Words of Encouragement

It is really hard to believe how powerful our words are for good or for harm in people's lives.

I have spent some time today reading birthday cards, notes from teachers about kids, thank you notes and other things collected for a second reading. The reason these cards are so important is that they have something encouraging to say to me about a family party or accomplishment of children.

 Of interest is that many of these people are no longer on planet earth. The dear notes from my mother. The very lovely notes from Eloise Hardman, first secretary of Project Lost Sheep.

The night we were incorporated Eloise said. "I will do the job but I don't do the computer." She was about 80 at the time. Eloise was a real encourager. She always had time to listen to me and she noted with interest the development of the kids. She always had something positive to say. She also would invite me over to her house and as a young mom I really appreciated the time to sit in her living room in the quiet.

 Eloise Hardman was a dear friend. Without her willingness to back me up, there would not have been the required person to sign our official papers. Are you thinking you are too old to do anything? Think again. And do write notes of encouragement to your grown children, your grandchildren, and anyone you can say something about that encourages them.

We live by in large in a distrustful and cold world. People who encourage us are like gas in the tank. They keep us going. Even years later, an old birthday card, or Christmas card with personal note or Mother's Day card can give us an uplift.

"Do not neglect to do good when it is in your power to do it." We need to build each other up in love.

If writing isn't our thing then find someone to call on the phone and allow thirty minutes. No short cuts to really encourage someone who may be lonely and needed your voice just to lift their day.

God is full of mercy. When we extend ourselves and see and say what is positive in others we are helping that person to grow and be grounded in love. We need each other. We can't get strong unless we build each other up. It's as simple as that.

If you are thinking of someone right now, it is time for you to act. Don't wait. 

Washington DC

The last time I was here was seven years ago. There are areas of redevelopment that is much needed. The homeless seem to be everywhere. Those afflicted with drugs are obvious. The mental illness can be seen in crazy talk on the streets. A brief encounter with a restaurant manager confirmed that our work for children is needed here.

I am praying for a leader and a church that wants to reach out to the poor children so in time the city may be changed. We are instructed by the Word. "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Who will rise up with us for the children here?

Seeds grow

This afternoon I have been looking at pictures of campers from past camps. We started in Redwood City in 04 with approximately 40 campers. We have planted in young lives many good seeds of truth from Gods word.

Now over 1000 children have been through a Touchdown kids camp. I am not excited about the number but I am interested in how God has grown the seeds planted in these lives, last year a child came to camp. After that the entire family came into the church, this family is now growing in faith and love with all kinds of help.

If you look at a seed, it seems insignificant. As a child I just couldn't believe that those tiny seeds put in dirt would in time produce a plant with flowers. We know that the Word of God is so powerful that one verse can cause a grown man to fall to his knees, repent and be saved. These Biblical seeds planted in children's lives now may not seen to be active but they are inside the child and will grow in time according to Gods purpose.

What seeds are you planting in the children around you. There are all kinds but the kind that last are seeds of the Kingdom of God. I see the pictures of campers from 07. Where are they all now? We have worked the soil and planted the seed. We have done the job and will continue to work as doors are opened in other cities.

We have prayed. I think of my friend, Audrey Hosteler, who prayed in the Founders group. I once asked her how she got so much prayer in. She said, while she was working grooming pets. She put lots of love and care into the start of Project Lost Sheep. The seeds she planted in me have lasted because I never give up. God wants all the children to receive His blessings. It is not His will that any of these little ones be lost. Do you believe that?

If you can pray, please do this for us. Prayer changes things. We need your help to breakthrough in cities like Bakersfield, San Bernadino and Chicago. Prayer is the shovel that turns over the ground so we can go in and plant and plant and plant.