As most of you’ve heard, 19 elite and specially trained firefighters, members of the Granite Mountain Hotshot Crew, were killed in a deadly wild fire in Yarnell, Arizona last Sunday.  14 of the 19 were in their 20s. This is said to be the deadliest incident for the firefighters in the U.S. since 911 in 2001.  While the residents were running away from the town, these brave men moved in and put themselves in harm’s way to prevent the fire from spreading.   The unpredictable wind, however, caused the fire to split and trap the firefighters, basically eliminating their escape route.  My heart and sincere sympathy go out to these men who sacrificed themselves to save others and to their family members who have to live the rest of their lives without their beloved fathers, husbands, sons, and friends. Who could’ve imagined that these men would never come home from a job they routinely performed successfully?
One article I read mentioned a safety device that every firefighter is required to carry.  It is called a fire shelter – a foil-lined, heat-resistant bag meant for firefighters to climb into as a last resort.  This device can deflect the heat for a while, but if the fire doesn’t pass by fairly quickly, it does not provide ultimate protection.  Despite having deployed this safety device, the Yarnell firefighters died a very painful death.  They literally cooked to death inside them. 
Then on Independence Day, I was at a barbeque party when I got the news that a dear brother, who used to serve faithfully as an Elder at NCFC, had passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack.   He was only 64 years old, way too young by today’s standard.  I could not believe the news.  I had seen pictures of him and his family from his daughter’s wedding on FB just a few weeks ago.  He looked perfectly happy and healthy then.  Who could’ve imagined that he would never wake up to enjoy the 4th of July barbeque party?
These two incidents reminded me again of the frailty and brevity of life.  Compared to the fallen firefighters, Elder Shin lived much longer. Even then, it passed by in the blink of an eye. In times like these, the admonition of James 4:13-15 really hits close to home: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ ” 
Whether you die a very painful death as the firefighters did or a relatively peaceful one as Elder Shin did, what really matters after you take your last breath on the earth is where you will find yourself waking up.  I hope all of the firefighters had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord at one time in their lives. While the fire shelters could not save them from the wildfire, the blood of Jesus will certainly save from the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) anyone who has been redeemed through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  What about you?  Are you confident you possess the one and only safety device that will save you from the lake of fire?  If you are not sure, please come see me while you still have the opportunity. 

From Pastor Sara’s Heart
July 7, 2013

One of the celebrity chefs well known to Food Network viewers is getting a lot of negative attention these days.  It’s Paula Dean, known as the “Queen of Southern Cooking.”  From what I understand, a lawsuit was brought against her and her brother by a former manager of the Savannah, GA restaurant the siblings co-own.   The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment and racial discrimination, and Paula Dean admitted to using racial slurs and tolerating racial jokes in the restaurant in the past.   Since the news broke, she has come under fire from the public as well as many of her endorsers.  The Food Network, where she began her career, has decided not to renew her contract after 11 successful years, and major companies like Smithfield Foods, Walmart, Target, and a diabetes drug company have already severed their ties with Paula Dean. 
Her lawyer has issued a statement saying that her admittance of using a racial epithet in a time in American history when America’s South still had segregated schools and restaurants should not be interpreted as her condoning any form of racism or discrimination.  Paula herself has appeared on several talk shows and released online videos begging for forgiveness from her highly disappointed fans.  While some fans have remained loyal and are standing by her, the damage is already done, and her image and brand have definitely been tainted beyond repair.   Only time will tell whether the American people will eventually forgive Paula Dean or whether another network will give her a new show.  Whether that happens or not Paula Dean will have to live with the consequences of her past actions for the rest of her life.
While what Paula Dean did cannot be taken lightly or brushed away, we all know that she is not the only person who has used offensive slurs or other discriminatory comments about people of a different gender, race, nationality, religion, political view, and so on.  Many people get away with saying things even more offensive than what she has said.  The difference, however,  is that she is a highly public figure, and along with the public spotlight and celebrity status comes a much higher level of scrutiny.  One cannot enjoy privilege without responsibility. 
When the alleged incidents occurred, Paula Dean probably had absolutely no idea that one day she was going to be hosting a cooking show seen by millions of people and become a household name.  Had she had even the slightest hint that she was going to become that famous and visible, she certainly would have exercised better judgment.   Many people say and do things that are hurtful and evil because they think they will get away with it.  They think nobody will find out, and for the most part, that is the case, at least during their lifetime.  The Bible tells us, however, that every one of us, not just famous chefs, movie stars, or athletes, will one day be judged for our actions, as stated in Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”    It may be too late for Paula Dean, but it’s still not too late for you and me.    David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).  May this be our earnest prayer each day so that we will not be put to shame when our lives are laid bare before the eyes of Jesus Christ.

From Pastor Sara’s Heart
June 30, 2013