The Blessing of Adversity

This week I wept alone in my clinic room after praying for God to heal the brain tumor in a 20 year old girl. She plays guitar for her church and her mum teaches Sunday school, and with Jesus in our midst we believed together for God to miraculously heal her. I have long struggled to ask God (fully believing) for miraculous healing, so it was my depth of belief, trust, and hope in that moment which left me emotionally cracked open. As always with bad diagnoses, I encouraged her to use this physically painful season to joyfully wave the banner of God’s sovereign goodness. (Phil 4:4-7)

It’s OK to hope for God to miraculously heal, and it’s OK if He makes it happen in the moment we pray for it, or after months of modern medicine. It’s also OK if He chooses not to heal, but instead ignites an entire community through the joyful testimony of a young life trusting God and worshipping Jesus as Lord with every breath until her last. None of us can guarantee tomorrow, but there is eternal peace and purpose in fully trusting God for today. 

With these thoughts fresh in my heart, and eternity in my perspective, I was pleased yesterday to receive an invitation to attend a local Seventh-Day Adventist church from a friend (Jenny) who works in our Outpatient Clinic. This was in fact our third attempt to find a free Saturday to attend her small SDA Lotu, but the Spirit always makes a way where God has a plan. I recall accepting Jenny’s first heartfelt invitation a few weeks ago, her bright Jesus-smile spread ear to ear, while thinking to myself “what does SDA believe again?” Well I spent an evening reading about the SDA church (READ HERE), and discovered a family of believers who love Jesus and the Word, and like so many other denominations, have a few unique traditions (like church on Saturday, among others). I think I am like most Christians, loyal to the denomination I know, while uncertain about the others and less likely to attend them. The Spirit gave me peace about it and I expected He would make a way for us to attend if it was meant to happen. 

We awoke this morning (Saturday, April 26th) to a steady chilly drizzle and enjoyed quiet devotional time by the warm gas-lit fireplace. Pennie and Solomon devoured cereal as a special treat and had their own books to enjoy. I have been reading through 1st Corinthians and today I slowly digested chapters 12-13, my heart refreshed with so many profound truths about the Body of Christ, Spiritual Gifts, and the kind of love Jesus empowers in His followers. 

We were ready to leave for church by 10am, but then discovered the vehicle we reserved for the drive had a dead battery. In the moment I felt a mixture of disappointment and peace, the typical momentary flesh versus spirit response to unforeseen changes in plans. But I also felt a strong call from the Lord to push on and get to Jenny’s church, one way or another. The solution ended up being quick and painless with Missionary brother Don kindly bringing around another truck to give us a jump, and then we headed off Station picking up Jenny and a med student named Laura along the way. 

The SDA lotu was not unlike many other small local churches we have visited - tin roof, dirt floor covered with plastic, no pews, and a small altar at the front beautifully adorned with an amazing display of local flowers and leaves and garden produce. At first there were maybe twenty adults and children present, but the congregation grew to at least 50 by the time our lively opening worship concluded. Over and over the worship leader and congregants shouted “God is good! All the time! And all the time! God is good!” Over and over the name of Jesus was proclaimed with the word “Powerful” shouted after. HE was indeed present in the room as a spontaneous time of prayer erupted into every voice proclaiming His greatness in prayer and beseeching His presence for the service. 

After concluding worship and giving tithes/offerings, there was a short time for testimonies, and the Lord had given me a word to share from 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. I wanted everyone to know that we felt a oneness with them as members of the Body of Christ, pulled from very different cultures and backgrounds, but baptized by one and the same Spirit. As I stood to share, Rachel pulled my arm and whispered with some urgency that Jenny had just mentioned I was to be giving the sermon. In other words, don’t share too much because you’re about to get up and deliver a whole sermon! Well THAT wasn’t expected, but again in the momentary clash of flesh and spirit, anxiety was crushed by a deep sense of thankfulness. I stood to give thanks for the church welcoming us and briefly shared the 1 Cor 12 verses. Thankfully, a group then stood up to share a song, which gave me a moment to gather my thoughts and seek the Lord on what to share for a sermon. The threads of being united with Christ, to bear His Love to the world, as one body, started to weave together in my mind. 

