May 2023 - Volume 55 - Number 5

When we read about Jesus’ ministry, we naturally focus on Jesus and his apostles. After all, they are the characters most often in the stories. Sometimes the apostles get what Jesus says and does. And then there are those times when Jesus looks them in the eyes and asks them point blank, “Are you still so dull?” (Matthew 15:16). You gotta love the apostles. They are so like us.
 
But there are some behind-the-scenes people during Jesus’ ministry. Mostly they are unnamed. But at one point, Luke pulls back the veil a bit and introduces us to part of this group. “The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:1-3, NIV).
 
Why do I mention these women? In the past several weeks we have lost two women from our church family who would no doubt have been part of the group of women Luke mentioned. Not because they had been cured of evil spirits, but because out of their own means they supported the ministry of Jesus. Ramona Hunsaker and Mary Lee were both generous women. And I do not mean just with their money. They were generous with their time to serve in many ways. They were both encouragers of their preachers and others in the church. They led their families with a godly character that provided a great model to follow. They were faithful women who attended and served as long as their health allowed them. And then when their health failed them, they regretted not being able to do more. What a legacy they leave behind.
 
But here is the lesson for all of us from their examples. They were not born as the fine examples they became. Somewhere along the way they each determined they would allow God to use them as he desired. No doubt they were often surprised at the opportunities God provided them. No doubt on occasion they may have even questioned where God was leading them. But they obeyed and followed. And I believe that is the response God wants from all of us, and that is the response he is most easily able to bless.
 
Have you come to the point in your life where you can honestly say to God, “What do you want me to do for you?” You may not like his answer, or you may not agree with his answer, but are you willing to follow him? He will not ask you to do anything he will not equip you to do.
 
Are you willing to let him grow you into greater areas of service? What he wants you to do now may not be what he wants you to do several years from now. Follow his lead and accept the opportunities he brings your way. Support his ministry out of your own means.
 
Thanks for reading,
 
Rick
LaMoine Camp Fellowship at Liberty Christian Church
Monday, May 8th at 6:30 pm.
The van will leave the church at 6:00 pm.
Our volunteer day at CFCAC for May is on
Saturday, May 27th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Board will meet on Sunday, May 28th
after Morning Worship Service.
Family Fellowship Carry-in
will be on Sunday, May 28th
after Morning Worship Service.