Thanksgiving
The two little girls have always been around. I've seen at least one of them each time I'm in this church in South India. But only today did I get to ask their names.
Today, they were just two of the eight girls who were playing outside my room after church just begging to be photographed. Most Indians love to be photographed -- even when they don't get to see the photos! It seems strange, but they seem to want to know that someone noticed them and will keep them in their memory more than they want to just "see themselves." They want to be photographed alone, together, in a group, with their friend, with their sister, etc. So, once the photos start clicking, it's hard to stop the endless arrangements they want to get into.
The names of these two are what sticks with me. Love and Victory. Now that's what we need more of, isn't it? Love is the most necessary component in life. It is what will strengthen us or, without it, we'll weaken and die. In fact, Paul said that love was the greatest of the Big Three -- faith, hope and charity. It's what covers a multitude of sins according to Peter (and he should know!). It is what keeps us bearing, believing, hoping and enduring all things. I think one of the things I like the best about love is that it never fails. That's a great commodity to have an endless supply of in this day in which we are living!
Little sister's name is Victory. Isn't that what we're all seeking? It's what we need and it's what God certainly wants to give to us if we will follow close to Him.
The two sisters today made me think of you. And because we love you, it prompted me to pray for you. Some may be needing the love of God to be shed abroad in your heart today. Others may need the victory over trials, sickness, or spiritual complacency. I don't know what you may need the most, but, I know that because of the love of God, we're part of a very close family. My wife and I pray that God will be near to you today and that He will provide the thing you need most. It is so moving to count our friends and know that none of that would even be possible were it not for the grace of God that has worked in our lives and yours.
So, on this Sunday before Thanksgiving, let us tell you that all the way on the other side of the globe you are loved and someone is praying for your victory. Thank you for being our friends and for holding us up in prayer.
On Wednesday I'll be wrapping up a Pastoral Training with 100 new pastors. On Thursday I'll be preaching a memorial service for the mother-in-law of the main pastor who translates for me. I trust God will give comfort to many hearts. If you think of it, please pray for these activities.
May your Thanksgiving be blessed and may God grant you Vijay (victory) over the trials you are facing.
In Prema (love),
Beyond Frontiers
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| Vijay and Prema Kumari |
Prema, the oldest of the two is a tall girl for her age. Her head bobbles in that special Indian way as you talk to her. Almost always smiling, she's interested in everything you do and watching closely trying to soak up everything in her innocent manner. Her name means, "Love".
Her sister, Vijay, is quiet, shy and always averting her eyes away from you because she's embarrassed to be noticed. It's hard to get her to look into the camera because of her bashful ways. She, too, is a sweet little girl, but usually so quiet that you'd not notice her in most circumstances.
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| The "Eight" who are trying their best NOT to smile! |
The names of these two are what sticks with me. Love and Victory. Now that's what we need more of, isn't it? Love is the most necessary component in life. It is what will strengthen us or, without it, we'll weaken and die. In fact, Paul said that love was the greatest of the Big Three -- faith, hope and charity. It's what covers a multitude of sins according to Peter (and he should know!). It is what keeps us bearing, believing, hoping and enduring all things. I think one of the things I like the best about love is that it never fails. That's a great commodity to have an endless supply of in this day in which we are living!
Little sister's name is Victory. Isn't that what we're all seeking? It's what we need and it's what God certainly wants to give to us if we will follow close to Him.
The two sisters today made me think of you. And because we love you, it prompted me to pray for you. Some may be needing the love of God to be shed abroad in your heart today. Others may need the victory over trials, sickness, or spiritual complacency. I don't know what you may need the most, but, I know that because of the love of God, we're part of a very close family. My wife and I pray that God will be near to you today and that He will provide the thing you need most. It is so moving to count our friends and know that none of that would even be possible were it not for the grace of God that has worked in our lives and yours.
So, on this Sunday before Thanksgiving, let us tell you that all the way on the other side of the globe you are loved and someone is praying for your victory. Thank you for being our friends and for holding us up in prayer.
 |
| Beautiful Plumeria I saw this week. |
May your Thanksgiving be blessed and may God grant you Vijay (victory) over the trials you are facing.
In Prema (love),
Beyond Frontiers
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