OUTREACHES: The Hem of His Garment

The Eyes and Heart of Faith

Many of us started attending church from an early age. Have we started practicing what we have been learning from our pastors? If not, why not? We have taken so much from God and We need to give back to Heaven too – our life, talent, and time. Going to church is one thing, being the doers of the words is another thing.

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

– James 1:22-25.

There is something amazing about Christ and His way, it is the fellowship of love and truth. The love of God brings hearts together in the name of the Lord and encourage true fellowship. Sharing that love from person to person, house to house, village to town to the city is what some of us are trying to do.

Ladies Interactive Talks

We are a group of women from different denominations who delight in sharing our faith with others. When you value what you have, you are not ashamed to make it known.

Ermineskin Meeting

Last week we headed to the beautiful Town of Lacombe. Although the day started with snow, as we hit the road, our path became clearer. A family had opened their home to us for fellowshipping and sharing Christ with the invited friends and neighbors.

As the February edition was on ‘Touching the Hem of His Garment,” we read from the Book of Luke 8:41-56. Before this period, we had shared who God is to us and reviewed our encounters with Him.

We talked about the unique faith of that woman with the issue of blood. She knew what she wanted in the midst of the crowd. She would not allow the multitude to stand between her and Jesus who holds her miracle. How has the Word of God been influencing us? Things happen each time we go to the presence of God. The words of God are meant to reform us, shaping us into the image of Christ. Someone said: “if you are not riding the wave of change, you’ll find yourself beneath it”.

Interactive Discussion Time

When that woman touched the garment of Jesus, she drew power and virtue from Him in a special way that Jesus had to stop and ask who touched Him. The question is: How have we been touching Jesus?

Always a friendship loving caring fellowship

Noise and multitude are not barriers to Jesus hearing our cry. It is a matter of heart and faith. The blind man during the earthly ministry of Jesus cried out to Him for mercy but people around Him asked him to keep quiet. They were probably thinking that Jesus was too high for a low man like him. The more people tried shutting him up, the more “he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me” – Luke 18:38.

Lacombe; kitchen Corner

Previous Meetings:

Outdoor Meeting – Edmonton
Garden time

We can begin to touch the hem of Christ’s garment today for various things. He is faithful and caring Saviour. Join us in our outreaches to strengthen your faith. Invite people struggling with faith in Christ, and let’s interactively fellowship together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer of dedication for the youths

Do you want one in your home, neighborhood, or community? Please, contact us: Ambassadors of Faith Foundation; https://theaffglobal.org/contact/

Contact us for more details on the outreaches. We are willing to bring Jesus to any home, any city any town.

Thank you, may God bless! Don’t forget to touch Jesus daily!

Worship time
Interaction and feeding
On the move

The Highway Angel Encounter

I think I have interacted with an Angel. Whether it was a human angel or a heavenly one, I am not that sure, but there was something unique about that encounter.

It was during a late-night drive on a highway. I was on a time- and life-sensitive assignment. Submerged in the inspirational music coming out of the car player, I was flowing in the joy of the Lord, not worried about the thick darkness around me on a lonely two-way highway that cuts through farmland and moderate forest. I was just one of the few cars on the road at that hour of the night. That night was so dark that you could barely see anything except the car headlight guiding the driving. Suddenly, I heard a loud confusing sound which took me a while to decipher its source. This consistent sound was now coupled with the shaking of the car. It was then I realized that the sound was from my car. I had no choice but to look for a safe place to park on that dark and deserted highway.

I came down from the car and discovered that I just had a flat tire. How could this have happened? My husband just replaced all the four tires on it with a set of brand new. For some minutes, I had no idea what to do. Then I remembered the spare tire and that people change tires: this I had never done before. Secondly, I had no idea how to get the extra tire out of the car because of the way it was stylishly hooked up to the car, and that was one of the things I loved about the car then. Thirdly, I have been driving the car for years, and I never had reason to look for where the flat tire accessories were kept in the car. So, I was unsure where to look for the accessories.

