“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Last July, several of us went to Faithcamp in Alamosa, Colorado. It was a fantastic four-day conference, and we definitely had an encouraging time. Very tired, we started the nine-hour car trip back to Utah early on Sunday morning.
Once home, I knew we had a problem. It was 100 degrees outside, and our house was 90 degrees inside! Obviously, the air conditioning wasn’t running. Quickly, I ran outside and saw the AC fuse box had clearly been on fire while we were gone. But fortunately, the panel in the house tripped, and the fire had stopped. Because of that, our house didn’t burn down — praise the Lord!
So, there I was. A Sunday evening, we’d been gone since Wednesday, and we were exhausted. Additionally, our house was still about 90 degrees. I called my co-pastor, friend, and electrician, Billy. I told him about our situation, and he said, “I’ll be right there.” Bear in mind that Billy and his family had also been at Faithcamp. They had just driven the long road home that very day. In fact, when I called, Billy was unloading his car.
The bottom line is that he dropped everything, and he and his son drove over and fixed our fuse box. After they left, the AC ran all night and cooled our house down.
Billy’s response was a living example of the above verse. And as I write this, I think of so many of you. Your love for my family, kind cards and notes, faithful prayers, and exhortations mean so much. Along with the meals, gifts, acts of service, hospitality, and so much more. All of these things have been such an incredible blessing to my family and me. I know I am not alone in experiencing love from the church.
Saints, without a doubt, you’re an amazing example of sharing your lives with each other! Always keep up the excellent work. You are indeed changing our world.
Thank you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor