Plans are made
to change. Just because a sugar cube is solid and hard does not mean
it cannot change. If placed in a cold glass of water – it takes
some time to change but put it into a hot come of coffee – it
dissolves immediately.
The plans we make change in much the same way, some quickly and some
take time. Two for instances:
1. Confirmation classes – Again I am reminded of how astute
our young people are. We leaders and even some parents think a student
is ready for the class but when it comes down to making that final
commitment, every student said, “I don’t think I’m
quite ready to do this.”
I really commend these young people for having the courage to say let’s
wait a little while longer rather than rushing into something they
would not be able to complete or were not prepared for. Thus the Confirmation
classes have been postponed and we will look at it again in the fall
.
2. The “HOPE” Center – After months of planning the
site/building chosen for the downtown homeless shelter is not to be.
Just as many of us thought they were nearing an opening date; because
of one or numerous reasons the application for a special use permit
was withdrawn. Disappointing? Yes, but the project is not dead in the
water, so to speak. A different location for the shelter will be sought.
Would our church work? Just a thought. We have at least 2 rooms, that
could be used for offices, which are not being used. We have a place
for those who need a shelter for the night to bathe – the hours
would not interfere with activities we have going on. I’m just
suggesting we look at our options and think about it. Might it be something
that could be done as a temporary measure until another facility can
be found?
I would suggest we earnestly pray about it to see if God is leading
us in that direction.
Major Ralph Hanson will be speaking to our Adult Sunday school class
to report and answer questions about the HOPE Center on February 5
at 9:15 a.m. sharp. Come join us and hear what he has to say.
Both projects after a fair amount of planning have changed direction
for one or several reasons rather abruptly.
It reminds me of 1973 when Ken and I had applied to go on a mission
project in Alaska. We had earnestly prayed about whether to apply and
how we would be able to cover our costs, etc.
We were sure that God
wanted us to do this and from October ‘73 to April ‘74
we made our plans. Near the end of April, Ken approached his boss to
ask for the full month of August ‘74 off – 2 weeks vacation
and 2 weeks without pay. Ken was told, impossible – the company
could not have him gone that long. Ken replied, well, do whatever you
need to do so I can go because we have been accepted and we are going.
The next morning his boss told him, “If you want August off,
then you can have May, June, and July off too. You are fired!”
Needless to say, I was devastated but not Ken. He said God may close
one door but another will open and it will be better than you can even
dream of. Ken was right again.
I believe the same will be for the two projects above. May you and
the projects above be blessed.
Grace then Peace . . .
|
|
