~ REACHING Out ! ~ ..

I thank my God every time I remember you . . . I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel (PHILIPPIANS 1:3-5).

It was mail day, the highlight of a missionary's week. Excited, I flipped through the letters we had received. Noting one from a good friend, I tore it open first. Her letter was bound to cheer me up this lonely Thanksgiving week. My thoughts had turned to our families and to our children who were still in boarding school awaiting the Christmas vacation.

But this time, instead of the usual chuckles and smiles, her words brought tears. I cried, but nevertheless I was left with a warm feeling.

She understands me ! God gave her to me to be a partner in my ministry. She is the one who unfailingly offers encouragement when I am tired, lonely or depressed.

To whom can you be a partner ? DO you know someone with whom you could share the burden of reaching those overseas who NEED to hear about Christ's free OFFER of salvation ?

F. CORBY

~ * Joy ! ~

I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
HABAKKUK 3:18

*** ~ Coming Year ~ ***

Let us keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the coming year. Applause.k.

~ CONTENTMENT is gain ~

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have" (HEBREWS 13:5).

"AS a missionary in Burkina Faso, I was surprised to find that many Africans in our adopted country seemed contented. Paul said that contentment, when coupled with godliness, was "great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).

As missionaries, we have hurt with the Africans through years of famine, crop failures, dry wells and dead livestock. What a test of one's faith. Often I have asked myself, How would I score? Could I pass the test?

I have observed Rebecca, a pastor's godly wife, as she cooks over an open fire, scrubs her clothes by hand and farms with a hoe. I have seen in her life a submissive, joyful acceptance of the will of God, a contentment with what she has. I marvel at her calmness in turmoil, as she supervises the 35 children under her dormitory roof. I remember her complete trust when food and money were gone. I marveled at how God's grace was her strength the day she rode in the ambulance with her sick husband. She had brought her precious Bible with her, hoping she would be able to witness to the driver during the long ride. This godly woman, so poor in this world's goods, is completely absorbed in telling those who cross her path about Jesus, her dearest Friend.

God makes these two priceless characteristics - godliness and contentment - available to each of His children. But they seem to reside only in the lives of those who are walking close to God and whose treasures are in heaven.

What would an examination of our hearts reveal? Do we desire godliness and contentment in our lives?"

JESSIE NEHLSEN

* see associated post dated 27/11/2010 - Eternity.