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

A few minutes later I took to the stage armed with my English NIV Bible and the PNG Buk Baibel, and confessed in Tok Pisin to the smiling crowd that I am nothing special, but the person of Jesus resides in me, and His Words will be given to them today. After lifting up the time and my words to the Lord in prayer I turned in the Buk Baibel to John 15 “Jisas em i diwai wain tru” (Jesus the True Vine), or our translation “The Vine and the Branches” parable. I encouraged them that these verses would be especially clear for them to understand as expert gardeners, carving out a living every day in the rich soil of these PNG Highlands.  In the moment I began reading, the words became increasingly difficult to see and I realized an ocular migraine was starting in my right eye. These happen maybe 2-3 times a year, with a fuzzy blurring of my vision moving from center to lateral over a period of 20-30 minutes. No headache or other symptoms, just a benign blurring. But NOW?! …as I’m launching into reading seventeen very challenging Tok Pisin verses? You can likely guess that my momentary flesh VS spirit wrestling match happened again (now for the third time in one morning!), and in my mind I actually said “not today Satan!” and continued to read with my head slightly tilted to view the words with just my left eye. 

It took a couple minutes, but I managed to read those verses with appreciative murmuring coming from the congregation as seeds of Truth landed on fertile soil. I then reviewed some essential Gospel truths about who we are as believers, and how in spite of being stuck in the flesh, daily making mistakes, the Lord God sees His Son Jesus in us, and loves us eternally as His own. We also covered Galatians 5:22-25 Fruits of the Spirit as evidence of the character of Christ flowing through us, and 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 as a clearer understanding of His Love. 

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

I challenged them to consider what fruits they are bearing as evidence of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I read to them 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a way of encouragement to step into NEW LIFE, freedom from shame, the enemy’s lies, and former habits of the world. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit moving through my words, leading me to each new verse, and after each reading the volume of the people's rejoicing grew - a heart-filling confirmation. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

I then shared the hardship of my brain tumor patient, and reviewed those John 15 verses about followers of Christ being pruned, a painful change to ultimately bear more Kingdom fruit. I encouraged them to consider their hardships as a blessing instead of a curse - exercise is painful at times but it makes you stronger.

I am the true vine, and my father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. 

After the service and MANY kind handshakes (Rachel received a BIG hug from a sweet little girl), I discovered our vehicle wouldn’t start again, this in spite of letting it idle during half the service. Haha, well praise the Lord, there wasn’t any frustration or worry on my part. After so many disruptions to the “expected” today this was now just part of the adventure of following Jesus and spending more time with people. I decided the best bet would be to flag down a passing vehicle and request a jumpstart. The first vehicle was a police Cruiser, which I was certain would stop, but then didn’t. Nor did the next two, and then someone told me to wait as all the vehicles were part of a funeral procession. Whoops! A few taxi vans and mac trucks passed, and one pickup truck going way too fast to slow down, and then I asked the Lord to send just the right person our way. A silver Cruiser going slower caught my attention and I waved repeatedly, miming for him to turn off the road as he passed by. It took him a bit to find a place to pull off and turn around, but he made it back to us and pulled into the SDA entrance. He said he knew me (jaw drop!) and had seen me leaving Kudjip earlier, that he was family with the Kudjip head of security (Silas) and father of a Med Student currently rotating at the hospital. God provided just the right man! 

After many unsuccessful attempts to jumpstart our vehicle, our friend towed the truck out to the road and we attempted to roll-start the truck. While many of us gamely pushing the truck down the highway an engine-savvy older gent tried to turn over the engine, but to no avail. Then as we doggedly pushed the truck back to the SDA entrance who should arrive but Silas himself, head of Kudjip security, ready to save the day. We got the two vehicles nose to nose and they cleverly swapped the batteries, using the fresh Silas truck battery to start our vehicle, then with it running, swap the batteries back out. Hazzah!

What an eventful morning! And Jesus was right there with us at each moment with just the right measure of wisdom, patience, joy, and love. The momentary challenges and changes to our plans are indeed a blessing as the Spirit prunes us to bear more fruit. We pray this story finds you in a Spiritual place ready to wrestle with these verses and truths yourself. HE is worthy! 