I was simply stuck that night, all alone by myself. On both sides of the road were trees and bushes. The nearest residential area to that location was several kilometers away. Then I thought of seeking help, but who would stop in that area at that time of the night? Well, I had no choice but to step aside from the car and wave down all the passing cars.  Of course, no one was stopping. I could understand their reason not to. The car broke down in a very suspicious place where there was no light or building – a sketchy little forest area. To perfect the miracle, my dark skin blended well with the night and the color of the car wasn’t that helpful either. Before anybody could see me or notice the car, they would have driven some meters away.

After I had tried several times with no help in sight, I decided to risk the car’s rim; thank God it got an alloy rim. So, I went back in the car and started driving so slowly beside the road. I knew there was a little town some kilometers away. As I crawled on the rim, I suddenly noticed a vehicle driving at my back slowing, for a second, I was glad thinking it was a police car. What I didn’t realize was that it got no police flashing light. I parked and stayed inside the car as expected. Then, I noticed a huge guy come down from the vehicle and started walking toward me. He came to the car window and asked me if I needed help. That was when I noticed he wasn’t a cop. I had no concern or fear about this total stranger approaching me and asking if I needed help but I was just at peace with him. I said yes, I needed help. I told him I had a flat tire and had no idea how to change it. He said to me, I can help you. So, I stepped out of the car and he started checking the car.

Do you have the key to the car tire? said the man. I went blank for some seconds wondering about the “key to the tire”. Then I remembered my husband giving me a bunch of bolts in a pack as he told me those were the keys to the tires. I didn’t take him that seriously then but put the bag where he asked me to put them. The memory came back to me immediately and I got the keys out for the man. This stranger opened the car boot and got all the accessories out. He looked at them and said to me, I got better tools in my truck, I will be right back. I watched him go to his vehicle which looked like a 4×4 red/orange truck, the visibility was greatly low. He came back with a massive piece of equipment that I had never seen before.

Right away he got into changing the tire while I stood by the road using my phone light to flash off the vehicles on the move. The man who was not talking much seemed worried about the spare tire when he saw it. It has been laid in the car for years and has not been used before. All the same, he finished up with the change that seemed super easy for him. The car got raised like a feather and he could maneuver around it easily. He then asked me to get in the car and start driving. He said to me to drive slowly because of the uncertainty around the spare tire. I thanked him so much and asked if I could get his number. I just wanted my husband to reach out to him when he returns from his trip, but the man said I should not worry about it. So, I got into the car and started driving so slowly, focusing on where I was going. I drove several kilometers, passed through a town, and drove some kilometers from there into another junction where I turned to another city, then for the first time, I noticed a vehicle driving behind me slowly and maintaining the same speed that I was on. I was expecting the vehicle to overtake me and go its way but no. Because it was so dark, I couldn’t see the vehicle very well. The vehicle kept driving behind me until I turned into my destination entrance, then it zoomed off. That was when I noticed the same truck that stopped to help me change my tire and get back on the road. That stranger did not only help me change the tire but ensured my safe arrival at my destination.

While I was stuck on the road, there was no network to pass the message across to people waiting for me. I thought of calling a family friend, but then I realized they would be in bed by that time; besides, I was far away from home. Not even AMA would come to get me in that place, and at that time. But then, this highway Angel showed up from nowhere, not only to help but to ensure my safety. Every time I remember this encounter, tears rush into my eyes. Could this man have been a God-sent Angel or a Human Angel? So many thoughts in my head to justify that it was a human Angel, but things were not just adding up.

How did he get to my back unnoticed? Because it was dark and quiet, every passing vehicle was obvious from afar as I was conscious of safety. I had driven past the location I was waving all cars down. It was on the highway and the speed limit was 100km/hour so, he wouldn’t have just stopped abruptly and started following me slowly. Had he seen me before and decided to turn back and help me? Then he would have turned back to continue his trip. Even when he drove after me for several kilometers and eventually saw me reach a safe place, he zoomed on straight into the direction of another town entirely instead of turning back. He quietly followed me afar off maintaining my 40/50km/hr on a 100km/hr road. He was not talking much but giving direct instructions and won’t share his contact.

