August 2019 Monthly Letter
Dear ORM Reconcilers,
I often talk with people who say that they are too old, they don’t get out much, or their health is not very good. I encourage them to call someone or send a card to let that person know you will be praying for him or her. God cares about those acts of love we show to one another.
I am a sports fan. On July 10, I watched the ESPY Awards, honoring sports players and coaches who have inspired others through their hard work and dedication. I was very impressed by Rob Mendes, who won the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. When they called his name, the audience was surprised to see a man who had coached a high school football team from his wheelchair because he was born without arms or legs.
Mendes thanked his mom and dad for making him feel like one of the kids. With a strong voice he twice challenged the audience by telling them to look at him and realize there is nothing a person cannot do. He said, “I could not play football but I am able to coach football.” There was not a dry eye in the room!
God wants us to help others by doing the things we can do. Some examples might include sitting with someone’s family member in order to give a caregiver a little break, sharing a meal with people of another race to get to know them better, taking in your neighbors’ trash cans if they are not home, praying for people we know are sick, or praying for people who are having problems with family members. There are so many things we can do to shine a ray of light in this world that has been darkened by hatred and evil.
I could know help but think about some of the wonderful rewards that God the Father and Jesus Christ will give to his faithful servants. Millions of people will receive God’s special version of the Perseverance Award and several other rewards for finishing the race.
The best award ever is described in Revelation 21:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, now the dwelling or God is with men, and He will live with them.
They will be His People, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
He who was seated on the throne said, I am making everything new! Then He said, “Write this down for these words are trustworthy and true.” This is our award that will last forever!
Our work of Reconciliation is a matter of doing what God is doing, and what He wants all of mankind to be doing. It is our job to put it into practice and share it with as many as possible.
Thank you for your support. Out donations tend to be low in the summer so if you are able to give a little more at this time it would be a blessing for the ministry. Thank God for you and the work you’re doing on His behalf!
Love and peace,
