I WANT TO LIVE! Sometimes we hear that statement coming from
the lips of someone suffering from a terminal disease - and more than anything
they long to be cured so that they can remain living amongst their family and
friends! Of course, if we only knew what
Heaven was really like, we probably wouldn’t be so quick to fight such a tough
battle to stay here. I don’t know what I
would choose if faced with leaving or staying, but of course that’s ultimately
up to God. We just have our own wishes
of what WE would like! While I do not
have a disease of any sort, I often find myself begging God to let me stay here
on earth for as long as possible – so I can impact those I love and those I
have yet to meet with the powerful message of Christ’s love for them. Yes, I beg.
I know God has ordained times of the length of days He has planned for
each of us – but just in case He is thinking of taking me Home anytime soon … I
beg for Him to leave me here longer. Not
because I don’t want to experience the wonders of Heaven that are so incredibly
amazing that we can only imagine them … but because I don’t want to see anyone
who crosses my path not know about my God and His gift of eternal life for
them!!! And yes, I WANT THEM TO
LIVE! Forever! At our church, this Sunday will be all about
missions and sharing our excitement at the opportunities we have to reach
people for Christ in our own community, our nation, and around the world! We love being able to reach out and touch
people in our own church family from time to time … helping meet needs that God
makes us aware of. We are family, after
all. But then, God instructs us to reach
out – a bit farther. Like, raking leaves
for senior citizens in town and out in the country who are unable to do so
themselves, and sometimes asking if we can pray with them before we leave. Or collecting food items for someone who
works two jobs and still goes without hardly any food himself, desiring for him
to see the love of Jesus through our lives and our actions. Other times we love helping the elderly or
disabled move their belongings to a different apartment because they don’t know
who to ask for help. Another time we
were able to gather furniture and household items and share it with a young
woman who had to move to keep safe; and she had basically nothing. Branching out to our state, our church loves
providing money for holiday meals for the hungry and homeless in the Cities
through Union Gospel Mission – where they receive not only a delicious, hot
meal … but the message of Jesus’ love and the hope that He brings! Other times, we have walked a lighted path at
Relay for Life events all throughout the night to help raise funds for cancer
research, remembering and honoring those who’ve lost the battle and those who
have survived. It’s a touching experience
each time you do it! Then … we see the
bigger picture when we pray for and support Larry and Gloria who travel all
over the United States, taking the love of Christ in song and in messages filled
with hope, fun, humor, and eternal life as they hold rallies in churches and
other venues wherever God opens the door!
The altars and auditoriums are packed with people who were lost without
Christ and had given up on life. Now …
let’s go international! Way over in Australia,
there’s Josh and Sarah, with two little boys – and they faithfully share Christ
with those who desperately need a new life in Christ – and teach His Word to others
who are eager to learn more so they can grow and take that knowledge to yet
others. Just recently they have started
ministering on the streets of the large city where they live. There, they see it all! And beyond that, there are two little
children, Tarike, a little girl from Ethopia – and Daouda, a little boy from
Senegal, who live impoverished in their nations, and our monthly offerings are
helping support them and bringing hope for a better future for them! Isn’t that what Jesus teaches us to do? Hey, are you excited about missions yet? I sure hope so … because I am! Let’s keep expanding how we share the love
and hope that Jesus brings . . . SO OTHERS CAN LIVE!!! Forever!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Harold & Lafawn on May 22nd / BIRTHDAY WISHES to Kavin on May 24th! May God bless you!
A SPECIAL WELCOME to Debbie who worshipped with us for the first
time this past Sunday! May God’s best be
yours!
OUR SPECIAL THANKS to the Graffs for the new Puppet Theatre … it
is outstanding! What a blessing it will
be!
A BIG THANK YOU to: Wayne, Verla, & Christian for helping an
elderly lady move this past week! You truly
blessed her!
SUN, MAY 20: 10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE – and an exciting MISSION EMPHASIS message, plus lots more!
SUN, MAY 27: 10:00 A.M. –
WORSHIP & PRAISE, honoring our fallen soldiers and our loved ones gone on
before!
PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . . Tina, Ruth, our children & youth, and all of our missionaries as they serve God here and abroad!
REMEMBER … “We are to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES of all the nations – that’s what Jesus said!” (from Matthew 28:19)