But the Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

The Missionary Life, Now and Forever

Dear Ones, Happy Easter! We pray the presence and power of Christ's life and resurrection blesses you mightily this season, and I hope the pictures and stories captured here in this Blog are an inspiration and joy for you. We remain deeply grateful for your support in sending us here to Kudjip and truly feel the impact of your prayers daily! The following includes snapshots from my time in the hospital, some fun adventures outside of work, and concludes with a heart-wrenching experience. May these accounts bless and challenge your hearts. All our Love, Ted, Rachel, Penniella, and Solomon

I had the pleasure of meeting this young Christian man named Samuel in clinic the other week, and I was immediately encouraged by his friendly spirit and awesome t-shirt. We joked that with his winning smile and admirable beard he could easily play the role of PNG Jesus in a feature film! After a few tests I was glad to report the diagnosis of pulmonary TB which can be easily remedied with a few months of meds. Praise God!

In contrast to Samuel's story, I diagnosed Michael (pictured above) with both TB and HIV. The diagnosis of HIV carries a heavy burden here in PNG as there is both a social stigma and a challenge to remain compliant with ART medications. I educated Michael about both diseases and how TB meds can resolve the infection, but that HIV will be with him for the rest of his life and requires really good medication compliance in order to stay healthy. The Spirit also inspired me to inquire about Michael's faith and he confessed being far from God, though he fondly remembered his Sunday School lessons as a child. It was a real joy to share the Gospel with Michael, reading a number of scriptures, and inviting him to follow Jesus as he enters a challenging season. Sometimes when I offer to share the Word and pray with a patient, I discern a hardened heart resistant to the Word of Life, which is sad and then makes me reluctant to make that effort with the next patient. In Michael's case it was evident the Spirit was moving in his softened heart, and I rejoiced with his willingness to attend Easter service and give his life to the Lord. 

Recently while Rachel was guest speaking at the local teacher's college, Pennie and Solomon joined me for rounds on the Pediatric Ward. They were great little assistants, placing "Jesus Loves You" stickers on all the kids, and expertly driving the ultrasound machine. I gave them (and some nursing students) a little anatomy lesson identifying all the internal organs we can see on ultrasound, and the kids weren't even a little bit squeamish watching me remove a drain from an infected leg. Pennie continues to declare her future career will be in medicine and I am sure she will shine in that role if the Lord keeps that dream in her heart. 

When I'm not working at the hospital, I've greatly enjoyed exploring the local river with the kids. Now they're a bit older at least twice a week we've trekked to different parts of the river to swim, collect interesting rocks, play with some local friends, and we'll usually float the hydro dam canal on our way back home. Fun in the sun among God's beautiful creation - talk about filling my cup!

Another great joy is the peace we have found in our mission home. As many of you know the Lord has given us the calling of hospitality, and we welcome the opportunity to host our neighbors, no matter where we are in the world. Every week, Rachel takes on the culinary challenge of hosting another missionary family for a dinner, as well as facilitating a preschool play group so other missionary Moms can get a break. Bless her! In addition, for the month of April we have enjoyed hosting the weekly Missionary Prayer meeting with Rachel leading worship on guitar and the the Holy Spirit leading us all in sharing our praises, prayers, and whatever word of encouragement comes to heart. This has been greatly edifying to us, and we feel much more connected with all our missionary family. In a less scheduled manner, our home here is regularly visited by children playing with Pennie and Solomon, and PNG friends calling to "story" with us on the front porch (sharing updates, concerns, joys, and needs.) We are thankful the Holy Spirit graces our home and keeps the light on for all to feel welcome.

~ ~ ~ ONE FINAL STORY WORTH SHARING ~ ~ ~

04 APR 2025, Thursday, 0745AM -  It started as a normal morning reading my daily devotional with a steaming cup of Highlands coffee, eating breakfast with the family, and getting ready to round at the hospital. Then I received a text on the missionary thread that read “Need a Doctor at 4-plex unit 2.” A little alarm went off in my spirit suggesting this might be urgent so I grabbed my medical bag and hurried out the door sending the text reply “Heading there now.” 