One thing I am certain of is that God cares for His own and is ever faithful to His promises. I also know that: “the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; Psalm 33:18

There is an established covenant between God and those who have accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. And since God is a covenant-keeping God, such people got nothing to worry about. The words of the Lord say:

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

– Deuteronomy 31:8

The Psalmist said in Psalm 23:1: “…Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…”

– Psalm 23:1

What does the Bible say about the possibility of encountering Angels?

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

– Hebrews 13:2

Those who have God got nothing to worry about. We just need to trust Him and His wisdom. The awesome part is that even when our faith gets smaller than that of a mustard seed, God helps our unbelief in His mercy.

Having a relationship with God is no evil thing, but the best thing that could ever happen to a man. God is not evil but good. We can always trust Him with every aspect of our life.

A songwriter wrote:

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
Oh, for grace to trust Him more

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

– Psalms 34:8

The Journey of Love

Love is a mysterious feeling that cannot be fully comprehended. When it possesses its victim, it takes over many activities and directs its courses. Love is real and powerful. There are 2 major classifications of things in biology; living and non-living things, but biology missed classifying Love under the category of living things. Love is a living thing that can also die if badly nurtured. As a living thing, when Love is born, it brings forth joy and gladness. On its arrival it feels so healthy, great, fulfilling, and radiant.

Good or Bad Love

There are different types of love, yet they all seem to have something in common; “feeling” or “passion”. However, that passion could be so real, powerful, and sincere. It could also be ingenuine, temporary, sensual, or momentariness. If that is so, maybe we can categorize love as bad love and good love. So, love is not always love as it seems. We must diagnose the good one from the bad one.

Love is the bedrock of any relationship and marriage. It is characterized by deep affection between a man and a woman to the extent that they decide to live together for the rest of their lives.

But does love fade over time, or die with time? It is possible, depending on many things, such as the genesis of that love and the factors around it. A relationship built on a shaky questionable love might sink with time. Relationships erected on erotic feelings mostly end in disappointment. So, when you go about searching as unmarried man or woman, be careful that you don’t fall into a trap of bad love. Some people will fake love until they have what they want, then they discard their victim in search of another victim.

The Subject of the Quest; Love

These days, many people are on the quest for true love, which is ok because love is great. It fills a vacuum in the life of anyone. Finding the right person that touches your heart deeply and in a special way is awesome. But the issue is that some are searching sincerely while some are just playing games. Someone said, you don’t have to kiss all the frogs while searching for your Prince. You need to be patient. While the frogs hop back to their ponds, your Prince will stay back and stand out to hold your hand.

The Perfect Love???

I was once having a conversation with a friend on relationship, and she told me all she was looking for in the man of her dreams; the guy must be handsome, tall, no debt of any kind except for a mortgage, not the type that I would be nursing like a baby, not a demanding man, not the one that is interested in my money, and on and on. I simply and sincerely asked her if she had considered staying single for the rest of her life. Some people are just ok without marriage, and I don’t think they will go to hell for that. But if a relationship is being considered there are many things attached to it.

Marriage without a sense of sacrifice can never stand strong. Both parties will simply face their agenda, and this will open doors for many things including finding satisfaction somewhere else and looking for someone willing to listen to them and understand their predicaments. The day we say yes in marriage all our personal agendas begin to go through reformation. And that is why the period of courtship or dating is not only about Romeo and Juliet kind of things but also planning and learning time, as the love continue to grow.

