We finally were able to deliver again to the colonias as the Covid virus seems to be over there - those who had it tested negative and there are no new cases. We certainly do not have to say that we were welcomed back with similes and thank you. Again, we told them that all of this is the work of the Lord - we are just the hands that deliver it. We had plenty for all - 30 families in Tuesday and 90 on Friday. This was a great turnout as many did not know that the food distribution is open again. The word travels fast though - we expect more next week. They were pleased with the paper products as well as the airline blankets. The weather is supposed to be colder this week, so I am sure they will be much appreciated. We also had canned fruit cocktail, large boxes of oatmeal, and chicken soup, which I am sure will taste wonderful as the cold sets in. We were not as tired as as I thought we would be after the break we had and were ever so thankful for those who helped. (Although getting up at 5 AM on Friday in order to load early was a bit of a push!) We usually do not load until 8, but we need to get in line early or we will be at the tail end and not load until 10 or so. It was a peaceful, cool morning as the ladies were fixing boxes and I was - yep - packing donuts. Anyone who has helped with this project knows the fun I am talking about. I love the part of the morning as everyone prays - for the food, for the day, for the folks who are picking up the food, and everyone who is ill. Regardless of the confusion of unloading and deciding how many tomatoes each box gets, it is a time to reflect on God's gracious goodness.
Things are pretty much the same here in the Rio Grande Valley - restrictions on a lot of places, masks required everywhere. Who would have thought that we would be doing this for a year and maybe more?? I know that I am going to feel strange not wearing a mask. We did make a trip across the border to Mexico to pick up medications for a friend - it is pretty much the same there - masks are required, although the virus does not seem as prevalent there. It certainly did not seem to deter any one as the streets were crowded with shoppers. We walked in, went to the pharmacy, and walked back out across the bridge. For the time being, we are not going to venture farther than that.
Anna was the first woman to become a Christian missionary. I m sure most of you have heard of her in some way or another. Her name means favor or grace. Her husband who died young was not mentioned by name in the Bible. Anna was a prophetess, but it is never explained why she was called this. To prophesy means to proclaim a divine message and Anna was known to be able to know about coming events - even what was to happen afterwards. She knew the predictions of the coming of the Savior were fulfilled. She was only married for only 7 years and widowed for 84 years. She spent most of that time in the sanctuary, waiting for the Messiah. Anna was alone, as only some widows are. She only desired to have the house of the Lord as her dwelling place for the rest of her life. She served God with fasting and prayers of praise. Then one day a miracle happened as Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple and Simeon said, "Now, Lord, Let thou Thy servant depart in peace for my eyes have seen Thy salvation". She, too, rejoiced and was prepared to depart in peace.
The wall of Jerusalem was finished in 52 days. God's hand was in it under the leadership of Nehemiah. It was not so important to build the wall, but to rebuild their spiritual life. What does it take to make your heart right with God? After the wall was built, Ezra the scribe, brought the Book of the Law of Moses to the people. The people then went away in great joy because now they understood what the word of the Lord meant. Our country today has no clue as to where the truth comes from. Are we allowing the Word of God to become the dominant influence in our mind? What influences you the most? Does more influence come from the news, social media, or u tube? We have to recommit ourselves to let the Word of God be the dominant influence in our lives. We need to hear the truth, develop new habits, have a new purpose for our lives. This is for everyone, not just new Christians. Recognize you spiritual poverty and respond with repentance. We need a complete turn around in our country today, a turning around back to God. It is one thing to hear the Word and to read the Word but you also must be obedient to the Word. Make the decision today to commit to God.
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