I knew there was a visiting missionary family staying in the 4-Plex guest condos expecting to deliver their 4th child, so as I walked up the road I texted again asking if the concern was Obstetric or Pediatric in nature, to which they replied “Adult.” What I didn’t know was that an elderly missionary (who I’ll call DAVID in this post for privacy reasons) was also staying in the 4-Plex. David served as a missionary all over the world for many decades and had been at Kudjip for a week to help at the local Bible College. He was scheduled to fly home that morning but he had not responded to his driver’s knock at the door. When I arrived in the guest flat I found David kneeling at his bedside, face down on the bed, skin pale as ivory, without a pulse or breathing. The moment I saw him I knew he was deceased but I lifted him into his bed and attempted a chest compression. His frail chest cracked and frothy blood gurgled up from his lungs. His pupils were dilated and unresponsive. I covered David with a blanket and pronounced him dead to the two men who had found him.

I have seen death multiple times a week here at Kudjip so recognizing death and being accustomed to it’s sight and smell is no longer shocking, but the up close and personal encounter with the death of a fellow ex-pat missionary was a first for me. I initially felt sad for David, dying alone sometime during the night. I also felt sadness for his wife back home who would hear of his death by phone but not get to see him or hold him in her time of grief. 

Dr Ben and Dr Mark arrived and began coordinating efforts for contacting David’s wife and transferring his body to the local morgue. I knew I wasn’t needed anymore and the kids on the Peds Ward were waiting for me to round on them. I walked to the hospital, feeling more than a little shell-shocked, and passed a couple missionaries on their way up to help with the efforts. Just before I got to A Ward I ran into Dr Jake and shared what had happened. It was then in recounting the events that it struck me - this elderly missionary died in the field while faithfully serving God’s calling. What a way to go! I was emotionally overwhelmed with the mental image of the Heavenly Host rejoicing in David’s glorious homecoming, and the Lord of Lords declaring “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

I have reflected back on these events many times since that fateful morning and wonder whether David kneeling at the bedside was in fact a posture of prayer. Being a man close to Christ, I can imagine he endured a moment of panic as he realized something was terribly wrong but then was quickly filled with a supernatural peace as he knelt to pray. He may have asked for the Lord to either heal him or receive him. He may have prayed for his family to have peace, or for the Lord to inspire others to pick up where he left off with his earthly mission. David may have just simply died praying the Lord’s prayer, a familiar comfort that could have been his routine to begin every day. 

Scripture instructs believers that there is power in prayer - to heal, to restore, to refocus, to influence unseen spiritual warfare. So often we get distracted by life that we forget to pray. So often I hear believers say they don’t want to pray because they’re feeling depressed, or angry, or exhausted. But these are the most important times to pray. Philippians 4:4-7 is a verse I read aloud almost every day here in PNG to patients struggling through an illness. These verses promise that when we pray in faith the Lord will exchange our anxieties for a Jesus-peace that surpasses all understanding, and we will be able to rejoice and give testimony to the Lord’s greatness even in the midst of our toughest trials. 

We instead tend to separate ourselves from God’s indwelling peace and counsel while we firmly clench our fists holding onto earthy treasures and dreams, or holding onto past pain or unforgiveness. We have to learn to pray every day, keeping our hearts and hands upturned to the Lord, palms open for Him to take the weight of our burdens and relieve us of earthly possessions or desires that aren’t good for us. This submissive and trusting posture also then allows us to receive His presence, healing, and whatever blessings He deems are best for us. 

I want to be like David, a life dedicated to the Lord, entirely driven by prayer, heavy with Kingdom fruit, defying comforts and infirmities to answer God’s calling right to the very end. Amen!

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Jesus Loves the Little Children...

 ... a message from Rachel

In Mark 9:37, Jesus says: “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the one who sent Me, the Father.” 

Our time here at Kudjip is a fresh and daily reminder that ALL children should be viewed through the eyes of Jesus – with love, care and compassion …. They are HIS beautiful and unique creation.

