April 2026 Rock Newsletter
- Mike Swalm
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
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RisenA Devotional from President Mike SwalmWe’ve just come through the season of Holy Week, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday. It’s arguably the most important time in the whole of the church calendar. After all, Paul told us that if Christ is not truly raised, our faith is in vain! One of my favourite questions for students revolves around the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. We know, I say, that Jesus died for our sins. But why is Paul so insistent that the resurrection is the lynchpin of our faith? Isn’t it just gravy on top of the real meal of Jesus’ death? The simple answer is “no.” No, the resurrection is not simply a nice add-on. It is vital to our understanding of the work of Jesus and of our life in him. The resurrection was many things. It was God’s “YES” to the work of Jesus here on earth, the exclamation point of affirmation to the mission of Jesus being accomplished. It was God’s declaration that Jesus was and is who he said he was and is: the Son of God. It was God’s work not just to defeat sin, but to put death to death, to see us not just dead without sin, but made alive in Jesus, and not just now, but forever! It was the insistence of God that the end of life is not the final end, but a time to transition into life everlasting. It was God’s stamp of approval on our hope that we will be raised just like Jesus was raised and live with him forever. See? It’s pretty important. But we haven’t even touched on a major impact: the resurrection means that we serve a LIVING king. We do not worship a dead God, but a living God who died and is now alive. It means that Jesus is alive and well, ruling (though not always acknowledged), and calling all of humanity to work with him to see all of the world reconciled to God. If Christ has not been raised, all of our worship, all of our discipleship, everything we do makes no sense. But all of human history hinges on the fact that Jesus IS alive and HAS been raised from the dead. His resurrection was the motivation for the apostles to preach and live how they did, for the church to grow and bless the way it has, and for all of us to live according to the way of Jesus. Hallelujah. He is Risen! President Mike Swalm |
Melinda RothMelinda first completed the Edge program in 2007 before returning to finish her BA in Human Services in 2019. She has called British Columbia home since 2008 and has been based in Chilliwack since graduating, where she has continued to grow both personally and professionally. She now serves with Bethesda Christian Association an organization supporting individuals with diverse abilities. |
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In her role managing a residential home, Melinda carries significant responsibility—leading with compassion, strength, and advocacy to ensure those in her care are deeply valued and supported in living lives of dignity, depth, and fulfillment. Her journey has also been marked by resilience and renewal. After walking through divorce, she found love again and married Ryan Collins in April. Together, they have blended their families, creating a full and vibrant home with six children. |
Human ServicesDiscover our Human Services programs, designed to equip students with practical counselling skills and a strong foundation for supporting individuals, families, and communities. Explore certificate, diploma, and degree pathways that prepare graduates for meaningful careers in areas like addictions counselling, mental health support, and community services. |
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