UPDATE - Glenn & Sarah Stockton, IGM Special Ministries, The Pastor's Friend 3/8/10

Here it is the beginning of another month to serve the Lord, and that’s what it is all about, serving the Lord. What a privilege to be called of God and to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ; there’s nothing like it in this world. God is so good to allow us to be used in the later years of our lives. Sarah and I praise Him each day.

February was a short but busy month. The Sundays we didn’t have a church scheduled, we were asked to preach at Land Yacht Harbor here in Melbourne. They have over 100 adults that meet on Sunday mornings. It is a wonderful opportunity to give the gospel to those not saved. I was also scheduled to preach in Palm Harbor, Florida, for a Mission Conference, February 18-21. We had a great conference with almost $20,000 more promised than last year, when this church gave, I believe, over $200,000 to missions. Praise the Lord! We were happy to be a part of their conference.

We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior on April 4, 2010.“Then cometh Simon Peter…and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes but wrapped together in a place by itself.” (John 20:6,7)     

During Jesus’ time there was one way a carpenter let the contractor know a job was finished, a signature, so to speak. Imagine a hot afternoon in Galilee. Jesus has completed the final pieces of a job he has worked on for several days. The hair of the strong forearms is matted with sawdust and sweat. His face is shiny with heat. He takes a final—and welcome-drink of cool water from a leather bag. He pours water over his face and chest to clean himself before his journey home. With a nearby towel, he pats his face and arms dry. Finally, Jesus folds the towel neatly. He sets it on the finished work and walks away. Later, whoever arrives to inspect the work will see the towel and understand its simple message. The work is finished.     

On a Sunday of sorrow, Peter will crouch to look into an empty tomb and see only the linens that the risen Lord has left behind. A smile will cross Peter’s face as his sorrow is replaced by hope, for he will see the wrap that had covered Jesus’ face. Peter understands. The carpenter has left behind a simple message: IT IS FINISHED.

      
I found this in a little booklet, “The Greatest Sacrifice”, and Sigmund Brouwer wrote this article. I found it to be quite inspiring and wanted to pass it on so you might be blessed as well.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your mission endeavor. We couldn’t make it without your help. If you need us to fill in for you or preach at your mission conference, please give us a call. May the good Lord continue to bless your ministry as you labor for Him.