Kenton J. Kutney

Conspiracy theories abound online. Although there are some people who have what you might call a 'blind faith', this isn't the kind of believing the Bible calls us to (heart + mind). We tend to compartmentalize life into boxes of mental, emotional, spiritual, physical - realms of science and religion that never intersect - yet the big mysteries of life (like love, for example) engage the whole person. In the course of my life I have come to realize that our modern exaltation of rationalism leaves much to be desired . Some things just cannot be tested in a beaker. As the famous mathematician Pascal observed, "The heart has it's reasons that reason cannot know." Questions are not a bad thing: they can take us deeper. Left unexplored, however, they fester into doubt.This Easter, think like a detective... About the video: Detective J. Wallace decided to examine the evidence for Christianity by applying the same forensic techniques he used to solve his co...

Often, with a rare disease like HES, it is difficult to sum up what is going on for people who ask.  Until now, literature online has been too long and complex, biased or outdated -- finally here is a new link to an accurate medical report from the National Institute on Health which briefly covers Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypereosinophilic Syndromes.  To zero in on issues relating to my diagnosis, see comments dealing with the Myeloproliferative Variant. Click the title to open the link and read ... however, at the end of this article about my rare blood disorder you may feel confused or dissatisfied like my new Pain Specialist, who read it and confessed he didn't understand it all:  "It was gobble-dee-gook to me!"   (Such comfort!) From our perspective, we have had plenty time (since 2004) to learn the terminology of Hematologists, yet answers don't come easily or without serious risks.  Essentially, we monitor the blood tests, us...

I have been pondering how it is even possible for a modern mortal to ‘share in the sufferings of Christ’.  It is one thing to recall the history of early church persecution, 'the blood of the saints that was the seed of the church'.  And it seems that many of the exhortations to endure suffering in Scripture are directly related to the hardship of the church and the cause of the Gospel of Christ.  These are the hero-saints of which the world was unworthy (Heb. 11:38). Especially when I compare that to my sufferings with a chronic illness: years living with a silly vortex of trials which constantly surprises in some fresh way with the same old symptoms (deep pain and sheer fatigue, troubled sleep, stomach troubles, financial strains, concerns about the future, etc.), so that once again one is caught muttering “Why me?” and feeling immature.  How do my aches and anxieties possibly compare to His sacred stripes?  How can they in some way be spiritual? ...

Only humans and dalmations get 'uric acid kidney stones' (said my specialist curiously after I had my painful turn at passing them last month). "Explain that one, Darwin!" I grimaced too loudly, more because of my left kidney than out of disrespect. There was a pause, verging on awkward silence. Turns out it was the doctor thinking. He looked at me: "That's a good one," the Doc says. So much for evolutionary theories that try to ignore the Creator. THINK DESIGN. kenton j. kutney

One last special letter (I think) to share with you that has surprised us, this time weaving 2 anonymous, generous, caring people into our lives. The overall lesson I'm learning in all of this is that good things happen when we risk telling our story: It brings us closer together; there is real hope in opening up to share of our selves and even our belongings. Ken and Joy Kutney, I have followed your story for close to a year now and just wanted to encourage you and your family. One Sunday your story was shared at the church I attend and some of your artwork was shown. (I bought "Fall Fireworks" in a large frame.) I will keep this brief but ... I had planned to make a trip to see you and all of the family and pray for you, but I could never get the time to work it out. I had gone back to God a number of times to inquire what to do and could never get clear direction. Well, here you are. God brought you to me. You will find a gift here from an anonymous giver, ...

