“With you I can attack a barrier,
and with my God I can leap over a wall.”
~2 Samuel 22:30, HCSB~
JAPAN IN CRISIS. As we have reached the one-year anniversary of the triple disaster that overtook unsuspecting Japan, it seems fitting and proper to pause a moment and voice a prayer for the more than 16,000 lives that have been confirmed as lost and the more than 3,000 lives that are not yet accounted for. At the same time, perhaps it would be appropriate to remember a life that was spared. Kenji Sato is a descendant of fishermen in the coastal town of Minamisanriku. On that fateful day of March 11, he was due to be on the job at a local nursing home. Yet on that day, he took time off from work to see his third child, Haruse, born at a hospital in a nearby port city. That decision spared his life, as following the tsunami, the only thing left of his workplace was a skeleton of twisted steel pillars. A year later, the four-generation Sato family celebrates the birthday of little Haruse. His grandmother insists, “He is a child who was born to save us.” As Christians, we know this wasn’t the first time that a child came into the world to save others. Pray that countless Japanese will come to know the Christ child who was born to save them so that they might walk in new life and hope.
With the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan yesterday, think how frightened the people must be there. Pray for Christians to share with the people of Japan the news of one who is able to save the people so they might have eternal homes that never can be shaken. Thankfully, there was no significant damage or any loss of life, but I’m sure it was a reminder of what happened last year. May the people see their need for God as they face the threat of another earthquake and tsunami.
Crossover: Katrina labors have opened hearts
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37380
Boyd is helping to coordinate some volunteers to work in the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting this summer in New Orleans. I’m signed up to help register delegates. There are many opportunities for you too. Do some checking to find the spot that fits you “just right” and volunteer.
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions
What do AAEO-supported missionaries do?
- Start new churches
- Engage in student evangelism on college campuses
- Serve the physical and spiritual needs of people through inner-city Baptist centers
- Serve in local Baptist associations as church planting catalysts
- Provide training and ministry in apologetics (interfaith witness) evangelism
- Minister in resort settings such as campgrounds and ski areas
I’m thankful for those who are full time or volunteer missionaries in Canada and North America. Imagine how many people they reach through non-traditional ways (outside of Baptist churches). The lost can find God while having a meal at a BCM (Baptist Collegient Ministry), at a campground in a state park, while hiking a mountain trail, while skiing at a resort, or many other places. Yes, even at a church! Don’t you feel your responsibility to help by going, praying, and/or giving. Remember, the theme this year is “Whatever it Takes”.
The Beth Moore studies of James are going well. I encourage other churches to offer this opportunity. If you missed James: Mercy Triumphs and would like to particiapate in a study, please let me know. I’ll try to connect you with a group. If you are offering this study at your church in the future, please let me know. I may be able to help let people know about the study and match some up with a group that is going to start in the future.
Thought for the Day: What are you willing to commit?
The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.
As the man’s breath and voice returned he said, “I’m ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?”
The doctor smiled and said, “I’ll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking.”
It’s true, isn’t it, that when you’re facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!
We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, “Lord, if you’ll just see me through this, I’ll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!” or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we’re willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.
Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, “To me, to live is Christ.” In Jesus’ name, amen.
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC
Make a difference in someone’s life today!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 