NOTE:  In searching for a crest for TRP, we began a discussion among our various supporters, friends and colleagues.  The original idea for our crest came from Sue McGregor, a woman learned in both the Bile and life.  We thereupon began a nationwide talent search for an artist worthy of creating such an enduring symbol and decided, after numerous interviews, retain and the result of her fabulous work and collaboration is our crest.  Karen spent countless hours through numerous changes to arrive that this beautiful work of art.

The following analysis of the saga of Aaron's Budding Staff is by well-known Christian pastor and evangelist Jim Laffoon:

Both God and his faithful servant Moses were grieved. Although thousands of Israelites had died under the judgment of God, there still seemed to be no end to their constant grumbling and complaining. The last incident had probably been the worst; over fourteen thousand people had been killed by a horrible plague when they had rebelled against the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

With families mourning the loss of their loved ones throughout the camp, the heart of Moses was breaking. He knew there had to be a way to end the constant rebellion of God's people. The response of God to this need is an amazing demonstration of both His compassion and His wisdom.

God told Moses to take a staff from the leader of each of the twelve tribes; these rods were to be placed in the Tabernacle overnight. The man whose staff had budded and borne fruit was the man God had chosen.

The next morning, it was as if the rod of Aaron had become a living thing. The fragrance of fresh life was filling the whole Tabernacle, because from one end to the other, the whole staff was filled with blossoms and fruit. When the Israelites saw this amazing confirmation of God's hand on the life of Aaron, they never questioned his leadership again.

What lessons can we learn from this amazing story of God's love and wisdom?

First of all, in this story God demonstrates what it will take to restrain the evil and rebellion which live in the human heart. Contrary to what you might think, the manifestation of God's judgment could not restrain the evil and wickedness running rampant in the nation.

It was only the revelation of the fruit and life of God's Kingdom which finally stopped the endless cycle of rebellion paralyzing the progress of the Israelites.

It is no different for you and me today; the greatest deterrent to a nation's wickedness is not the consequences
of their actions, but the clear presentation of an alternative lifestyle filled with joy and peace. Do you see it yet?

When Christians like you and I are truly bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit-- things like love, joy, longsuffering, and humility-- those around us will not only be restrained, but they will begin to be transformed.

Second, we also find the secret to divine fruitfulness. If an inanimate object like Aaron's rod can bear fruit after one night in God's presence, how much more can you and I live a life of abundant fruitfulness if we are willing to spend time with God on a daily basis?

Furthermore, the beautiful, fragrant fruitfulness of Aaron's rod was maintained because it was kept in the Tabernacle of Moses, in the manifest presence of God.

It is no different for you and me today; unless we are willing to walk in God's presence through His word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will never be able to maintain the fruitfulness necessary to change the world around us.

by: Jim Laffoon