04.04.08
Joy to the World!
Dear Friends:
Here are a few of my friends around 12:00 a.m. at the Minneapolis Airport Terminal. Don’t they look happy? I wonder why? Why the joy? If you look, the joy is spread across the generations pictured. What has happened with these people (incidentally, people taking part in an activity sponsored by our church, NHUMC)?
Actually, this is a picture of a group just returning from a week spent in a third world country, working with people in physical poverty, working with people seeking to improve their lot in life, and working with people who really appreciated what was done for and with them in the name of Jesus Christ.
I’m so glad that these 25 got overseas and were a blessing, as well as being blessed. They, over spring break, did a mission trip to Belize. There, they did physical construction, as well as giving leadership to a Children’s Bible School, senior citizen’s ministry, visiting in the community, and doing a variety of worship services.
When I asked some of them what their highlight was of the time spent in Belize, many of them answered, “All of it.” It’s funny how joy can be found in doing hard work, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and doing it in the name of Jesus Christ. In addition, they paid to do it! Now they’re anxious to go again. There must be something to following Christ that leads one to wish to continue. The psalmist said, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!” and Jesus said, “I have come that your joy might be full!” Amazing how we find that joy in serving Christ and helping others. How about you? Where do you find joy? Stop by. Let me know. The light is on and the coffee’s fresh.
Your friend, Pastor Don
