Stones. They are everywhere. Stumbling stones, stepping stones, stones for throwing, stones for piling. In the bible, stones are used for remembering. This is a place for me to pile my own rough stones of remembering along the road I am traveling, one post at a time. They are more than mere words thrown out into the wake of my path. They are a concrete testament of God's faithfulness, provision and goodness along the way.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

This One's For You

Yes, you. We know your life is a journey of faith right now, trusting that the Lord will provide for your every need, and yet you choose to give; not out of your excess, but in the midst of your struggle to the Lord... to us.

And you. Yes, you. We have been blessed so many times in your lovely home eating around your table with your beautiful family, your gift of hospitality and love blessing our hearts and enriching our lives. How many years did you make do with what you had, giving generously to the Lord's work without begrudging what you had not?

And you. Oh you loveliest of ladies in the autumn years of life, with your widow's pension. You give faithfully month after month after month to those you pray so faithfully for around the world.

And you. Yes, you. Oh beautiful union of missionary kids now diligently raising your own lovely half dozen little disciples. Month after month you trust the Lord to provide for all your needs, and you give faithfully to ours.

And you. Week in and week out, month after month you are there at the other end of the line to answer our every request, to pray for and support us in our every need. You give freely of your time and gifts to workers around the world and we can do what we do because you make it possible.

And you. Oh church with such a vision. You don't just look to minister to those in your community, but you look to have a global impact and your vision and mission to make disciples of all nations is truly being carried out by those you have impacted.

And you. Yes, you, anonymous giver. Month after month when our statement is forwarded to us we see you in your anonymity. You are not anonymous to God, and we are blessed by your quiet support.

For you. Yes, you. We have never met personally, but you faithfully pray through the missionary prayer handbook. You write us encouraging letters, you pray for us, you give to the Lord's work that we are called to, and you make it possible for us to be here and do what we are passionate about.

You are the ordinary extraordinary heroes; the widow with her mites, the boy with the loaves, the woman with with the oil. We are the lucky ones who get to live by God's providence in and through and in communion with you.

"Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth, but she, out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Mark 12:43-44