Covenant Church

Little pieces of paper floating out of the air…alphabet letters printed…but not possible to put the pieces together and make a book. Confusing. Such is the din and roar of voices of this world.

Always God has had a remnant. Always there have been a people who are willing to fast and pray, seek wisdom in silence of meditation, endeavor to walk uprightly, and pursue a meaningful life.

Stories of folks who are doing good deeds of lasting value both intrigue and inspire. Allow me to share about a few heroes.

Last week Derrick and Ishan gave furniture. Derrick, Tom and Martin loaded up the furniture and headed to an apartment where the only furniture was an old sofa and mattresses lying on a floor. A two bedroom apartment with 5 children and their mom and dad…total 7 people!

When the church van pulled into the apartment complex Russians, Bulgarians and other precious immigrants to Charlottesville came out to inquire about the furniture. With very little English they made clear their need for someone to care. One family was blessed. Others become a mission station.

Sunday came. Caroline, of the Kachin Tribe from Burma, has been visiting her sister for several months. While in Charlottesville, Caroline has helped us to make connection with a number of Burmese families---Christian and Buddhist. A Buddhist has come to Covenant Church several times to translate the pastor’s message for a Christian Burmese.  In return for Caroline’s kindness and witnessing she asked for assistance with ministry to children in her native land.

Jack, a brother, also had his story. He was much burdened for a pastor in Liberia whom Jack had met while on a missionary trip to Africa. The pastor’s home was a mud house—which sometimes collapses during rainy season. The pastor had managed to get a “real” house, purchasing from a Muslim. Having paid down $1,000, the balance was needed in 10 days.

Tithes and offerings had been given before Caroline’s and Jack’s testimony. There are other special needs. I asked the congregation of the second service to simply give a love offering.

Sermon over, a note was handed to me. What a privilege and moment of joy to share that the spontaneous love offering was $3,888.12! Such is the heart of a mission church. If tradition holds, there will be more given for this offering.

While some folks are running to and fro trying to find happiness, others have settled that happiness is to know Jesus and do the work He has sent us to do.

Long ago I settled a debate. Shall I do the work of the Lord quietly and privately? Or shall I join with others, pooling resources, committing to the task of given godly projects, and work, pray, and give until WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR JESUS?

The question is answered: I prefer to work with others. We are more powerful working together. We are the Church. Jesus designed the Church! It is glorious.

When you follow close to Jesus in obedience, the future does make sense.

With whom are you partnering in the work of the Lord?

Pastor Bare

"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."    1 Corinthians 3:9