As we are traveling from Miami to Atlanta this afternoon, there are several emotions running through my brain. Sadness, however, is not one of them. To a certain extent this lack of sorrow is troubling. For the past ten days I have been ministering to the Kenyan people, and they have been ministering to me. We poured out our hearts to each other. Now I am leaving. Shouldn’t I experience a little grief? While puzzling over this, I realized that, if my heart was pure, there is no need to be sad. We did what we came to do. We loved. We shared. We made friends. We sang. We reached out. The Gospel was preached. Being used by God to accomplish such tasks is a source of joy. As Christians, our ultimate satisfaction comes from glorifying our Father. Therefore instead of sadness, there is satisfaction within me.
A few scriptures in closing:
Psalm 115:1àGod receives all of the glory for this trip. He made it possible. His name is to be praised.
Jeremiah 29:11àDid we want to leave Kenya? No. But HE has the plans.
Philippians 1:3-5àThank you. Thank you 1000 times over for your prayers.
Paul Coogle
P.S. Mission: Eastman.
Very well put, Paul . . . amen and AMEN!!
ReplyDeleteGlad y'all are all home safely and I can't wait to see you guys!
With lots of love and joy from the Father for your safe return . .
Ms. Julia
Words can't express how TRULY blessed we are to have a youth minister that is after God's own heart. He has a wife and four little girls that he takes time away from to show our youth how to love the people of all the world like Jesus does.
ReplyDeleteHe has a wife that is very loving, supporting, and understanding. She is right by his side helping him with God's ministry.
God has used you to disciple and minister to so many youth. You have also taught them to heed to His calling in their lives; and,to see every person as a soul to be won / ministered to for Christ.
To say a mere thank you is not near enough to express how truly greatful we are God has chosen your family to serve Him here at FBC Eastman; and, how happy we are that you answered His call.
For His Glory,
Erica