Sustainability

While a dead clock can only be right twice a day, a lasting relationship rooted in Christ is bound to succeed better. It will stand the test of time and dwell in the blessings of the Lord. Like the three Hebrew boys, the fire of Nebuchadnezzar cannot cut short the plans of God for that home for its inhabitants no longer walk alone but with the Prince of peace. When we bring God into our plans and prayerfully ask His guidance on our choice, we will never be disappointed. Even when our boat seems to get stuck in a storm of life, the Master of the storm will be right there calming the storm.

When we allow the Word of God guides our actions and plans and allow no sin or defilement in our courtship, but honor God in our relationship with our fiancé or fiancée, we will always have the confidence to go to God during any marital challenge. We would be able to look straight to God in the humility of our heart, and ‘produce our cause before Him, bringing forth our strong reasons’ on why He must honor our marriage and save it.

But I screwed up before…

What if we had screwed up in the past? God is ever merciful: when He forgives, He forgets. So, we must not allow the devil to build a castle of shame, regret, defeat, or self-pity in our hearts. Mary Magdalene became a virgin in the eyes of the Lord when she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour. Rahab of Jericho, a popular harlot in history, received mercy from God and became part of the genealogy of Christ. Christianity is not about yokes and burdens, but blessings embedded in the ministry of mercy.

Knowing God’s Will in Marriage

God still leads in relationships and marriage. He still guides if allowed. We can’t see into the future, but God can. He also has the manual of our lives in His hands. We don’t assemble a new product with the manual in the garbage, we would struggle a lot and might not get it right. We must let God be part of that decision. We must give our hearts sincerely to Him and be guided by His Word not only in marriage but in every area of life.

The Best Match-Maker

If you are unmarried and found someone attracted to you or someone has asked your hand in marriage, tell God about it and wait for His counsel. Feeling can change anytime, but the true love stay through thick and thin. A daughter of God was once praying about her marital life at one of the annual conferences of her church. God then opened her eyes to see some heavenly bodies in a panel setting taking the requests of people one after the other in that meeting and settling their cases as they were lifting their hearts to God in prayers. She was allowed to hear the decision about her own heart cry on marriage. They clearly mentioned who she would end up with in marriage. Immediately after her case was taken, she was cut off from that vision. Years after, it was consummated as said by God.

God is interested in your love life

God is real, His Words are perfect, and His Love is everlasting. Take a moment with God as you read this article and let Him take over your love life, your marriage, your family, and everything you are. You will never regret handing everything over to God. It is a great wisdom to make God the centre of our life. You will live to share the goodness of God.

A Golden Year’s Thanksgiving

For the past few months, I have carefully thought about how to mark a milestone in my life this year 2023. The past few years afforded me the opportunity of meeting many people who have positively influenced my family, including myself. They have contributed to our growth and progress. I desired to spend a day with such a group of friends.

It is challenging to get friends and family together for interaction and fellowship in a good and enabling atmosphere. Different things bring people together and different things keep them apart. With just one life to live here on earth, how we live and share it determines our impact here on earth and in eternity. Our world is so full of walls and personal spaces that sometimes keep us ignorant of many things. Yet the human in us craves love and companionship. We are so busy with routines of life that we forget what humanity is about.

These days loneliness, depression, and hurt are becoming the norm, maybe because we fight our battles alone and enjoy our successes alone. We know we need one another to succeed in various ways. We need information that would help shape our life, our destiny, and eternity. Sometimes our mental health is revived by breaking out of our self-made prison to interact with others and feel accepted. Although we know we need this, we seem to keep lacking the motivation and initiative to take the first step. We often need to step aside from our routine way of life and do something different.

Occasionally, to achieve a new thing we would need a different approach. A new approach is not always an easy task. There are things to consider. Will this pass? What would people think? What if it fails? How about resources? How will this come across to some people? The list continues. But then, we pause to check our intentions and choose the best approach to the goal we are aiming for.

