Not So Lost Causes!

Good Morning All,

Today some of you will be seeing me in person as we visit Tony’s parents’ Church (and ours too, for that matter), Holly Brook Baptist.This last week, we had a nice catch up with my only sibling Sherry, and her husband Richard.  Family is so nice.  We ate and reminisced, drove the country roads and avoided hittingt he skunk bent on self-destruction (which was very fortuitous), and just had a nice time.  We helped them say “no” to  another puppy, then held their bags as they signed the papers.  I wonder at their wisdom to bring this responsibility into their already heavy load, but we all got sucked in; who can say ‘no’ to such cuteness? I need to mention that although I try to write you a blog every week, you need to understand that this ‘exercise’ is more for MY benefit than anything else. 

What I’m doing is making you witnesses to what’s going on in my head. It’s such a privilege to be able to share with you. Thank you so much! And once again, you’ve blessed me.After last week’s blog, “Lost Causes”, Ilaid it out, had my whine, then went on about my business.But then just a few days ago, I got the sweetest letter from a lady who represents several people who were of immense help to us in our work during the earthquake and tsunami disaster relief efforts back in Japan in 2011.  This group was made up of the several Hawaiian churches that support us, largely made up (and they continue to stay in touch) of Americans of Japanese descent, Even back then, they were a bit onthe ‘senior’ side, but that didn’t stop them from coming out on well organised team missions to help us.  We often commented that they were some of the best teams we cooperated with, because they were prepared to do what needed doing, didn’t complain, and shared what they had, which was a love for their people by heritage, and by being God’s children.  The Japanese were also greatly touched by their efforts, because while they looked Japanese, they weren’t.  Thisteam spoke little Japanese, because they are third and fourth generation Japanese, being raised in Hawaii. But, as clearly evidenced by their love, they certainly created a bond. And another thing I didn’t understand till last week, but by them  being remotely Asian, these folks had been taught to be polite and keep  up with so many of the refugees we worked with.  Sadly, a lot of the Americans who came to work with us over the years had (ourselves included) the all too common reputation for lovin’ them and leavin’ them.And so last week’s letter from this friend,was FULL of encouraging stories and memories of some of the so many people we worked with (and then lost track of).  It certainly warmed my heart, to realise that not everyone has ‘given up’ on what we call the “lost causes”,  and God in His omnipotence and grace is still working in the hearts of those we served.  We are having a wonderful time here in the States touching base with a lot of you and remembering that God loves us alland has the power to keep us together.  Next week we’ll be worshipping with our little group that went out as short-term missionaries in the early 70’s.  There were 80 of us originally and about 40+ will make it together to remember what a faithful God we serve. Thanks always for being our support, for holding us up and making us brave. 

Marsha