It is well with my soul

This hymn was written after several trau matic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him fi­nancially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville Du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the At­lantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with another ship, and all four of Spaf ford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, his own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, and the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul

Pastor's School and Leader's Conference

 

This Sunday kicks off Pastor's School. Normally, each year we host pastors and leaders from around the world who cannot afford to pay for a hotel room during Pastor's School. This year, however, we volunteered to host pastors, but we were not selected. Apparently the generosity of the church members exceeded the church's expectations and over 40+ families who offered housing were refused because of the vast number of households offering help.

We were a little disappointed because we really enjoy meeting people from other countries and different cultures who are visiting (perhaps for the first time) the US or Phoenix.

Oh by the way, if you wish to find out more about this conference, please visit the official website.