How often do you feel busy? Many times we are hurried from one thing to the next. God wants to encourage us to take the time and focus our attention on the "one needed thing." Is there any security in our future? At a time when the sinking sands of a worldwide economic freefall fill the airwaves and rattle our nerves, it is good to know there is a firm foundation on which to plant our feet. That foundation is our rock, Jesus Christ, our hope in the midst of the housing crisis, credit crunch and plant closures. In his new book, Alive in Christ, Brent Sloss aptly reminds us of the one thing needed... to abide in the vine. In frantically busy and uncertain times, it is comforting to know that God is in control of our circumstances when we abide in him, turn from our sins and fill our hearts with His Word. There is a growing unified body of churches and ministries responding to the call of God, moving out of their comfortable pews and changing the face of communities across Canada. Without a doubt, this army of believers are speaking into the lives of those who are searching for answers, and are desperate for a word of encouragement. Pastor Brent challenges us to be among the harvesters, and activates us with the good news that whom God calls, He equips with the ability to perform the task. We never step out alone, for God fills our mouths with wisdom that no one is able to resist. However, to be a good witness requires that our own personal lives be in good order. Brent summons us, as anointed believers, to understand our calling, to seek God's face, and to transform our lives. Every aspect of our daily activities should reflect what we believe. He emphasizes how important it is to get our finances in order. It takes discipline, according to Brent, to be a good steward of the money God provides and requires that we sow our seed into good ground. Nothing speaks more loudly about what we believe than how we handle our money. How can we defend our faith if our day to day living does not indicate that we are abiding in the vine? "This book is an eye opener. Today, little is preached about holiness, sin, repentance and personal responsibility. In the tension of worrisome times, Alive in Christ provides a practical and insightful response to our questions and concerns; it reminds us to put first things first. Hope in God! Seek His kingdom! Abide in the vine!"

-Pastor Rick Ciaramitaro, President of Ministers Network Canada (MNC)Brent Sloss is the senior pastor of Word of Life Regional Church in Guelph, ON (www.wolrc.org). He also serves as the president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Guelph. He holds a masters degree in theology from Florida Christian University. He travels to many places within the nation of Canada. The dream is to see God's "...dominion from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth (Ps. 72:8). There is a strong calling on his life to help fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Brent and his wife live in Kingston, ON and have three children.