abide ye here with the ass and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” Gen 22:5. Abraham equated sacrifice (love) to worship. Isaac asked his father “where is the sacrifice”? He said “the Lord will provide”. As Abraham brought the knife down, the angel of the Lord (Jesus) called from heaven saying, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him: for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son from me” Gen. 22:12. He did not see the sacrifice in front of him, but by faith looked behind, and there was a ram in the thicket. God did not allow Abraham to sacrifice his promised son; But He, sacrificed his only begotten son almost 2000 years later. WHAT LOVE!

    The Apostle Paul and Timothy sent a Valentine’s greeting to fellow believers, who supported them in the ministry; “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion unto the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about you, since I have you in my heart: but whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the Gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me” Ph. 1:1-7. They are so thankful to those who are steadfast in loving them no matter what.

    When Cain killed Abel, God asked him a question, although He knew the answer; “Where is Abel your brother? His response was “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper? Gen.4:9. The answer is yes we are. God’s Word tells us to rejoice with those that rejoice and mourn with those that mourn Rm. 12:15. Paul is talking to believers exhorting them to walk in love. 1 Corinthians 13:8, Love never fails, sums up that whole chapter.

  Thank you for partnering with us, through your prayers and finances.

Serving Our King Together,

Rev. Joseph & Rev. Benjamin