Chaplain’s Thoughts
We have been bombarded for several months with news and views of the 'credit crunch', in fact we have heard of very little else. I received an e-mail today from a woman I met a few years ago, who with her husband (he is from NI) translates the Bible into other languages. They work throughout Asia, quite often with minority tribes and groups. They don't just translate, they also teach others to do the work so it can be ongoing. They work in both major cities and far away remote places, wherever the need is, but usually in secret as this can be a dangerous work. Let me share her e-mail with you.
Dear friends, Thought it might help you in your praying to have a bit more of an idea of the situation here. Most of the teams arrived today - a few are still to come. One team walked for 5 days to get here and had to carry all their food for the trip so they had food to cook when they stopped to rest. Can you imagine what that must be like - really humbles one to hear of their dedication. Last year the husband of one of the team was coming to the workshop when he was taken by bandits, killed and his computer with his work taken. Apparently the body was never returned - he was just 28 years old and had 3 young kids. The wife is here now; her in-laws are looking after the kids. Wonder how many other sad stories we'll hear as we interact with the teams. As the power supply is so unreliable it is important to have Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and surge protectors, in order to not risk damaging the equipment. These and other supplies were supposed to be bought yesterday but the shops were all closed as a shop-keeper was killed - not sure if they will open today. In spite of these small frustrations it is truly a blessing and a great privilege to be here among such a dedicated group of people. May the Lord be glorified through all that happens. In Him. Pam.
This e-mail for me is a reality check! God tells us in His Word not to worry about food, drink or clothes, because He knows what we need and it will be given to us. MATT 6 25-34 From today every time I hear news about the credit crunch. I am going to pray to God for these faithful people, who risk everything, everything including their lives. NOW THAT'S NEWS! God bless them and you. Anne x
Previous Thoughts
October 2008 - What prayerless people we can sometimes be. We have time for everything except praying and wonder why things aren’t happening. Maybe we just taken it for granted that God will give us what we need. But God tells us to ask and we will receive. If we are to receive we must ask. If we don’t ask we shouldn’t complain for not receiving. Taking things for granted isn’t Gods way for us He is our loving Father and only to glad to give us what we need if we ask. There is no need to big or small that we can’t ask our father for. As you know we had run out of bibles and one of the biggest events is coming up. Anne had been trying to get bibles across from England and was having problems. It was mentioned at the monthly meeting and we were trying to think of different ways to get them over. With this in mind we were asked to pray that we would get the bibles in time. Brian was speaking to one of his clients who had an account with a courier company and 12 hours later the bibles had arrived. If we ask and its in Gods will he will provide. Can we think about this and ask God to provide the contacts at the Quay Vipers Rally to give the bibles to and that He will guide and protect us as the devil won’t want us there doing what we have been called to do.
God bless
September 2008 - I got this in an e-mail from Nigel (CMA Ireland) and thought that it is so true.
How often do we say I can’t do that. Look at what God has worked with over the years and then try saying I not good enough for God to use. The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember :
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer.
and Lazarus was dead!
And don't forget Jesus Helped them all!!!!
Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger. In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your full potential
10 Things we Need To Understand….
1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
2. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
3. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.
4. Do the maths .. count your blessings.
5. Faith is the ability to not panic.
6. If you worry, you didn't pray . If you pray, don't worry.
7. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.
8. The most important things in your house are the people.
9. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
10. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and he can certainly use you! Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.