“What I hope to see in the future of our community is full and complete inclusion of all peoples who want to be followers of Christ”
– Arland Baker-Wicksey, Brampton, Ontario
What keeps me in the Community of Christ church is not the fact that I am a third-generation member. In fact, I have tried many times to run away from God, but he always knew where to find me. My last attempt was put to rest once and for all on the reunion grounds of McGowan’s Lake. I was there — not wanting to be there — with a 3-month-old baby, my first child. However, my husband wanted to be at this reunion.
It was the second night there that I fell in bed exhausted and went to sleep. While sleeping I had a vision. Christ was sitting on a rock giving messages to all the campers in turn. When it was my turn, Christ looked straight into my eyes and said, “Things are the way they are supposed to be with you — do not run away from us (God and Christ) or your mission for why you are here. You will be given time to raise your family; then you will be expected to carry on the family business of encouraging and lighting the world in the corner you are in. You are very much loved, and you are one of those we are counting on to help fight against the darkness to save souls.” After this vision, I have been very blessed in helping others though friendships and my nursing.
In September 2017, I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). My family was told that they did not expect me to live to Christmas. I was not told this. God has once again intervened and has blessed me with extended life. I now find doors opening that were once shut to me. I have been able to share with many the goodness and love of God and Christ. I have started a Blessing Seed Ministry. If you have ever received a card, letter, an e-mail, or even an e-mail card from me, you have received a “Blessing Seed” of love, hope, and compassion.
I also mentor cancer patients and survivors to bring them hope, encouragement, care, and love. I do much writing which I am now trying to get published. I have also been asked to share by giving the message on Sunday mornings. I have been told that I have a strong voice and a powerful message of love and hope to share. Community of Christ is a warm and loving environment to share in.
What I hope to see in the future of our community is full and complete inclusion of all peoples who want to be followers of Christ and believers of God — a place where there is no judgement, no racism, no colour divides, no gender divides — just people sharing love, hope, peace, compassion, and encouragement — a people who love to lend a hand and make the world a better place for all to live in harmony. There is room at the table for all who seek the compassion, friendship, forgiveness, grace, humility, and love. Love is the greatest joy to seek: love of the heavenly Father and our brothers and sisters.
It was the second night there that I fell in bed exhausted and went to sleep. While sleeping I had a vision. Christ was sitting on a rock giving messages to all the campers in turn. When it was my turn, Christ looked straight into my eyes and said, “Things are the way they are supposed to be with you — do not run away from us (God and Christ) or your mission for why you are here. You will be given time to raise your family; then you will be expected to carry on the family business of encouraging and lighting the world in the corner you are in. You are very much loved, and you are one of those we are counting on to help fight against the darkness to save souls.” After this vision, I have been very blessed in helping others though friendships and my nursing.
In September 2017, I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). My family was told that they did not expect me to live to Christmas. I was not told this. God has once again intervened and has blessed me with extended life. I now find doors opening that were once shut to me. I have been able to share with many the goodness and love of God and Christ. I have started a Blessing Seed Ministry. If you have ever received a card, letter, an e-mail, or even an e-mail card from me, you have received a “Blessing Seed” of love, hope, and compassion.
I also mentor cancer patients and survivors to bring them hope, encouragement, care, and love. I do much writing which I am now trying to get published. I have also been asked to share by giving the message on Sunday mornings. I have been told that I have a strong voice and a powerful message of love and hope to share. Community of Christ is a warm and loving environment to share in.
What I hope to see in the future of our community is full and complete inclusion of all peoples who want to be followers of Christ and believers of God — a place where there is no judgement, no racism, no colour divides, no gender divides — just people sharing love, hope, peace, compassion, and encouragement — a people who love to lend a hand and make the world a better place for all to live in harmony. There is room at the table for all who seek the compassion, friendship, forgiveness, grace, humility, and love. Love is the greatest joy to seek: love of the heavenly Father and our brothers and sisters.