It has been a source of joy for us to reconnect with our Papuan friends here at Kudjip. There are many afternoons where the children are beckoned through open windows by sing-song voices: “Pen-nie … Sol-o-mon … can you play today?”  There are a few PNG friends in particular who remember Pennie & Solomon from our last trip in 2023.  In spite of two years passing, they have all picked up right where they left off.  Solomon and his friends enjoy a variety of activities together: throwing spears, playing soccer, building forts, and catching lizards and bugs. Pennie and her tribe of friends (who are all at least a year or two older than her) play card games together, swing in the hammocks, and play catch together.  

This past week I had the opportunity to go and guest lecture at the local Teacher’s College.  On Monday, I spoke to all of the Third-Year students, and on Friday I spoke to the entire student body (438 students) about strategies for the inclusion of Special Needs students in the classroom.  It is only in the last few years that PNG Education Policy has made a shift towards a more Inclusive Education.  Many of you who know me well are aware of my passion for accommodating and advocating for students with disabilities.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic about the chance to use my education and experience to impact the next generation of teachers in Papua New Guinea.  Many educational disabilities in PNG go undiagnosed, and most teachers are not trained or motivated to accommodate children with learning differences.  My prayer is that God would use the words I shared to light a spark of creativity and empathy in these future teachers, in the hope that they would no longer view children with special needs as a problem or burden in their classrooms, but rather see the precious unlocked potential in each of them. 

  

The Teacher's College - Students, Staff & Administration

Third Year Teacher's College Students

Speaking about advocating for & accommodating students with disabilities

There is a woman that we know here in PNG who lives out Mark 9:37 - Every. Single. Day.  Years ago, Pastor Ruth and her husband saw the need and felt the call to serve local orphans who had been adversely affected by having parents with HIV.  There is a great stigma associated with HIV in Papua New Guinea culture.  If a parent was too sick to care for a child or passed away, many relatives turn their backs on the child because of the disease of the parent.  Pastor Ruth and her family built a home and school where these children can be raised surrounded by love, rather than fear and prejudice.  Not too long ago, Ruth’s husband passed away suddenly – leaving her as the sole provider and caretaker for the orphanage ministry that they began together. After ten years since our last visit with Pastor Ruth, a few days ago we were able to bring a truck load of groceries and reunite with this amazing woman of God at her orphanage.  We were greeted by children running around freely, BIG hugs, and tear-filled laughter and smiles from Ruth.  The work she does is an inspiration and challenge to us all… to truly show that Jesus indeed loves ALL the little children.  

With Pastor Ruth at the orphanage

Solomon speaking the universal language of soccer with some of the children at the orphanage

Pennie holding hands and walking with a sweet little girl who would not leave her side.

Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” 

by talking a good game is self-deceived. 

This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. 

REAL religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: 

Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, 

and guard against corruption from the world.  

James 1:26-27 (MSG)

Love Thy Neighbor

On a rainy Saturday afternoon our local friend JOHN GARI came by the front porch to visit for a bit. We had previously arranged to attend his church (Mise Church of the Nazarene) the next day and he was momentarily surprised to hear we still planned to do so. He spoke with some shyness, a tone of shame in his voice, saying he had not arranged our visit with the pastor and was worried we wouldn’t have the  honorary reception he would like us to have. In seasons past when we have visited local bush churches the congregation usually prepares a gift of garden produce, a way to say thank you to their guests of honor. I assured John we neither expected nor needed any honorary preparations and we were looking forward to just worshiping the King of Kings with our PNG brothers and sisters. John then admitted he had not been to church in over a year and that this was the true source of his shame. He shared about some ongoing family drama and stress that had driven him to a place of isolation and said that returning to church now, only when his missionary friends were present, would appear insincere to his church family. He also shared that their DS (Nazarene Church District Superintendent) was scheduled to give the sermon and felt some embarrassment to attend church only when the DS was speaking.

