Hello on this Saturday morning, July 21st. My daughter, Lori, and I have been editing the Missionary Intern Manual which we use to train our missionary interns. During the last twelve plus years Edgewood has trained some dozen missionaries who are doing a great work for God building churches in various countries around the world. We are proud of their leadership and accomplishments for Christ. So many of our Edgewood people have had a vital role in their development and should feel much pride in their successes for Christ. As I receive reports about the churches they have started, souls they have won, feeding centers they have established, and lives they have influenced, I am so thankful for our part in their ministries. A number of them will be visiting our church over the next year and we eagerly look forward to seeing them and receiving an update on their ministries. Please continue to keep them in your prayers on a regular basis. Prayer for our missionaries is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Additionally, sometimes the smallest gesture of concern can make a big difference in their lives. One of our missionaries mentioned in a letter that their daughter missed having pancakes because her favorite pancake mix was unavailable in their country. My wife went out and bought the mix and sent it to them. We soon received a letter of appreciation sharing how their little girl was thrilled with delight when she sat down and ate her first helping of her favorite pancakes in several years. It brought such joy to her little life. Sometimes a short note of encouragement can mean so much when they are going through some difficult or lonely times. A little thoughtful gesture can often make such a difference to a missionary family. Give it a try and see what God can do. God just may use you as the instrument to answer their prayers.
Tomorrow's message is entitled, Double Vision and Overcoming Prejudice. It is about a momentous experience which changed the attitudes of many in the early church. I hope to see you there.
Pastor Brown