For Christ's love compels us.... --II Corinthians 5:14
Glenda Heisley and her family are Mennonites who tend a small farm in the pasturelands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Heisleys have a herd of goats and cows, besides their modest fields of corn. Glenda loves to sing, and she's a member of her church's choir. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of 2001, she and her choir friends wondered, How can we help the people of New York City? Our denomination has already sent medical supplies, but what can our church do?
They asked God to show them how a few farmers from the cornfields might encourage the city folk of New York. God gave them a wonderful idea. Early one Friday morning, Glenda and her church friends boarded a bus for New York. They took with them a stack of CDs, recordings they had done of all their favorite old hymns.
When they arrived, their bus stopped at a subway station, and they disembarked. They looked quite a sight in their simple farming clothes-including traditional white caps for the women and straw hats for the men. Standing near the station, they took a deep breath... and began to sing. In rich, deep, four-part harmony, they sang "Rock of Ages," and "Dwelling in Beulah Land." Suddenly the stockbrokers rushing by slowed their pace. Students exiting the subway to run to class at Columbia University, paused. Shoppers hesitated. All turned their heads as they walked by, catching lovely strains of hymns from what must have seemed to them like another planet. As they sang, they held out the free CDs. Gifts of love, straight from the heart, in the name of Jesus.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
There is always a way-a creative, sincere way-to share the love of Christ. For these Mennonites, it started with prayer, asking God for direction and fresh ideas. And that's a good place for you to start today, too.
Use me, Holy Spirit-who I am and where I am-to show people an
alternative to a shallow, empty life without God.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org
Thank God that He will give us ideas to bring glory to His name. Not, the end justifies the means, but a way without compromise.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, read the email.
Yes, God gives us witty inventions in times of hardship and prosperity. Didn't get your email by the way. Let me know.
ReplyDeleteI didn't send an email, but I might. But to be honest, what more can you expect from someone who is neither here nor there?
ReplyDeleteOr so he would have us believe.
Okay...you are not making a lick of sense here. let me know if this is my good friend from over yonder and not someone posting under your name. Kinda concerned here...
ReplyDeleteTo make it easier for you to believe it's me, I will send an email.
ReplyDeleteI just didn't want to say too much in the public arena, not knowing whether or not that would be ok.
Hope this clears up any doubt.
God bless.
Dora, formerly known as Doreen.
Ahhh...the confusion is gone now. Got your email. I can send you the little info I have on the guy that I received from another source. You can say whatever you want in this arena as long as you're comfortable from your end of things. Good to hear from you again. Have a blessed day my friend.
ReplyDelete