What amazes you? What takes your breath away?
The photos of the devastation in Western North Carolina, in places I have spent many months, astound me; they leave me shaking my head. The videos of the storm surge along our coast and the aftermath simply hurt my heart because I know people live and are attached to all those areas.
Yet I have hope because I am amazed when I get a call from someone at the church praying with those picking up supplies from Hope Florida. They called to tell me a dad and sons had driven up from Naples with a load of supplies, including a generator, knowing that someone here needed these things. How did they know and how did they know to bring them to our church? It amazes me to watch these Texans who have come to help, to fix meals and to have such a wonderful spirit, all because they care and want people to know Jesus. I get to see and hear the ministering happening around us by common (unpaid) laymen who simply give of themselves. I am astounded by the love our church has poured out on Amy and me as we navigate this recent surgery. Your concern, prayers, meals, cards and more all humble us.
And yet I shouldn’t be amazed by these actions by these people. Because the ambassadors of Christ do just these kinds of things. We are saints (wheat in the parable from Sunday) and we should be fruitful and righteous, practicing for heaven.
We don’t do things to amaze others, we live and serve to please our Heavenly Father. But know I am watching and listening and so many of you bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart as you amaze me with your unselfish, Christ-like service.
Pressing on…
Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor
