January 21, 2010

We continue to be horrifi ed by the images coming out of Haiti following last week’s earthquake. We are deeply saddened by the news that two of our UMCOR executives Sam Dixon and Clayton Rabb lost their lives. We continue to pray earnestly for those
living in Haiti and those who have gone down to continue rescue and relief efforts.

It is easy to be overwhelmed with this tragedy as it is with any tragedy of this proportion. It is easy to feel helpless because the situation seems so remote and far away. Faith however is not about what we cannot do but what we can do. I cannot go to Haiti today but I can pray and send my resources to those who are on the front
lines. I can also get out in my community and my neighborhood and share mercy and compassion with those who are in my midst.

Last week, for example, Grace Avenue celebrated the completion of a Habitat for Humanity house in McKinney. A new habitat house will be starting soon. Will you join the effort? Tonight a group of 17 volunteers are being trained to teach literacy for those who do not speak the English language well. They will begin teaching in the
L.I.F.T. program at our church in the next two weeks. Are you willing to be in the next group of instructors? Also we are starting a new initiative at Grace Avenue called the Fishing Expedition. Details are in this edition of the Streetlight. Will you be a part of this initiative?

Rick Warren recently said: “You don’t judge the strength of an army by how many soldiers sit and eat in the mess hall but by how they perform on the front line. Likewise, the church’s strength is not seen in how many show up but how many serve in the ministry.”

Where will you be on the front line for Jesus Christ this week?

 
With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter