“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

This year at WMC students have been learning about the fruits of the spirit. Many chapel speakers have come proclaiming messages based on this text, messages such as the five love languages and what it means to have full self control, and not dabbling in the devil schemes. Students and staff alike have been touched by these messages and stories that have been shared throughout this school year. One talk that really had an impact on many students was this fall; Pastor Robert Johnson of Muskegon was the speaker for Fall Spiritual Emphasis Week. Pastor Johnson took the topic of self control. As Christians we can’t dabble in the devil’s schemes. Because when we dabble we are more likely to go further. Many students have taken this message to heart and have made choices that will honor God and help improve their future.

As spring time has officially come students and staff at WMC look forward to SSE (Spring Spiritual Emphasis). This is a time where students come to chapel every morning and listen to a selected speaker who will speak on the theme of the year. After chapel time, students split into their assigned small groups. These groups are lead by a small group leader. The leader facilitates and asks the group question about the chapel talk. Small groups give the students a chance to speak what they may be thinking and get any questions answered that they may have. Classes resume after small groups, then in the afternoon students go to sectionals lead by selected speakers where more topics of the Christian life are tackled. The week is concluded with an open mic session where students can share with the whole school what they have learned during the week. This week has touched many students, including myself, and I would love for this week to continue and touch future student’s lives.

To make this week possible we as students need your help. First and foremost we need your prayers. May 11 and 12 is the Spring SEE. During this week please pray for the speakers that their messages will impact the students in the way of Christ.  Pray also for our small group leaders that they will have clear minds and be prepared to translate the messages to the students in their group. And finally be in prayer for the students at WMC. Pray that they will be transformed by the messages they receive and be able to translate them into their daily lives.

Secondly, your financial gifts are needed. The cost for chapels, small groups, and SEE is roughly $5,000. So far we have received $2665; this leaves $2335 to cover this big expense. The money will cover gas money for speakers, leadership retreats, and other chapel related expenses. Your financial gifts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for your prayers and financial gifts, without you this would not be possible!

In closing, I invite you to use the words from Ephesians 1:18 to pray for our student body: “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

In Christ,

Josh Sweetman

Class of 2010