On January 10th at 5:30 a.m. the phone rang at my pastor's house. The son of his dear friend in Africa called to tell him that his father had died that morning while preaching. Twenty-five years ago when my pastor was a new missionary in Africa, Pastor John McKay was the national who took him under his wing and taught him how to be a pastor. Pastor McKay always wanted him to come to preach his funeral should he die first. In his words, he had to go; relationships matter more than anything; this was his friend. He went on to tell the church that this would be a personal expense.
Following the service many in the congregation felt compelled that we should come together as a church and pay for his trip. Before that could even occur, by Monday morning someone had come forward to buy the ticket to Africa and another had purchased his own ticket to go as a travel companion. As funds continued to come in throughout the day, Pastor wanted everyone to know that the trip was paid for but he would take the donations in cash to help nationals in need, but only if the donor agreed. He said he was overwhelmed and blessed by all who wanted to support him on this journey.
Yesterday we heard some of the details of the trip. People began arriving on Thursday to camp out for a Saturday funeral. Attendance was more than 700 so tents were erected adjacent to the church. Many came from across Africa to pay their tribute and respect to Pastor McKay and the funeral lasted from 2:00 - 9:30 p.m. Pastor also preached in their church on Sunday morning.
It was a huge blessing to see the Lord move in hearts and provide for Pastor Jerry's trip to his beloved nation of Africa to honor a friend's wishes. We continue to pray for a safe journey home and for abundant fruit from his ministry there.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Matchless Names of God
Recently I heard the song "I AM" by Mark Schultz. Hearing the powerful words reminded me once more of the significance of the Names of God. As God breathed scripture revealing all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) He further revealed His character through His names. Proverbs 18:10 tells us, "The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." By way of contrast, verse 11 states, A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination." How true, apart from the Lord people convince themselves that their strength, wisdom, or riches is enough to protect them but it is a vain imagination. Just ask someone who has a terminal illness for which no amount of money or title and influence can purchase a cure.
We are a needy people and yet for every need of every heart God has provided a name to reveal that He is the All Sufficient One. He is our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel who is our Mediator. When we need wisdom, He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Ancient of Days. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, worthy of our praise and allegiance like no other can ever be. When our heart is broken, He is the Healer of the brokenhearted who bottles our tears and is mindful when the sparrow falls; how much more we are of worth than the sparrows. Do we wonder about our purpose? He is our Creator who has numbered our days before there was but one.
There are times when no earthly friend or companion can reach into our soul, hear the deepest longings, or truly understand our hurt. But, there is One who does and He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is the Refuge and Shelter where we can flee for comfort and rest. When we fear earthly foes and tremble at the uncertainty of violence, terror, disease, and desertion, He calms our anxious heart and reminds us that He is our Defender and Protector, the Strong Tower, a Fortress, and our Shield.
Be still and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10). Perhaps our hearts can be still when we make it our ambition to know the One we cling to, rely on, and look to for every breath. He is the All Sufficient Saviour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HIKxnSZSA
I AM by Mark Schultz
We are a needy people and yet for every need of every heart God has provided a name to reveal that He is the All Sufficient One. He is our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel who is our Mediator. When we need wisdom, He is the Wonderful Counselor. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Ancient of Days. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, worthy of our praise and allegiance like no other can ever be. When our heart is broken, He is the Healer of the brokenhearted who bottles our tears and is mindful when the sparrow falls; how much more we are of worth than the sparrows. Do we wonder about our purpose? He is our Creator who has numbered our days before there was but one.
There are times when no earthly friend or companion can reach into our soul, hear the deepest longings, or truly understand our hurt. But, there is One who does and He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is the Refuge and Shelter where we can flee for comfort and rest. When we fear earthly foes and tremble at the uncertainty of violence, terror, disease, and desertion, He calms our anxious heart and reminds us that He is our Defender and Protector, the Strong Tower, a Fortress, and our Shield.
Be still and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10). Perhaps our hearts can be still when we make it our ambition to know the One we cling to, rely on, and look to for every breath. He is the All Sufficient Saviour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HIKxnSZSA
I AM by Mark Schultz
Friday, January 1, 2010
Memories of MiMi
MiMi was my grandmother on my father's side. When someone mentions grandparents, I think of MiMi because she was the grandparent who influenced me the most. As memories often seem to do, they flood together in a collage of images that span the years. MiMi would often have us spend the night and she always made you take a bath and get powdered up because she claimed you would sleep better. And then there was her routine of waking you up to use the bathroom before she went to bed. Again, she was adament that this helped one get a better night's sleep.
