June 2020 Newsletter
Love One Another
As we watch the news, it makes one wonder what is going on with the United States. The racial tensions are tangible and are growing and intensifying.
Racial tensions are not just in America, but all over the world. There are rifts among religious groups, political viewpoints and social classes. Where does it all come from? Basically, it all started way back yonder in the Garden of Eden, when Adam gave up his rights to the devil (Luke 4:6). Racism is a by-product of Adam allowing evil into the world. This evil manifests itself through fear, which is one of Satan’s greatest tools.
We fear those who look different, dress differently, speak in another language, worship in a different manner or eat different foods. Proof of that is that we avoid certain neighborhoods based on the color of the residents’ skin. Maybe the opinion you have formed about a whole group of people is based on your interaction with an individual member of that group.
The Bible says in Proverbs 29:25, “The fear of man brings a snare…”
We are immensely blessed in America because cultures from all over the world have a representation here. Each culture has a unique contribution in making this country great. Food is a perfect example. I love Thai food, but if I avoided it because Thai people have darker skin than me or that most worship Buddha, I would seriously miss out on great flavors! I appreciate the precision the Germans are known for, the family bonds the Hispanics share, the dance and music of Africans, and the discipline for knowledge the Japanese strive for. I can learn and appreciate what every culture has to offer.
Jesus gave us a superior commandment to live by: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love ONE ANOTHER; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35.
Two things I notice when I read these verses. One, Jesus says to love three times. Secondly, He said to love one another. In the Old Testament it says, “To love your neighbor as yourself.” Do you see how Jesus expanded on how we should treat others? This is how we are to treat ALL people.
As many of you know, Caleb and I are a bi-racial couple. If I dated based on skin color, I would have missed out being married to a godly man, who is my best friend. He is funny, intelligent, wise, always learning new things and very caring.
I pray we stop looking at outward appearances and look to the beauty that lies within the soul of each person. In conclusion, God loves ALL PEOPLE (John 3:16).
UPDATE ON THE GUEST HOUSE
The building project is moving along great! We built an extra room attached to the house, which is taking part of the porch. We will use this as a recording studio for the radio program. Right now we are using our dining area, which picks up too many sounds. On some recordings, you can hear our roosters crowing!
Originally we were just going to do a one floor structure, but one of the Grace to Liberia team members suggested the second floor as a conference hall. This can be used by missionaries and visitors to conduct meetings. We can also rent it out to the people of Kakata for meetings or weddings, which will help us be more financially self-supported. Your contribution at this time will greatly help in finishing this project.
