Sometimes life is just plain HARD! And yet difficulties in life also seem to be universal. Not that we all suffer from the same things, but that we all suffer and struggle seems to be the lot of the human race.

So what distinguishes human beings is not whether they have difficulties or not; but indeed, how they handle difficulties when they come? In fact that question is at the core of our study on Heroes.

When the going gets tough –whether it is self inflicted or out of personal control---the hero—finds a way to not only endure but to thrive in the end.

This past Sunday I shared with you about Joseph and his odyssey to a position of power where countless lives were saved. It was a story of tragedy upon painful tragedy. Parts of it self inflicted, other situations totally out of his control and fully unjust. Yet in the midst of the turmoil, Joseph utilized his relationship with God and just kept plugging away, seeking to be faithful and useful wherever (including slavery and prison) he found himself.

It is in the context of Joseph's story that I find myself attracted to and admiring both Brandon Scarth and my son Mark Thorson. Brandon found himself engulfed by tragedy, Mark brought part of his on himself. Yet I have been struck by the power of their lives in the midst of their difficulties. Each one has, like Joseph, found themselves in difficult times and yet have sought the Lord and then tried to make a difference where they were. Each has affected lives in the midst of their troubles and has become men that by their example lift each of us with new strength and vigor. They are heroes.

And as your Pastor, I must (and I want to) commend this congregation for your extraordinary support and help for these two men. The energy and care that has been expressed for Brandon over these past three years is unbelievable. The letters and prayers for Mark have been life filler for him. You too, have been a huge part of these men being able to persevere and thrive in difficult environments.

So on behalf of the Scarth family and the Thorson family, our deepest thanks and profound humbling that you would care so deeply for us and invest so widely.

The dividends of your care are already paying huge returns!

God is alive and thriving through these young men!