Dear friends of BCUCI wonder when have you needed courage? Reflecting on this during the week I think there are two main reasons. One is courage to face something new in the future which right now seems big and scary. The other is to continue onwards when the current circumstances seem hopeless and fill you with despair. One is courage when in a place of comfort heading towards an unknown place of challenge, the other is courage that brings comfort when in a place of challenge.Jesus says the words “have courage” six times and the disciples say it once. It’s the greek word tharseó: Take courage, be of good cheer, be confident and comes from a word that literally means “radiate warm confidence”. He says it to those who are sick, blind, lame and when talking about his death. He then gives this message to the apostle Paul in Acts 23:11 who has been arrested in Jerusalem and has crowds of people wanting to get rid of him because of the Good News he shares about Jesus. Jesus says “have courage” not just as words of comfort in a time of struggle but to spur him on to share the Good News in Rome.What do you need, to hear the words from Jesus “have courage” for today? Is God calling you to something challenging that scares you a bit, maybe you’re having a rough time and need these words of comfort?  May Jesus speak to you today.I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and I am particularly excited about membership Sunday as we welcome new members to BCUC.Your brother in Christ,Benji