“The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 29-32
Was going through more photos yesterday and came across this photo of the watchdog that I purchased for the ELCH office in Haiti and she was a really good watchdog and friend. And these “ti chen yo” are what you get when we introduced our American Bulldog ‘Nana’ with Pastor Thomas’ Doberman ‘Diablo’; eight young pups. Nana and I shared the same ailment in that we lacked dark pigment in our hides and we were really good buds. She was bi-lingual as I taught her commands in English. I could go out and mess with her at night when others didn’t dare get close to her as she would attack them. When this first litter of pups came on a hot evening I made sure that Nana had plenty of food and water so she could feed her pups and keep her energy up as well. Keith will probably cringe when I compare my caring for Nana to be similar with the way Trinity/HOPE cares for the children in the Lutheran school in Haiti who are being fed every school day to keep their energy up as they study. Just as you and I need to have our energy levels full as we deflect the distractions of this world and desire to be surrounded with His Word so the children in Haiti who face the warnings from the vodou priest daily need to be nutritionally strong to be courageous as they call upon the Holy Spirit to bring them protection, peace, joy and comfort. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word’ that were written by Martin Luther in 1541 at the age of 58.
“Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word; curb those who fain by craft and sword would wrest the Kingdom from Thy Son and set at naught all He hath done. Lord Jesus Christ, Thy power make known, for Thou art Lord of lords alone; defend Thy Christendom that we may evermore sing praise to Thee. O Comforter of priceless worth. send peace and unity on earth. Support us in our final strife and lead us out of death to life.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay