THANKS FOR THE RAIN!

        Thanks for all your prayers about keeping rain away from last week’s Best Practices in Ministry Conference in Phoenix. God sent rain anyway, which was greatly needed in the desert. About 2,500 hardy souls braved the chilly and soggy 40 degree days to learn new ways and meet new friends in ministry in our congregations, schools and organizations which share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And it was all free. The speaker sessions and tons of food cost the attendees nothing. Wow!

        Despite the wet chill, there were many smiles, an abundance of food and much laughter. Nearly all who came said it was better weather than what they’d left back home. But it was chilling being outside for two days. In my younger days, I’d have quickly shaken it off, but it was Sunday noon before I finally warmed up. 

        I commend Pastor Jeff Schrank and the hundreds of volunteers from Christ Church-Lutheran, as well as their church and school staff for all their effort. Their dedication to hosting this event and helping bring new ideas, directions and methods to 2,500 attendees from the hundreds of congregations and organizations they represented. I can attest there were a couple of hundred folks, young and old, who were exhausted from being on their feet and giving aid to all who came.

        It was great to be there among the members of the Body of Christ. St. Paul wrote, “Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Again Paul said, “Christ Himself gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

        The Body of Christ is a marvelous creation of the Holy Spirit. It’s living parts bring their skills and dedication, energy and faith to help share the Good News of Jesus Christ. There is much news in the world, some of it good and most of it bad. But there’s no better news than Jesus, the Word of God in the flesh who gave His life for us that we might give God’s Good News and hope to a world struggling to find hope and understand its purpose. 

        All of us believers can share the hope we have in Jesus. May we all be encouraged by the hope we also need, as we live out each day.

Thank You, Lord, for all the people and all the rain!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com