A Word from Pastor (Papa) George
USA – Harvest Kids & Hope on the Streets, January 1, 2022
We were hoping for a break in the weather, but the snow and cold have persisted.
This was our first meeting of Harvest Kids in 2022 and our first meeting of having the Harvest Kids every Saturday instead of the 2nd & 4th Saturday.
We know it is unlikely that many of our kids don’t have other activities on Saturdays, so we are hoping this new schedule will allow the kids more opportunities to participate.
Miss Clara came and represented all the kids very well and were later joined by Zhanna, Asher and Tristan. Because of the cold weather, Dove, the Harvest Kids rabbit, was in the Harvest Home for the kids to pet, along with Wayne’s dog, Walker.
Dale and Clara crushed the cans on the only open bare spot on the concrete and then went inside and started counting the change that had been donated to purchase the 40 desks, that seat 3 students each, for the Harvest Doves primary school the kids and their donors built last year in Kayunga, Uganda. The school opens Jan 7th and we are excited that some of the Muslim families in the community have chosen to have their children attend. The kids had received enough at the December HK to purchase 2 desk. Thanks to some other donors and those that donated for the hazel nuts that the kids have for donations, we wired $625 to Africa because they want to get all the desks possible before they open the school. Another $230 today and they only need $265 to finish all 40. It was nice to not be rushed so Wayne and Dale could teach Clara some math and she also helped roll all the coins, which we normally do later after Harvest Kids.
Wayne used a home-made scale shaped like a cross to show that some 1982 US pennies weigh more than others, although they all look the same. In that year, some were minted copper coated zinc coins and others pure copper. The copper ones weighed more. He used that analogy to talk about the difference that happens inside our hearts when we accept Jesus and that on God’s scale He knows who they are.
Afterwards, Clara packaged cookies up to be given out later in the afternoon when we meet with Cheryl and Makenzy to help with the Hope on the Streets ministry that visits, prays and help some of our friends in Mt. Vernon that live on the streets. It was a blessing to have Zhanna, Asher and Tristan join us while we prepared for our trip to Mt. Vernon for Hope on the Streets.
Clara enjoyed her part as being the hot chocolate maker for everyone. We are hoping to do this more often.
Looking forward to next Saturday, Jan 8th, when Lynn Griffin comes to share with all of us.
Read more...
The World – The Secret, December 31, 2021
As Linda and I have been pondering over Christmas and our 45th wedding anniversary, the Father is sharing with us the beauty of our journey with Him. On the surface, we are not exceptional. We have made some bad and some good choices that have displeased or pleased Him. We are thankful for His grace, mercy and unconditional love. We have had our parents and even three of our children finish their journey of this life. We have suffered and we have rejoiced. Yet, the Holy Spirit is prompting me to share what the Lord chooses to rejoice over more than anything. It’s kinda like – life has a certain beat, a rhythm and we keep changing it to get the beat that brings joy – at least for the moment. Linda and I have had them all.
“Jesus said, ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.
Jesus in describing the father’s reaction to the return of his prodigal son:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
The Holy Spirit spoke to Linda when she was 10 years old that she would go to Africa. When Jesus revealed Himself to me we became equally yoked and every priority in life changed simply to want what the Father wanted. That was for us to abandon ourselves to what brings Him joy and that is seeing His children come into His loving arms of the Father who does not hold their sin against them. The gospel of Jesus Christ. We are in almost daily contact with our co-laborers in central Africa and no matter what the circumstances in their personal lives or the state of their nation, their testimony is always about lost souls coming into the kingdom. Yesterday, we received the testimonies of their work to share the gospel in November and updated their testimony board on the wall of the Harvest Home. They share that with joy and thanks for the prayers and support of those that are in partnership with them in the gospel. No person can save anyone except Jesus Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. But the Father and all the angels in heaven celebrate and in every step of our journey of life, the Lord shares that with us.
We have a Lord who’s work is worthy of celebration.
Read more...
Central America – Pastor Sergio & Gloria Lopez
Sergio was born November 3, 1950 in Ciudad Arce de Liberta in San Salvador. His parents were nominal believers but he was raised with some Christian influence. He met his wife, Gloria, and they were married in 1985 shortly after he became a Christian in 1984. They have five children and a strong faith-filled family.
Noe visited Sergio in the latter part of 2019 to introduce him to the vision of coordinating relationships between people in the USA, Mexico and other countries that have families and friends that are scattered throughout El Salvador. He will be helping prepare and equip God’s people to work together for evangelism, pastoral training, discipleship and church planting
Read more...
Africa – Kayunga, Uganda crusade, Dec 18-20, 2021
We are blessed to have testimonies day after day
from our faithful co-laborers in central Africa the truly live the
“Lord came to seek and save that which was lost.”
(Luke 19:10)
Read more...