SUMMER IS THE TIME FOR OUR SEEDS TO DEVELOP

     What a joy it is to call you our friend.  Last month, we celebrated the homegoing of two elderly ministry friends.  Men who, together, powerfully touched multitudes of lives.  As I listened to family members and adult grandchildren speak about one of them, I was made even more aware of the blessing and responsibility we all carry.  When people who know us well reveal their heart about what we mean to them and the spiritual impact we have made, we see that this is all that really matters.  Both of these men were in their eighties.  Nothing they accomplished financially was mentioned, nothing about their homes or cars mattered.  It came back to me, “Only what we do for Christ will last.”  Watching how Jesus was revealed to their loved ones and how it affected even their great grandchildren was life changing.  I see some who feel they will serve God later, but they never make it to “later.”  I want my family to know the presence of the Lord and I want to constantly remind everyone I meet of what God has done for us all.  He sent His son, Jesus, to be beaten, crucified, and resurrected to conquer sin, sickness, death, hell, and the power of the grave for all we are willing to share the gospel with.

Last month, a dear pastor friend of mine’s sister lost her granddaughter along with her missionary husband in a deadly attack by the gangs in Haiti.  They were newlyweds ministering to the children there.  It was a shock that was carried by many worldwide news agencies.  The bodies were recovered and brought back home for burial.  When I heard the stories about their sacrifices, it made me more aware of what the Lord’s disciples, some of the prophets along with many believers had endured to take the gospel of eternal life to their generation.  We cannot become weary in well doing or even think of quitting.  Only eternity will reveal the impact we have had on our surroundings and those God sent our way.  You may sometimes feel like your efforts are smaller than others, but it is not true.  God will send those to your pathway that He knows believe in your Christian walk.  Even a simple encouraging word in season or a salvation truth given will not return void but is promised to accomplish the beginning of their soul’s salvation.  I feel like reminding you that we are workers together in this world.  I have ministered, literally, to worldwide media audiences.  Every soul we have and will continue to reach, you are significant in touching because of your faithfulness and prayers.  Just like the man of God I mentioned, your reward will be eternal.  We are so honored to go on your behalf and, know this, we will keep plowing the fields and sowing the seeds of eternal life.  July is a reminder of our freedom.  As the Lord has been promising me again for all of us, we can walk in all of our gifts of freedom because of Christ Jesus our Lord, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I say to you “Be free” in Jesus’ name.