The angels threw a party the other day. And what was the cause of their celebration? Luke 15 tells us that the angels party when a sinner comes to repentance. Our friend and neighbor was the one being honored that day. This is how it happened:
We have had a slew of funerals lately, some older folks. Even though it is still hard, still, we expect their tired bodies to give out. But one particular funeral was not an old tired gentleman but rather a 45 year old man too defeated to want to live any longer. Truly a tragedy that need not have happened. Greg was asked to do the funeral and many were praying for him. What do you say at a funeral such as this? Greg chose Isaiah 55.
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
And you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Why spend money on what is not bread and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
And you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
Listen, that you may live.
Many in the audience needed to hear the message; young people choosing substance abuse to fill the empty places in their souls. The woman sitting beside me was one such person. I couldn’t help but notice she cried through the whole service. Of course, this was a very sad funeral and tears to be expected, but her tears were more the work of God stirring her heart. She said afterwards that she felt Greg was talking directly to her and that she was desperate to be saved. She accepted Jesus, and we were ecstatic…………………and that’s when the angels got out the streamers and balloons, and threw a party.
We live in a place similar to the inner cities of America where there is much violence and darkness. Satan reigns here, and yet the Holy Spirit is here dispelling the darkness and shedding the love of God abroad in people’s hearts. What a wonderful life is ours. What a privilege that He gifts us with–being his instruments. Thank you for making our stay here possible.
Our local fellowship is another area where Jesus is gaining the victory. Many young couples and families are coming out on Sundays, eager to hear the Word and grow. A husband told us recently that he had been having dreams that God wanted him to quit his job and give himself more fully to serving the Lord, perhaps here at the mission in some capacity. We are praying for a sponsor who would take him on and help support his family of six.
Praise be to God who fills our empty places with Himself, satisfying us with the richest of fares.
Love, Greg and Kathy Staley
Immanuel Mission 