MiMi made one kind of cookie, an orange cookie made with butter flavored Spry as I recall and with orange rind in the icing. Imagine my excitement a few years ago when a friend at work showed up with orange cookies that looked and tasted just like MiMi's. My sister and I make them, but although they are good, something is missing. I like to tell my grandchildren that it is the secret ingredient of "love" when they like my cooking; maybe that's what's missing.
I remember trips to downtown Akron when O'Neils and Polsky's were in business and ladies dressed up to go to town. We would ride a bus to town and lunch at the Tea Room in the store. Those trips were extra special days when we always brought home something sweet from the Hough Bakery inside O'Neil's and she usually bought me something special as a treat. I don't remember what those things were because they were just things but I do remember the days spent shopping downtown which always included a visit to the 5 and 10 store too.
MiMi would make dough from flour and water and let us roll it out and play with it at her dining room table. I guess it was pre-playdoh days. My mom could never understand why she let us make such a mess but it was always so much fun! Recently as I prepared for Thanksgiving and every square inch of my counter was covered in dishes, I started to lament that I needed a bigger kitchen and then I remembered... MiMi would serve Thanksgiving from her tiny kitchen that really only had room to turn around in. She set up card tables in the living room and as I remember fed 12 of us in her apartment. I never heard her say she needed a bigger kitchen either! Recalling that, I quickly adjusted my attitude and was thankful for the space and the food God provided that day.
Unfortunately, MiMi was plagued with dementia the last 10 - 15 years of her life. I remember going to visit her at Stow Glen Nursing Home. When she didn't recognize us, I told her we were Greg's daughters, Pam and Patte. She got a look of delight and surprise on her face which was fleeting and then we were strangers again. She passed away the spring before turning 90.
Those are the good memories and I'm thankful they overshadow the negative ones that are associated with times of alcoholic excesses and family fights. The holidays always started on a happy note and each time I would hope against hope that it would be different this time. And then as the day wore on and the alcohol took its toll, the memories were tarnished a bit. There is a photograph of her back burned horriby after she fell asleep smoking when I was staying overnight. Thankfully, the mattress burned and not the house, and God spared this little child long ago.
Just the same, somehow I knew she loved me and the precious time spent with her shaped me and gave me a sense of adventure about life because that was her spirt and she had a zest for life. She made every overnight special and every trip to town a grand day. I regret that she was not a woman of faith and family later spoke of her character flaws and failures. But to me as a child, she was MiMi, the one who loved me.
MiMi made one kind of cookie, an orange cookie made with butter flavored Spry as I recall and with orange rind in the icing. Imagine my excitement a few years ago when a friend at work showed up with orange cookies that looked and tasted just like MiMi's. My sister and I make them, but although they are good, something is missing. I like to tell my grandchildren that it is the secret ingredient of "love" when they like my cooking; maybe that's what's missing.
I remember trips to downtown Akron when O'Neils and Polsky's were in business and ladies dressed up to go to town. We would ride a bus to town and lunch at the Tea Room in the store. Those trips were extra special days when we always brought home something sweet from the Hough Bakery inside O'Neil's and she usually bought me something special as a treat. I don't remember what those things were because they were just things but I do remember the days spent shopping downtown which always included a visit to the 5 and 10 store too.
MiMi would make dough from flour and water and let us roll it out and play with it at her dining room table. I guess it was pre-playdoh days. My mom could never understand why she let us make such a mess but it was always so much fun! Recently as I prepared for Thanksgiving and every square inch of my counter was covered in dishes, I started to lament that I needed a bigger kitchen and then I remembered... MiMi would serve Thanksgiving from her tiny kitchen that really only had room to turn around in. She set up card tables in the living room and as I remember fed 12 of us in her apartment. I never heard her say she needed a bigger kitchen either! Recalling that, I quickly adjusted my attitude and was thankful for the space and the food God provided that day.
Unfortunately, MiMi was plagued with dementia the last 10 - 15 years of her life. I remember going to visit her at Stow Glen Nursing Home. When she didn't recognize us, I told her we were Greg's daughters, Pam and Patte. She got a look of delight and surprise on her face which was fleeting and then we were strangers again. She passed away the spring before turning 90.
Those are the good memories and I'm thankful they overshadow the negative ones that are associated with times of alcoholic excesses and family fights. The holidays always started on a happy note and each time I would hope against hope that it would be different this time. And then as the day wore on and the alcohol took its toll, the memories were tarnished a bit. There is a photograph of her back burned horriby after she fell asleep smoking when I was staying overnight. Thankfully, the mattress burned and not the house, and God spared this little child long ago.
Just the same, somehow I knew she loved me and the precious time spent with her shaped me and gave me a sense of adventure about life because that was her spirt and she had a zest for life. She made every overnight special and every trip to town a grand day. I regret that she was not a woman of faith and family later spoke of her character flaws and failures. But to me as a child, she was MiMi, the one who loved me.
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