Missionary Retirement

This is the week our church is involved in what it calls "Flint Mission IV." It's the fourth year we've set aside a week and funds to offer free home repairs to those around our church and city neighborhoods, instead of traveling to a distant state or country. We replace roofs, paint houses, remodel rooms, install drywall, replace bad plumbing, fix stairways and railings, etc. All for free and all in the name of service, community, and Jesus Christ.

The project has grown every year as more and more people hear about it. This year we are coordinating the work of seven churches participating, as well as a large group from our own church. Nearly 200 people will be working on seven houses over a five-day period.

As usual, my wife and daughter are a part of the crews, while I keep the home fires burning.

Please offer up some good thoughts and kind prayers for the team and that the weather would allow those working out of doors to accomplish their tasks.

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A missionary who had served in a remote part of Central America for years was retiring and returning to the U.S., and word had gotten out to the people of the region.

The nationals desired to honor her for all her years of service with a public celebration. News of the party went to all parts of the country that had been touched by the missionary's work.

One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony, even though it was a four day journey over mountainous terrain. But he was determined to present a gift to this woman.

The gift consisted of just two coconuts, but it was all the man could bring. The missionary recognized him and knew where he lived, and just how far he had traveled.

"Brother," she said respectfully, "I cannot believe you would walk so far to present me with this gift."

His response?

"Long walk part of gift."

[Pastor Tim's Cybersalt Digest]

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WORDS for YOUR WEEK: "Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls." (David Thomas)

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