First Church continues to be such a generous people! Thanks to each of you who are praying for the people of Haiti, rescuers, relief workers, the U.S. military presence and also giving money to help support the tremendous physical needs of Haitians. I’m thankful that God is answering our prayers as there have been several more miraculous rescues since Sunday. As Kirk and I shared, The United Methodist Church has been hard at work in Haiti for many years providing for the needs of Haitians in their already impoverished country. Kirk mentioned we have three warehouses there that were not damaged in the Earthquake last week. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the relief arm of the United Methodist Church throughout the world. Local United Methodist churches support their administrative costs through the faithful paying of our designated apportionments, so every dollar donated through UMCOR goes to the immediate need. I learned today that as the First Church family we have personally donated $4,196 through UMCOR! I am so very proud of each of you who have given sacrificially out of your love for Jesus and others who are suffering.

As you all know, tens of thousands of people have lost their lives and others their limbs through this terrible natural disaster. That includes at least two United Methodist personnel who were at the Hotel Montana when the earthquake hit, strategizing with other United Methodist leaders in Haiti and IMA World Health about how better to minister to the people of Haiti. One man was rescued – Rev. Jim Gulley who was trapped 55 hours in the Hotel Montana rubble with four other people. He said this, “I have no answer about why I was given the gift of life and Sam and Clint (Sam Dixon – UMCOR Top Executive and Rev. Clint Raab – UM Pastor and father of 8 children and 3 grandchildren) were not. I can’t answer that any better than Job could answer why some people suffer more than others. All I can do is continue to try to use that gift in God’s service in whatever way it is intended. I’m grateful to be alive and I accept that gift.”

This is just another reminder that the scripture is true. Life is fleeting. Psalms 90:10 reads, “The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” Use your time – which is actually your life – to the best advantage, for we really only have today to live for Jesus! Ask yourself every day, “Who can I influence for Jesus today?”

Small groups are forming throughout the Body of Christ here at First Church. We began one in our home last night and it was a blessing! Hope you’ll choose one this week. Information will be available in the plaza to sign up. We want every adult member of First Church to experience the joy and blessing of being part of a small group of like-hearted and like-minded people. Take that first step and sign up Sunday! Blessings!

Yours in Christ,
Mark