It's hard work to be a Christian. It has always been this way. But we have been gifted with the power of the Holy Spirit. With this power we are able to embrace and overcome the difficult things we face on the narrow path to eternal life. We know our individual walk while unique to us, is similar to every Christian who has ever come before us. Developing the character of Christ is hard. Giving our bodies as a living sacrifice is hard (Romans 12:1). Allowing God to transform our lives is hard. But in Revelation 21:7 we're reminded that "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." We must embrace the hard things in life, not run from them. In doing so, we will become overcomers through the power of God and His righteousness.

Mike Phelps

Pastor, United Church of God

Michael Phelps and his wife Laura, and daughter Kelsey, attend the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint Michigan congregations, where Michael serves as pastor.  Michael and Laura both grew up in the Church of God.  They attended Ambassador University in Big Sandy for two years (1994-96) then returned home to complete their Bachelor's Degrees.  Michael enjoys serving in the local congregations as well as with the pre-teen and teen camp programs.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and running.