Dearest Friends,
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27
Growing up, I spent endless hours memorizing Scripture. My favorite books to read were the biographies of missionaries. These heroes always talked about the importance of putting God’s Word in your heart, so I followed their example.
Bible verses gave me comfort and hope and taught me how to hold onto hope. God’s Word was always my safe place. No matter how I was feeling about my own life, I could read the Bible and know that I was a treasure, deeply loved and cherished. I did not struggle with many things, because God had taught me through His Word that He always loves me and always has a plan. My fears were washed away by the depth and beauty of Scripture. I was rescued from sadness by the hope and peace of God’s Words.
Nothing has changed. I still find my hope and my peace and my joy in my Father’s wonderful words! I have spent over 30 years serving children all over the world. I have seen them suffer unspeakable terrors and live in constant danger. I have never lost confidence in my Father’s deep desire to care for them, His ability to rescue them. I fail, but He never does!
I have been thinking a lot about these things as I, like all of you, have found my life interrupted and even stopped by something I do not really understand. I had so many plans, but my Father clearly had something else for me. We continue to order equipment and prepare new stories so that when the doors are open to gather, to travel, we are ready.
A life walking with Jesus has taught me that there is more. I have been working for a long time on a book about our stories, the things we have seen God do, the lives we have seen Him rescue. I am always running, but now I will be still and write. My Father always redeems the moments!
A dear friend, Becky, Kelsey’s mother, encouraged me through a text she sent to use this time in this way. After reading her words, I felt my Father encouraging me to write the following words. Ironically, it is the ending of the book that I am still writing.
Here is what I wrote: “I have written these words in the hope that long after all of the people in these stories have had the sweet delight to walk into eternity, future generations will read these words. I pray that you will be encouraged to faithfully tell the children of your time: “God sees. God knows. God cares. You don’t have to be afraid anymore. There is hope. His name is Jesus.””
I am praying for you during this strange time. Please pray for me. Though I am confined to my home, I am seeking ways to be light in the darkness. This is a time for each one of us to find a way to bless others!
In Jesus,
Linda