COMPASSION filled my heart to overflowing with the invitation and love of our Heavenly Father for John to feel welcomed back to relationship with Him and the church family. The Spirit led me to reiterate just how much God loves John and I was led to share Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep and the prodigal son, emphasizing just how much God was deeply desiring to have John rejoin His house. The Spirit then led me in sharing scripture from Galatians 5:22 (the fruit of the Spirit, evidence of a life filled by Christ), Philippians 4:4-7 (the opportunity to pray, rejoice, and have unfathomable peace in the face of hardship), and James 1:2-8 (persevering through trials, growing in wisdom). I spoke to John’s apprehension about returning to church, encouraging him that it would be a wonderful testimony to others in the church, and that there was never a wrong time to turn back to Jesus. I also shared that it would honor my missionary calling for him to make this choice at a time when I am present to walk with him. John accepted these words from the Spirit with tears and joy. We laughed and prayed and agreed to meet at the Hydro Dam the next morning. 

That evening the Spirit led me to invite other missionaries to join us for our adventure walk to Mise Lotu. It’s a fun little hike to the church, about a mile from Station and requires forging a large river at the HYDRO DAM, so I was delighted to have more than a few takers. The next morning we arrived at the river in the company of a volunteer surgeon from Hawaii, five men from India who are on Station to help set up the new EHR (computer system), and the always adventurous Morris family with six wild and wonderful children (much to Pennie and Solomon's delight!).

John Gari met us on the far side of the river with a big welcoming smile and walked us past his home and gardens up to the church. We had a good laugh getting our big crew across some muddy ravines but we arrived unscathed at Mise in time to join Sunday School, a lesson on remaining ready as Believers for Jesus’ soon return. The service then started with heartwarming worship, prayer, a few business items, and some testimonies. The Morris Family invited us to join them to give a special song BE THOU MY VISION while their cute toddler Ford entertained everyone playing with someone's puppy. 

Afterwards I was LED BY THE SPIRIT to remain up front to give a testimony. I wasn't quite sure at first what the Lord wanted me to say, but I started by sharing my joy being back in PNG worshipping with this Lotu family again, and by giving special thanks to my brother John Gari for warmly welcoming us back. I read aloud Philippians 4:4-7 and then the Spirit caught me off guard in prompting me to share about John’s absence from church and the responsibility we have as Spiritual Family to be the hands and feet of Jesus to go after lost sheep. I sat down feeling unsure whether sharing John’s story and challenging the congregation was the right call, but trusting the Lord had a plan. 

The District Superintendent was then welcomed to the podium to deliver the sermon and he guided everyone to the Book of Luke, chapter 15. My heart skipped a beat as we read the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son - the SAME PARABLES that I had given to John the day before, now being expertly proclaimed by the DS! I had to hide my chuckle and ear to ear smile in the overflow of Spiritual rejoicing - it is such a rare blessing to have a word confirmed so clearly! Sitting not far behind John I watched him weep and nod in acceptance of the word (pictured below) and I felt the Lord’s prompting that an alter call would accompany the Reverend’s message perfectly. You can guess my delight when the DS asked for hands raised of those ready to turn back to the Lord, and all the more when he asked these souls (maybe half the congregation) to pray at the alter, John among them. It was only a moment later that I was prodded to my feet by the Holy Spirit to join John at the altar and lay hands on him, praying in joyful agreement with this prodigal reunion. 

The SHACKLES of brokenness and division in this PNG culture, as much as in any culture, are deep roots of the enemy that warrant our attention. We have to take every opportunity as Believers to confront the enemy’s lies with the Truth of God’s mighty love by Christ’s perfect atonement, a Light that will surely pierce the darkness. If speaking love, faith, and hope to John Gari is the only reason the Lord brought us back to PNG, then it is reason enough for me! 

Last week we hosted the missionary prayer meeting and Rachel led worship on guitar. After singing the song RECKLESS LOVE the Spirit prompted Dr Tom to pose the question of what folks thought the word "Reckless" might mean. Usually "Reckless" brings to mind an irresponsible or careless approach, but in this case we all agreed it speaks to how our Heavenly Father pursues us with abandon. My prayer is that we can imitate our Lord in the same selfless and fervent expression of love to others, an invitation to relationship and salvation. 

For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thes 1:4-6)

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. (1 Thes 2:8)

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thes 2:19-20)