The Fruit of Ministry

I love to read biographies of great Christians. They don’t need to be famous, but they need to have led an exemplary life for Christ. I am often amazed as I read their stories of the persistence and longevity in their Christian life and Ministry. Often I ask myself where does this come from?
Last wee one of our pastors made a passing remark as they prepared to leave Genesee Home and Genesee Valley. I asked him to send me the thought for I believe it is a key to a long, strong Christian life and ministry.

These are his thoughts:

Friday Morning at Genesee Home

It is Friday morning, a very special time at the Genesee home as we gather for a send off breakfast with new friends that seem like old friends after such a delightful week together. With heads bowed and eyes closed for prayer, I envision the end view of a cut log with all the growth rings… A little while later, I look across the field and see mountains covered with thousands of beautiful trees, the kind that remain green year round and are often harvested for a host of very useful products….. construction lumber, particle board, pencils and paper.

Turning my attention back inside the house, I can’t help but notice the Genesee home dining room is furnished with a variety of beautiful wooden furniture. There are different grain patterns, colors and finishes, different styles, some ornately carved with other pieces more simply stated. The common thread is that it was all built to last… whether Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, Birch, Maple or Walnut, each piece was made from trees that went through seasons of rest, growing strong and steady. Hardwood trees aren’t always pretty on the outside as they let go of all their dead leaves and prepare for a new season, but they are solid on the inside able to handle the storms of life.

Thank you Charlie and Bev for the time of refreshing,
Pastors Rory and Pam Frink

Strength and beauty in wood comes from fine, tight grain, which comes from tight growth rings that in part come from rest. Do we want our lives, our marriages and our ministries to display the beauty and strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Then we need to take time, to rest, to stop and sit at the feet of Jesus on a regular basis. We need to open ourselves to the presence of the Holy Spirit that becomes a ‘well of water springing up to Eternal Life’ in our souls.

During this Lenten season take time to rest, stop, to Sabbath God’s presence.