MINISTRY...

Being in full-time ministry for the past 37 years has been both a privilege and an honor.  Being with dear brothers & sisters- in- Christ during times of joy and times of sorrow is heartwarming.   This past week there has been four deaths in our little community.  Fellow believers who have finished their lives on this side of glory and transferred to heaven.  Steven and I have been able to pray with their families, encourage them and just love on them during this difficult time.  We have offered Scripture to help them adjust to their "new normal" and remind them that our Father will walk with them through this very hard journey.  The Holy Spirit fills our hearts and mouths with His Hope to share with them, since right now their hope monitor is registering on "low".

 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  It is so comforting that when we are in our weakest, most vulnerable times, He allows us His power to help transform our weeping into Joy.  (John 16:20)

I have spent the morning in the kitchen preparing several dishes to contribute to the various lunches that our church members will offer to the families following the services.  With every ingredient I thanked our Gracious God for being such a Healer to broken hearts.  Sharing a meal together with other believers is "good eating" as it seems to not only fill our stomachs but our souls.  And I have asked Him to equip Steven as he prepares to bring four messages that will bring peace and comfort to hurting hearts.   God always blesses him as he shares promises of what God has in store for those of us who love Him.  (1 Corinthians 2:9)

I am forever grateful that we have been/continue to be a team that God uses for our good and His glory!    Blessings abound!