Blog March 22, 2014
Something’s Missing
Last night when the generator came on, I went to the light switch to turn on the lights. The light in the living room and kitchen worked just fine. I flipped the switch and, without any effort on my part, the room was filled with light. But, when I tried the same thing with the bathroom light, there was a faint flicker of light and then, nothing but darkness. My analysis of the situation was that the bulb was burned out. So, I called on Emmanuel to see if he would get a ladder and change the bulb. That sounded like a simple, routine task. Emmanuel, climbed the ladder, changed the bulb and said, “Flip the switch,” which I did. But nothing happened. So, out came the new bulb and out came a flashlight to scrutinize the light socket. What Emmanuel discovered was that a small piece in the socket had broken loose. Until the socket could be repaired, no matter how good the bulb, that bulb would not give off light from that socket – even if the switch is ‘on’. The generator was working just fine, putting out the right amount of current. The electricity was working fine everywhere else in the apartment. The power was there, but because of one tiny missing piece, a good bulb was rendered useless. Of course, the bulb isn’t really useless. Once the repair is made, the bulb secured back in the socket and the switch is turned on, the power will flow to bring light to the room.
There
are times when a similar thing happens in my walk with Christ. Power for living in Christ is readily
available. The flow of power into my
life is always available, 24-7. But
here’s what can happen.
I’m
pretty sure I am ‘full of light’ and busy as a beaver on behalf of God and His
Kingdom but not shining at all for Him because there’s something interfering
with the connection – with the Source of Power.
It could be I’ve been too busy to pray and spend quiet time with God and
His Word. I don’t suppose that’s ever
happened with you. But, for me, it’s far
too easy to get wrapped up with good works so much that I look like the energizer
bunny – all charged up and spinning in a flurry of activity - but accomplishing nothing of eternal
consequences, because of one teensy (okay, not really teensy in the light of eternity) little old
misdemeanor – bad attitude, careless in keeping the heart and mind cleansed and
focused on Him rather than ‘works’ or situation, or trusting in my own
abilities and earthly resources. You get the picture. Flip the switch. Nothing happens. But, I’m too preoccupied to even notice that
I’ve short circuited my connection with my Heavenly Father. I may think my light is shining, but how can
anyone benefit from a non-lit bulb? If
there is a glow factor, it’s probably
not a positive one.
What
short circuits your Source of Power?
Grumbling,
gossip, or compromise of values. It
amounts to neglecting to keep the connection in good repair, whether
intentionally or unintentionally.
Jesus says in
John 15:4 “Remain in me (if it’s broken,
fix it), and I will remain in you.” In 1
John 1:7, we are reminded, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies
us from all sin.”
In
John 8:12, Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in
darkness, but will have the light of life."
Some exciting events:
February 24-28 Pointmen
Leadership Institute – in partnership with REAP, led a week long seminar for
leaders in public and private sectors on principle and ethics- based leadership
training.
March 1st Second Annual REAP (Restoration of Educational Advancement
Program) Awareness Day at the William R. Tolbert Center for Youth in Bentol
City. REAP has been operating in
Liberia since 2004. So far, REAP’s presence and impact cut across the 15
counties of Liberia. With the vision to bring help, hope and opportunities to
war affected Liberian youth and young adults, REAP seeks to explore, design and
implement relevant programs and initiatives that will result in total recovery
and restoration of lost values and dignity among Liberian youth and young
adults.
March 15th Bentol City
Home Coming and Induction Ceremony for Mayor Christine Tolbert Norman. The Salvation Army Band provided music for
the induction ceremony which was attended by many Liberian Government officials
and friends, including being honored with the presence of Her Excellency Madam
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
March 20 and 21 The
first Liberian Circle Association conference, held at the Norman Guest Home
Conference Center with 40 in attendance. The mission of Liberian Circle Association is to
provide to Christian ministries serving the people of Liberia with
opportunities for communication and networking that promotes vision, planning,
and collaboration of resources, efforts, and services for relief, development,
and advancement of sustainable improvements that bring growth in discipleship,
reconciliation, justice, and righteousness in order to renew all relationships
and culture to be under the authority of Jesus Christ
March 28 Joined The Salvation Army medical
team in Mt. Coffee. We took along Laurie
and Breanna Kelly (Feed Hungry Children foundation) and Pastor Don Coffeen
(God’s Kids) and Franklin (a 16 yr old Liberian who grew up in Calvary
Orphanage, graduated from high school and now taking a computer class and wants
to be a doctor). Pastor Don spent hours
praying with people who had come to the clinic. Breanna gave out more than 80
packets of rice with nutrients especially designed for malnourished
children. Franklin helped with
registration. Laurie and Breanna worked
with the medical team assembling packets of medicine for distribution to
patients. I took pictures, visited with
people, and did story/singing/scripture memory time with the children.
March 30 Preached at Christ Mission Ablaze
Church for Youth Sunday. J
Prayer Focus
Praise God for answered prayer in so many ways.
People are coming to Christ. Churches/Corps are paying attention to discipling believers.
God has provided resources for nutritional rice packets to feed malnourished children in the interior, day care kids and orphanages.
Thanks be to God for CM (crazy missionaries) who is helping to provide for some basis needs (stove, frig, a/c, drinking water, generator, etc) I am blessed beyond measure. To all of you who are part of my support, I thank you.
Pray for an end to the Ebola outbreak in some areas in Liberia and for protection from disease.
Pray for our daily ministry and interactions that God would grant wisdom in all matters to His honor and glory.
Blessings to all.
My son, Bill, is handling my finances. If anyone would like to help in any way, please send to:
Crazy Missionaries
Dave Bearchell
1884 Wilson Wynd Way
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
or
Bill McKee
3967 Acorn Hill Dr
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Pamm
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