Torch, Spring 2001

low cost, making for a very ungodly atmosphere. I then knew how David must have felt as he penned Psalm 18:4, 5: The cords of death encompassed me, and the torrents of ungodliness terrified me. The cords of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. Although by staying in an RV park with a circus-like theme we were somewhat sheltered from mainstream Las Vegas culture, there was still much to be learned. The goal of that night’s devotional was to show what the world tries to do to or to get from innocent people. I felt like Solomon talking to Following a refreshing night’s sleep, we drove down to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona. Seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time from the North Rim was beautiful and breathtaking. The great expanse of the canyon reminded us of how immense God’s love is towards us as Paul exclaims in Rom. 8:38, 39: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The next day we drove down to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and closed the day with a beautiful sunset from Yaki Point, a great location to see the setting sun light up the canyon. The following six days of our journey were spent with family— three days in Phoenix and three days near Los Angeles. Then we began our journey home. Our trek took us directly through Las Vegas. A number of folks who have been to “Sin City” encouraged us to spend a little time there and take in the “family” entertainment. They said the entertainment is free and the food is cheap. We decided to spend one night in Las Vegas and see what it was all about. Well, the folks were right—the food was inexpensive and the entertainment was free (we saw an excellent circus act by a group of Russian performers). But I was depressed by bedtime, having felt the oppression of the evil in that place. Almost every building one entered had the casino as the focus of attention—it was unavoidable. Though only adults were permitted to gamble, children were subjected to the atmosphere upon entering the ground floor of a hotel or restaurant. Alcoholic beverages were offered either free or at very While having lunch at Sunrise Point in Bryce Canyon National Park, the Chasnovs spotted this mule deer munching her own lunch. Middle of page: Bob, Ben, Nora, Katie, and Becky took a break for photos while hiking Transept Trail at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Spring 2001 / TORCH 11