We are so glad you are here. Just taking the time to check out this webpage leads us to believe that you too may be struggling through these times of uncertainty. We too struggle daily with finding joy when so much of the news we hear is bad. We have found that joy is not found in the circumstances of life, but in the person of Jesus Christ. Read further and we'll explain...

There are two devastating roadblocks that keep us from having joy.

As good as we try to be, we simply are not the kind of people we should be. Our words, actions, and attitudes hurt us as well as others. We are guilty and we know it, and we think that any person who is truly honest with themselves also realizes their shortcomings and guilt.

The second devastating roadblock that keeps us from having joy is the power of death. No matter how healthy we try to be, we realize that, some day, life in this world will end for us and also for those we love.

When we carefully examine the wonders and complexities of the universe around us - the miracle of life, how our bodies are designed, and intricacies that cannot be recreated by human minds or hands - we cannot help but be pointed to a creator much greater than ourselves.

We believe that creator to be God the Father, who created the heavens and the earth.

God exists! and since He exists, He can do even the things that seem impossible to us. When He created this world, it was perfect. When He created human beings He created them perfect too. He also created in them, a free will. At first, they did no wrong, and pleased God in every way. But one day, they were tempted and chose to sin. And all who were born after them were born with this condition called sin and find it impossible to please God.

But He did not turn His back and walk away from His created beings whom He loves so much. He promised to send someone to save us. And He did, over 2,000 years ago. This Savior is Jesus Christ, God's very own Son, who lived a perfect life on this earth. He was rejected by those who claimed to be God's people and was crucified on a cross. Although it may not seem logical, it was God's plan. Because you and I cannot be perfect because of our sinful condition, nor please God, He sacrificed His Son to redeem us back to Himself. The price of our sin was fully paid by Jesus' death and our relationship with God restored.

Three days after Jesus died and was buried; He demonstrated power over death by rising from the dead. He is the only one in all of history who has successfully conquered death. He promises that same eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Jesus Christ is the true JOY that we pray for you: that you would come to know Him as your Lord and Savior and live with abundant joy in this life and the next.

Almighty God, My heavenly Father, I admit that I cannot overcome my guilt and the power of death. By the power of your Holy Spirit, lead me to have faith and confidence that Jesus has died for me and has taken away my sin and guilt. Give me faith to believe His promise that I will also conquer death and live eternally with You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

The Michigan District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has 380+ congregations located all over Michigan. Members of these churches believe and proclaim this message through weekly gatherings (worship services) and reading and studying the Bible: God's Word (often referred to as Bible Study). We welcome you to either find and contact a congregation in your community or visit the one you received your bookmark from if you attended a Torch Relay rally. Come and be part of the on-going story of God's grace and mercy to all and discover true JOY, here on earth. Even in the middle of all the struggles, you can be assured that Jesus lived, died for your sins, and rose from the dead so that YOU can live with the assurance of this JOY here on earth, and upon your death, live with Him forever in Heaven.

Again, we are so glad that you visited this site today. We pray that you will increase your understanding of God's great love for you. To assist you, we have provided you with a few resources to help get you started on your journey. (Click on the various links in the top right hand column.) We encourage you to stick around a little longer and check them out.