From Nothing to Something and it was Good!
A celebration with The Potter’s House, Guatemala and some exciting news!
This coming week we will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of seeing God transform lives from those our society too often ignores (the poor) into valued treasures for whom Jesus gave His life to save. As part of this celebration, the 75 staff members of the Potter’s House will be attending a year-end retreat in which Diana and I have been asked to speak on the themes of Abiding in Christ and Rest. Two very relevant topics for us all today.
A friend recently beautifully described the creative nature of God,
“In the beginning God. The whole of the first chapters of the Bible are full of the epic story where God, starting with nothing, creates something new and calls it good. Day and night. Land and water. Vegetation and animals. The rhythm becomes predictable: Nothing. Something. Good.”
“Then at the end of the first account God says, “Let us create people in our own image.” What is that image? The image of God is one who starts with nothing and creates something new, something good. It is this creating nature that sets humans apart from all other creatures. Apes look like humans, but they only eat bananas one way. Humans eat bananas like the apes, but we also dry them and put them in granola, we fry them, we dip them in chocolate, and we pretend that they are telephones. We even light them on fire and give them fancy French names. This is the echo of the Creator… the beings who create.”
The words of our friend Paul were written to affirm the amazing work of the staff that so faithfully serve at the Potter’s House ministry throughout Guatemala.
Where there is no health, they have brought about health and it is good. Where there is no understanding, they have brought about education and it is good. Where there is no self-control, they have taught it. When there is disorder, they have created community. Where there is despair, they have bought hope through the message of the Gospel.
Will you please join us in praying for God’s Spirit to encourage and strengthen the Potter’s House staff through this special time together? You can learn more about the ministry of the Potter’s House HERE.
We have some exciting news!
We are delighted to welcome Pastor Will Schraven to our team as our Eastern Europe Associate Director. Will and his wife, Marie, have 45 years of ministry and cross-cultural missions experience. He is a gifted teacher and has served with us on multiple trips. His pastoral heart has endeared him with our international partners quickly and we look forward to seeing the Lord continue to multiply the ministry throughout Eastern Europe. Please be praying for the Schravens as they step out in faith with us to Equip, Encourage and Engage pastoral couples and ministry leaders to finish well in both their ministry and marriage.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for the staff and ministry of the Potter’s House, Guatemala
He turns nothing into something, and it is good!
And the Shepherds’ Support Board:
Steve and Connie Troxel, David and Beth Butler, Jack and Nancy Shirley,
Sid and Zane Williams, Daniel and Kate Wurzberg