Today I witnessed a "triumphal entry"-like event. Months of thought, prayer, and work had gone into it. I also had experienced it years ago. But now I was the witness.

The event was the swearing in of two of my sons, Ezra (26) and Elijah (19), into the Army. Prayer, many questions, Gabe's sacrifice in Iraq, and the hand of the Lord led them to enlist. Our local newspaper did a front page article on them also that you can see it by clicking on http://www.gateline.com/104/story/872.html

Today they entered the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Seattle. Over the doors the words "Freedom's Front Door" were emblazoned in large letters. The final swearing in took place in a formal room with military flags and symbols. The young men stood at attention as the sergeant, who amazingly also was in Gabe's brigade, gave a short talk about our freedoms and how good it was to have these young men joining. Then they were sworn in. Finally he shook their hands warmly and thanked them for their service in advance. Nancy and I and the family members present were all very proud. You can see a short video of the event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET4XVj1UJEw

But....we all know that this warm reception will quickly end in boot camp when drill sergeants will bark orders and place them under lots of stress. There they will sweat as they run, do many pushups and be treated harshly. But it will be worth it at graduation.

How is this similar to the Triumphal Entry of Christ? On Palm Sunday Christ rode into Jerusalem as the crowds welcomed Him with jubilant cheers because they saw Him as their Messiah. But one week later these same people booed Him and He was put on trial, scourged and nailed to a cross. Things changed very quickly. But it was necessary for Christ to go through this Passion Week for Him to be our exalted Savior. If you have experienced military enlistment, boot camp and graduation you have experienced the same process in a small way and can identify.

Palm Sunday is March 16. We will relive some of the events of Christ's Triumphal Entry. We will have great music and I will speak on Christ's instructions that speak to us of the critical necessity to have faith that gets us through the difficult times to the final end of life. How is your faith doing these days?

-Pastor Mark

P.S. See below for all the events coming up at Easter.

This Easter will be encouraging as we relive the events surrounding our Lord's resurrection in inspiring music, testimonies and clear messages from the Scriptures.

PALM SUNDAY 10:30 a.m. Mar. 16 Msg. "A Fig Tree & Your Faith"

GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 p.m. Mar. 21 Candlelight musical & communion

EASTER SUNDAY MORNING Mar. 23

†Sunrise Service 7:00 a.m. At Haven of Rest cemetry on Hwy. 16

DBC providing music ministry.

†Easter Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Informal breakfast fellowship for all. Bring fruits, breads & hot fish sticks.

†Easter Worship 10:30 a.m. (Our main service)

Easter music, testimony, & msg. "Encounter on the Way to Emmaus"

No evening service this Sunday.

Also, see the message of Easter with your own eyes at the special art exhibit.

March 14th is Opening Night. 7- 9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Other dates for exhibit are March 16 - 23. 12 - 5 p.m.

DARON WILSON ORDAINED

What a blessing to have an ordination service for Daron Wilson on Sunday evening March 2. A charge to the church was given by Pastor Mark, a charge to Daron by Dr. Jack Wilsey of Northwest Baptist Seminary and then church leaders and visiting pastors laid hands on Daron in prayer. Daron began as an intern at DBC nearly ten years ago. He served here and then later at Harbor Baptist Church during his seminary training. He has also taught at NBS. During this time Daron met Yunae, married and they now have two girls. Daron, Yunae and girls will be sent to SE Asia by DBC as missionaries with ABWE when their support is complete. Daron and Yunae exhibit our church's desire to carry out the Great Commission in missions both here and around the world. Scroll thrugh our Missions menu for more information on the Wilsons.