Power of the Pen
E. M. Bounds, an Englishman, penned his thoughts about prayer. It is said that when he was old those passing him on the streets could hear him muttering: “Lord, send someone to publish my writings” (paraphrased). After his death his writings were discovered and became some of history’s most published works on prayer.
The power of the pen is not always measurable. For more than 23 years Covenant Church has produced the Pastor’s Heart with news and inspirational articles. Currently, about 1,000 mailings are made weekly, nationally and internationally, serving Covenant parishioners, and hundreds of other families of many other churches and denominations.
The inspirational article is often duplicated, sometimes translated, and given to other congregations or missions groups. One story is of the Pastor’s Heart being passed from house to house down the street to 17 families weekly. Often we hear stories of how when The Pastor’s Heart arrives in a home there is a system of who reads it first, next, next.
On an average I may hear 2 or 3 comments each week. It has been several years since we’ve asked readers to send funds to pay for the expense. We have never used the mailing as a fundraiser for the general business operation of the local church. The Pastor’s Heart is a para-church ministry intended to serve the Body of Christ at large.
Side benefits come. Recently, we received a gift from California with a note of appreciation and comment: “Thank you…We will be moving to Charlottesville next year. Covenant will be our home.”
Imagine that for 23 years every week you are challenged to put words on paper for readers around the world. Imagine the different cultures and countries comprising the readership. Imagine the challenge of communicating a message that will hopefully be read, thought about, and appreciated. Imagine that in the silence of a room, nothing but the sound of fingers on a keyboard, a pastor is reaching out to communicate life, hope, and love.
This writer is convinced that every day each person experiences multiple stories. If we only stop, look, and think little things have such meaning. Simple incidents are nuggets for stories. For example:
Laila asked our four year old grandson if he would be her Valentine. He told her “No”, because he does not know what a Valentine is.
Mitch Hash left this AM to become a Marine. A fine young man who has served the Lord, he leaves with determination to be a good soldier for Jesus in the Marine Corps.
Dad is home and will celebrate his 90th birthday in less than a week.
Reports are coming in of revival in the country of (Continued from page 1) Iraq. Wonder why the news media is not carrying the story?
Truth is that people are people. Little things are often the nuggets for fascinating human interest stories. People learn much from stories that talk about life as lived by normal people in normal circumstances.
In addition, each week of the Pastor’s Heart silently carries messages about tithing, missionaries, church and prayer.
My hope is that seeds are planted in the hearts and minds of readers causing them to see life as a colorful adventure, with a gracious, merciful, compassionate God who is waiting for our obedience and faithfulness.
Each article is predicated in the conviction that conscience is formed willfully by the choices we make. A godly conscience is the product of devotion to the holy, with a daily discipline of meditation, purity, and refusal to participate in carnal lusts.
Thus, I keep writing, and the pastoral staff and volunteers spend hours each week in an effort to send hope to your home and heart. Of course, if you do happen to take a few minutes and write or call, fax: 434-978-1709, or email: info@covenantchurch.net, it would be deeply appreciated. Finally, if you know of someone who would love to receive the Pastor’s Heart, let us know.
Meanwhile, we publish in hopes of being a blessing. No other motivation.
Thoughtfully,
Pastor Bare, Staff and Volunteers
“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85:10).
PS. Welcome Adam & Crystal Frye. Adam is joining the Covenant team as Fine Arts Minister.