Dear Church, Friends, and Family,
While studying at Yale Divinity School, I met a young woman, Tessa Afshar, who became a friend and was, for a while, a mentor. I credit our relationship as being an important part of that which has led me to trust in Jesus as one who heals and loves me. During a difficult season of life, she had me lay on her couch and imagine Jesus with me. And, as she led me through inner healing prayer, I heard a word from Jesus that empowered me to see myself through His eyes. It made all the difference.
Tessa left behind church ministry to follow her passion to write. She is now an award-winning novelist penning books set in Biblical times with Christian themes. You can find her work listed on her website: https://tessaafshar.com.
On her front page of the website are these words:
Enter a world where
You are known.
You are treasured.
You are chosen.
You are loved…
The world of the Bible.
Indeed, the Bible read with an open heart, leads us to find ourselves in God’s story, a story where grace and love abound.
I pass on to you the gift of Tessa’s prayer shared in her monthly newsletter with the hope you will linger in it and let the words become your own. May your heart grasp Emmanuel’s healing love.
Lord Jesus, Incarnate God, as you came into Bethlehem, so enter my life. Let my faith increase until I can lay the government of my life entirely on your shoulders. Let your counsel guide me; your peace bathe me; your wonder surround me. And make a way for the impossible things I and my loved ones may face.
As I sign off, remember the angel’s words to Mary, “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Love, Pastor Heather
Reverend Heather DeVoe Miner, M.Div
Rev. Heather served as the pastor at NLBCC until 2022. She continues to spread the loving and inclusive message of Christ, serving a church in Boise, Idaho.
