“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13
I gave a presentation recently at an LWML gathering at St. John’s Lutheran in Seward, NE and used the above verses for my theme. It was very fitting as it was here that I had been equipped by Pastors and teachers at this elementary school from 1955 to 1964 As I was listing some of my teachers several of the women nodded as they too had gone to school there and recalled of their teachers as well. It is probably a good idea for each of us to spend time thinking back at all of the countless people God has given us to equip us along our journey.
And now, He is using you and me to help to equip children attending Christian schools in Haiti. Our help is providing food for the Pastors, teachers, doctors, nurses, moms and dads who will bring Jesus Christ to the next generation of souls living in Haiti. Not very people in Seward remembered who I was as my time living there ceased in 1970. Not many of the 24,000 children being blessed with a Trinity/HOPE meal today will ever meet you or know your name…but they will when we meet in Heaven. I am closing today with the words to the hymn ‘Lift high the Cross’.
“Lift high the cross the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore His sacred name. Led on their way by this triumphant sign, the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. Each newborn servant of the Crucified, bears on the brow the seal of Him who died. O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree, as Thou hast promised draw the world to Thee. So shall our song of triumph ever be: Praise to the Crucified for victory. Lift high the cross the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore His sacred name.”
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