Inspirational Music

As I had benefitted so much from inspirational music, one of my birthday wishes this year was to fill a day with heart-warming inspirational songs. And being fortunate to have a good number of godly friends that sing well, we formed a friendship choir and prepared ourselves for a mini-concert. Songs were presented as solo, duet, and friends’ choir. We were glad to sing the songs of Zion in an atmosphere of peace, love, and godliness.

It was a great privilege to have Arlene present “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, Stella and Kunle sang “Along the Road”, and Sharon shared her testimonies with tears and backed it up with the song that God gave her when she was going through a very difficult time titled “Be not Afraid”. The friendship choir sang: “What a beautiful name”, “There is power in the name of Jesus”, “Amazing Grace/My Sins are gone”, and “What a Friend we have in Jesus”. Amanda and Olivia drove several kilometers and stormed the place with their piano, guitar, and violin. Obinna opened the floor of the Thanksgiving reception with his assorted music played from the clarinet. We could feel the presence of our dear Heavenly Father in our midst. 

 

The Tale of a Birth. 

Another desire was to briefly share about my journey in life thus far. Life would never have been life without people in it. So the presentation started with funny stories and funny pictures of some of the guests. As it was unexpected, it caught them by surprise and rent the atmosphere with laughter. It was such an incredible moment. I talked about the first family that invited my family to their home for Canadian Thanksgiving, several friends that have taken me out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. and I quickly added that I wasn’t soliciting a dinner invitation, and we all laughed about it. But then, I received three invitations after the event.

Having said all, we gradually dug into the aspect that was very dear to my heart: the place of God in every aspect of human life. Displaying my childhood picture alongside the older one tells a lot of stories scientifically and spiritually. Fortunately, we had a dynamic group that consists of many Medical Doctors, world-class Professors, Seasoned Nurses, Pharmacists, Lawyer, Pilots, Scientists, Accountants, and politicians; the UCP Candidate for Edmonton South was in attendance with his Queen. We also had an audience of passionate men and women of God, like the MC who is giving up his career to minister love and Christ to the homeless and needy, etc. The meeting comprises many ethnic groups of various beliefs. 

Approximately 8 Weeks: “This was taken with a Nikon D200 and a 105 mm miro Nikkor with 3 SB-800’s off camera, fired with an SB-900 on camera, commander mode, TTL”. Credit to: Lunar Caustic (Flickr).

At a point during the presentation, we delved into the science of conception and the beginning of life. We reviewed the principle of procreation picking it up from the point of spermatogenesis and oocyte activities as the pediatric Doctor watched in assertation. Looking at the featured 8-week-old fetus picture that was on display and being reminded that we were all once in that innocent and helpless state at one time, we paused to reflect on the mystery around life. What is life? Who was the original designer of conception, uterus, and fetus, the complexity of the human system, and why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Can science explain life really without a reference to what was made already? Why should people question the existence of Superior power in the creation of life? We knew we can diagnose many things in the laboratory but, not God. I don’t think we need a high level of intelligence to know that whoever designed a human being could never have been a human. We shared the word of wisdom as quoted: 

“Man, who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble.  He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.” (Job 14:1, 2).

Expatiating on these verses; our age on earth, no matter how old, is but a few days in eternity. Every day comes with its challenges. We were born one day, so fresh, flowery, and radiating. We gradually grow old and one day we will leave our body behind as the spirit and soul go back to their Maker. So, nobody is continuing here forever. That is the mystery around life. There is an invisible Power of the Almighty God behind every life. If we give God a chance in our hearts, we will find Him and feel Him. At the end of the presentation, we had a period of reflection and rounded the section up with prayers asking God to help us know Him and understand His love for us.

Moment of Prayers

Announcement!!! 

Postgraduate Grant Opportunity

Before the meeting was over, I put Greg Goss, a seasoned Professor from the department of Biological Science at the University of Alberta, on the spot to address the people on his active grant for First Nation and Black graduates (for Permanent Residents and Canadian Citizens). There is functioning funding available in Greg’s Lab for training and mentoring the people in that category. This is to encourage the graduates in that group to advance in their careers. The funding could be executed at any Canadian University, starting from the University of Alberta. If anyone is interested in applying, feel free to contact Greg. You can also contact us for more information.

