Food for the Body and Soul
Read: Matthew 25:31-46 Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. (v. 40) The first car arrived early and waited. By 5:00 p.m., the line of vehicles stretched beyond sight. They came because once again, Angela, a local attorney with a […]
June 2022 Prayer Guide
INDONESIA — We give thanks for the start of a new listener community in Indonesia. The group name is “Galilea,” and there are about 20 members. Most of those who attend are high school students. Pray for the community coordinator, as she seeks to minister to these young people. Pray also that COVID-19 transmissions in […]
That Crane Guy
Read: John 13:31-35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (v. 35) The 22-foot pontoon boat hung precipitously from the top of the 35-foot tree. As it swayed in the heavy wind, it was clear something was going to break or fall. Justin maneuvered his […]
Look Up!
Read: Luke 23:26-38 The people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him. (v. 35) The Sanford Clock had been a focal point of the community for years. Its letters proudly beamed “Welcome to Sanford!” Nothing fancy, but a warm hometown reminder that the residents cared about each other and Sanford deserved its spot on […]
Faith-Filled Acts of Love
Read: Titus 3:1-15 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need. (v. 14) Bill and Kandis have lived in Midland for 33 years. On May 20th, as thousands of homes were filled with mud and water from the flood, their home remained dry and intact, two […]
Dedication—Even to the End
Read: Ruth 1:7-17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. (v. 17) After embracing and kissing each of her daughters-in-law, Naomi urged them to return to their families of origin. One did, but Ruth refused, instead saying, “Where you die I will die.” Such devotion, such personal dedication and complete abandonment […]
The Red Oak Restaurant
Read: Romans 5:1-9 Endurance produces character, and character produces hope. (v. 4) In a terrifying rush of destruction, the entire town of Sanford quickly became enveloped in a murky swath of contaminated water, debris, upended trees, and twisted metal. In this small community of 859 people, not a single building or home went unscathed. For Melissa […]
Midland’s Mighty Army
Read: 1 Chronicles 12:1-18 Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! (v. 18) In Michigan, homeowners have basements that often serve as a recreational room, spare bedroom, or simply additional storage. When the dams burst, water completely filled this lower-level space or the main living level. Toxic mold from floodwaters can set in within […]
I Will Carry You
Read: Isaiah 46:3-13 I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. (v. 4) Albert and Dorthea, 92 and 93 years old, respectively, had moved into their dream home in the early 1970s. The modest, single-story, three-bedroom house was paid for. They fully intended to care for each other and live out […]