The events of the past weeks lay heavy on my
heart as we began our worship recently.
The horrific shooting in Las Vegas, growing outbursts of
some of our world’s leaders that bring us closer to obliteration (a
fear I’m hearing more and more), other outbursts
that only drive deeper the wedge that’s already dividing our nation.
And then during our prayer time,
Joan shared that the ‘double-stroller” used by Mountain Star Relief Nursery had
been stolen.
MountainStar is a nonprofit organization
working directly with vulnerable families in an effort to keep children safe
from abuse and neglect. My wife Kathleen, and Jaon are among the volunteers from PPC helping this terrific program, and Kathleen had mentioned the theft earlier. It all left an ugly smudge across my heart.
But -- there was more to Joan’s prayer. It
came with gratitude because she found a 'single' stroller at a garage sale, and
after the seller learned of MountainStar's need, Joan was given the stroller
for free.
We
celebrated this goodness. And rightfully so.
And
this goodness gets even better.
As
Joan was leaving church a kind and generous soul pressed a $100 bill into her palm
to replace the 'double' stroller. At another garage sale Joan found a
'double' stroller - and a 'triple' stroller too! All for $60 leaving funds to
help MountainStar with other needs.
And
where previously MountainStar could only take two infants on outings; now they
can take 6.
The
Bible is filled with longstanding stories of God’s goodness. New stories of
this goodness are being written every day.
Come
listen to the stories others have and/or come share your story. We gather
Sundays at 10AM.
Together We Serve,
Pastor Mike