The Journey of Faith

God told Abram to take the step of faith by following His leading as He guides him on a journey of faith to an unknown land which flows with milk and honey. Abram trusted God and obeyed. Many blessings came upon him because of his obedience which started with the change of his name to Abraham.

Generations upon generation, lesson upon lesson, blessing upon blessing, year rolling into the year, and God remains faithful to His words. At various milestones, the expounded products of obedience must observe a Passover and recount the goodness of God. And God will continue to honor His words as He gives the grace to keep following His guidance.

When we allow God to give the lead in every area of our life, we will never go astray. Even if we stumble at any crossroad, the Master of the Way will reach out to help if we allow Him. He is still God!

“I Hold To You, Lord”

Sometimes, our heart is so heavy that we have no words to construct sentences for expressions. Sometimes, our paths are so crowded with risks we must choose from, including the risks in the known and the risks of the unknown.

Sometimes, prayers become an uphill task, and wilderness experience takes its toll on us. But then, we scraped every fragment of strength left and crawled into the chest of the Almighty God. In His response to our feebleness, the ever-caring Father infused our souls with songs of hope and gently restore our strength and courage. 


These are the inspirational messages this song, I Hold To You, Lord, is carrying. It is a song of prayers, hope, commitment, consecration, confidence in God’s promises, and assurance in God’s faithfulness.

The song was first inspired in 2017 but suffered some setbacks, as it must taste its own contents. In 2018, John Olubobokun, a respected man of God and a dedicated songwriter, was impressed upon the heart. He was contacted right away and his response was not disappointing. He rose to the task and made music sheets out of the song. In early 2022, Lena Gauthier, a God-fearing professional musician inspired me to take the song to the next level. She was contacted to rearrange, harmonize, and perform the song.

“I Hold to You Lord” is a core song from the heart, a soundtrack of life, and as quoted by John Paul F, “it is the moonlight in the gloomy night of life”. The song is inspiring, heartfelt, heart-pouring, and a connecting cord to the throne of grace and mercy. I pray that the song will transform life in every facet of life in Jesus Name.

Thanks for visiting this page and for taking the time to read through the blog. I hope your heart is blessed with the song!

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I Hold To You, Lord, Music Sheet
I Hold To You, Lord, Music Chords
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Our Visit to Wabamun Lake

Our Visit to the Lake

This summer has been great, much better than that of the past covid-infested ones. Knowing it would not last forever, we decided to take advantage of the season to refresh our spirit, soul, and body. So, we jumped into a car and drove kilometers to one of the beautiful lakes in Alberta, called Wabamun Lake. The weather was great, and the gentle breeze that welcomed us into the park lifted our spirits. Who were We? We were friends who wanted to spend some time together in prayer and fellowship, sharing kindness and love through the love of Christ. 

We arrived at Wabamun, bringing surprise gifts to share with strangers that come our way. Gradually, people started coming, and shortly everywhere was filled with people, from children to seniors. People were not afraid to talk to one another and play together regardless of their status.

On our part, we started with hiking. Unlike Jasper and Banff, we weren’t worried about bears or some wild animals. Our hearts were more focused on the greatness of God as we walked among nature which reflected the majesty of our dear Lord. There we poured our hearts to God in praise worship and presented our petitions before Him. God’s signature was written all over the places as the trees stood tall in their beauty, and grasses lay low in the calmness of the forest. The birds flew from one branch to the other filling the air with their melodious music. Connecting with God in such a cool and calm environment was easier than anyone could imagine. The experience reminded us of a song written by Stuart K Hine, “O Lord My God When I in Awesome Wonder”:

O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder,  consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,  thy power throughout the universe displayed;

When Through The Woods, And Forest Glades I Wander,  And Hear The Birds Sing Sweetly In The Trees.  When I Look Down, From Lofty Mountain Grandeur  And Hear The Brook, And Feel The Gentle Breeze.