We continue with more reader feedback after sharing some of Our Story -- see posts (to the left, Meet The Kutneys ) for my wife's important perspective on suffering, entitled 'Embracing the Mystery' along with my article entitled 'Changing Seasons' "I have just read your testimonies in Canadian Christianity and The Testimony. A friend told me about the articles (not knowing that I knew you). They were both very moving. I had heard some time ago, Ken, about your illness but wasn't aware how it had progressed. A difficult journey you've been called on to travel, all of you together. Your own response to the rollercoaster of emotions and questions was very well expressed, Joy. It touched us deeply. You both sound so grounded in mature faith (which doesn't mean there can't be questions), but it's an inspiration to read of that kind of honesty rooted in deep faith. … It was precisely the spirit of quiet faith and acceptance th...

i read a bit about whats been happening in your life.... I am not sure how old that artical was but it sadden my heart and i pray god just be with you and heal you! we often wonder why these things happen to god's people? i still love jesus ,believe in him but often wonder why these things happen to us last year our daughter hannah 10 years old at the time caught a cold had high fevers for around a week sometimes pressing over 100 which finally lead to seizures she spent the next 2 months in the hospital with uncontrolled seizures (she is not epiletic, they figure it is viral insefalietis which made it way to her brain) she was in a coma (doctor induced) over a month and i stop couinting the seizures after 1500 give or take..... we prayed ,,,we all prayed ,,still nothing, now she's getting better but not out the woods yet,she's on some serious meds- that well i am sorry to say help in one way and damage in others,,,,, but we keep pressing in, is it gods way of t...

Moving reader feedback (permission to share) after posting Our Story. See posts (to the left, Meet The Kutneys ) for my wife's important perspective on suffering, entitled 'Embracing the Mystery' along with my like-themed article entitled 'Changing Seasons'. Dear Ken and Joy: "I prayed for you today". I can totally relate to your situation. I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Although it came on early and is a type that rapidly worsens and does not respond well to medications. I always say that my "faith strings to my heart are getting tighter every day". I also am like the cork that keeps bobbing back to surface. I can not look back on my life and wish for the past but pursue every day under God's grace, seeking a way that I can bless someone. There are times that I can not speak, walk, or swallow and drool is sliding from the sides of my mouth but in my heart I know that God can still use me. Perhaps not in...

My name is Joy. People often say that I live up to it, although life has sobered me some and, unfortunately, I probably laugh less and carry more burdens than I used to. I’m the wife of a pastor, and the daughter of missionaries. My husband and I met in Bible College, married, went to Regent College to do masters studies, and then right into full time ministry. We took over a church plant and ministered there for almost nine years. During that time we were very busy raising our five children, two of whom have cleft lip and palate as well as Autism. They’re all precious gifts that circle us with love. Over three long years ago my husband, Ken, started feeling very tired and experienced aching muscles and cramps. He carried on pastoring but would take days to recover after each Sunday. As doctors tried to determine what was wrong with him, we went through one of the worst phases of a long-term illness — not having validation. It wasn’t until February of 2005 that we received the diag...

A Book Review By Kenton J. Kutney Howard and Esther McIlveen, Would You Know My Name? (Essence Publishing). It's not very often we get a glimpse into life after death. In fact, the whole dying process is something we typically avoid unless or until the issue comes close to home. Then the questions become urgent, like that searching song about seeing a loved one in heaven, where Eric Clapton asks, "Would You Know My Name?" A book has been written in answer to that very question by two unique people who seem, through their own life experiences, to have been given more than average opportunities to investigate and illuminate death. In Would You Know My Name? Howard and Esther McIlveen mix prose, poetry, theology, song lyrics, eulogy and even a poignant letter from two girls in farewell to their deceased father. The McIlveens have demonstrated in their lives and in their writing an ability to listen. As a result their latest written work is full of meaning. click here to ...

O ne Sunday, a student from Simon Fraser University dropped into my life asking politely if she could interview me as a Pastor about 'Christianity' for a course on Comparative Religions... What would you say? Well, I didn't know what I was in for: The list she came back was as long as my arm (25!), so I'm going to post these thought-provoking questions - along with a humble attempt at some answers. I'm adding Q's as I update this blog, so check back. DON'T FORGET TO TAKE THE POLL (left) . I am curious to know which topics connect with you. ...We can build on them. NOTE: Happy to say we are friends to this day. (What have you gained in winning an argument if you make an enemy??) 1. How long have you been a minister? At Steveston Christian Church? I’ve been in ministry for about 15 years, this being my 7 th year at SCC (at that time) . 2. What made you take up this occupation/calling? Have you ever doubted this choice? I really sensed G...