Leroy Barber's Blog
Winter / 02.26.09, 11:38 AM
Dear Friends,
This is the time of year that challenges our team members tremendously. They are midway through the year, it has been cold for a while and they, like everyone else, are tired of the cold, especially when heading out every day to catch public transportation or walk. At this point, the challenges of living and serving far outweigh the glamour when you live in an under-resourced community, work in an under-supported school or ministry and read about the injustice of it daily. The days get long and the inspiration becomes hard to grasp. Questions like, “Why am I here?” and, “Am I really going to make a difference?” begin to ring loudly in the heart and mind.
It is right at this point where we begin to see God emerge in our work. In the middle of the mundane, in the midst of struggle, here is where our faith is found. Here is where we are broken, and God takes over in our weakness. God, in the middle of our questions and scuffle to keep things together, shows himself strong. When we can’t see but keep walking towards what we believe, it is indeed faith. Faith pleases God.
We will keep walking even though it is cold, even though it seems fruitless in the winter of our work. We have faith that this spring and summer God will make our efforts to love people and represent him bloom. The seeds of relationships planted over the fall and faithfully cared for over the winter will flower.
People are watching us as we alertly, unswervingly stay at our post… in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth and when God is showing his power; when we’re doing our best to set things right; when we’re praised and when we’re blamed; slandered or honored; true to our word though distrusted; ignored by the world but recognized by God; terrifically alive though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives but refusing to die; immersed in tears yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts yet enriching many; having nothing yet having it all.
It is in the everyday struggle of life where we begin to make an impact. It is in the dreary days of winter where we gain strength. The humdrum days of February lead to the fulfillment of spring. Please continue to pray and support us financially through this winter as we anticipate a wonderful season ahead.
With Love, Appreciation and Thanks,
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yes! so true. Thanks Leroy! So thankful for you and Donna! ~ Faith
By Faith / Feb 26, 12:59 PM / #
Some time before, I really needed to buy a car for my organization but I didn’t earn enough cash and couldn’t buy anything. Thank heaven my friend suggested to get the loans at reliable bank. Thus, I acted so and used to be happy with my small business loan.
By loan / Aug 27, 04:03 PM / #