Then Sings My Soul, My Saviour God, To Thee,  How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art!  Then Sings My Soul, My Saviour God, To Thee,  How Great Thou Art! How Great Thou Art!

Our next move was to find a place to sit for the next activity. After searching, we settled under a cool shade among the trees and green grasses. It was natural for us to reflect on the faithfulness of our God in our life. Our wants and desires often obstruct a grateful heart that we forget to thank God for all His goodness in our life. A songwriter wrote: “Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one *And it will surprise you what the Lord has done”.

As each of us brought in something to eat, we had more than we could finish. For a balanced day, we included sports activities. While we were eating, a couple of young ladies and a young man walked past us, and we greeted them. From there, we delved into a conversation that led us into asking those beautiful youngsters if they believe in God. One of them quickly replied, and I paraphrase: ‘no, I don’t really believe in God. I know I used to follow my parents to church when I was younger, but I didn’t understand what was really going on there. Right now, I am trying to find my own faith”. Her smiling, sincerity was great. I had been in her shoes before. My Mom, blessed memory, just wanted to plant God into our life by force. She would always drag us to the church. Whenever my mother prayed and any of us children dozed off, we would get a painful pinch. I would always get that pinch because her prayer time was always too early for us as children. So, I started staying far away from her each time she was leading prayers because I knew what was coming. In that church, I had no idea what was going on. I just followed our dedicated mother to attend the services. But the mother was so happy that she could bring her children to the presence of God. Every God-fearing parent desires godly children. And what would be the joy of any godly parent? “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3 John 1:4. So, mothers are doing their best in the best way they know. 

Let me quickly drop this for parents reading this, never give up on praying for your children. Those seeds of prayers will germinate in their life one day. Back to our short-term friends. We shared our past experiences with them, including how Jesus found us, rescued us from our sins, purged us from our self-management, and transformed our life. At the end of our interaction with them, they found peace with Christ and willingly gave their heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, beaming with hope and joy as they went on their way. Praise God. 

Hope in Hopelessness

To have more fun, we headed towards the lake area. On our way, we noticed something, a fallen tree. Everything about that tree was scraped to the ground. For one reason or other, it was decked to its visibly lowest level. Dried and hopeless in appearance but made perfect for smooth stepping. Against all odds, that tree budded. It brought forth stems and flushed in its resilience. I wonder how many legs had passed over that grounded tree. But still, it regained life and began to sprout.

 Situations happen in life. Sometimes, we feel high, other times, we find ourselves inside our boots. Our actions and reactions at such a critical time would determine the extent of our recovery and victory. Just like the tree grew its roots to remain connected to its source of life, those that retain their relationship with God will never run out of mercy in adversity. That is why we must consider God in all things.

Psalmist said: 5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my 3 expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be 4 moved. 7 e In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; f Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62: 5-8 NKJV.

 Gifts Sharing

While hatred and bitterness hurt their bearers, love and kindness refresh souls and spirits. As we shared the little gifts we had prepared, smiles and joy became contagious. There is enough stress in our world already, more kindness is needed. A songwriter wrote:

Show a little bit of love and kindness,  Never go along with hatred blindness  Take a little time to reach for joy and wear a happy face.  Sing a little bit when the days are dreary,  Give a little help to a friend who’s weary.  That’s the way to make the world a happy place.

If a stranger could walk to us with a present, how much more God who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”?

When we gave out the last package, we knew it was time to drive back home. Now we are ready for the winter.

Keep Your Focus

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, many people hoped that He would be a political activist, influencing the political power. But the sent Savior understood His calling and recognized His ministry. He knew what the will of God was. So, He simply faced the preaching of the words, going everywhere to do good.

Every ministry has its purpose, understand yours and keep your focus.

Mark 16:15,16: And he(Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.