Dear Christian Family Fellowshipper,
God bless you in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. Do you see what God sees when you look in a mirror? Do you see the glory of the Lord and the brilliance of the Christ in you? Do you see that you have a ministry? God has called you to serve. (That's what "ministry" means; it is a service.)

II Corinthians 3:18; 4:1:
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

We "have this ministry," or as the Greek puts it, "therefore having this ministry." There should be no doubt in our mind, we have this ministry because WE HAVE RECEIVED MERCY. Our lives have been touched by the master's hand and we make beautiful music together. The Living Translation translates II Corinthians 4:1, "And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry, we never give up." I love that statement. WE NEVER GIVE UP!

Sir Winston Churchill took three years getting through eighth grade because he had trouble learning English. It seems ironic that years later Oxford University asked him to make an address at one of its commencement exercises. He arrived with his usual props -- a cigar, a cane and a top hat. As Churchill approached the podium, the crowd rose in appreciative applause.

"With unmatched dignity, he settled the crowd and stood confident before his admirers. Removing the cigar and carefully placing the top hat on the podium, Churchill gazed at his waiting audience. Authority rang in his voice as he shouted, 'Never give up!' Several seconds passed before he rose to his toes and repeated. 'Never give up!' His words thundered in their ears. There was a deafening silence as Churchill reached for his hat and cigar, steadied himself with his cane, and left the platform. His commencement address was finished" (Reported in the "Speaker's Sourcebook II").

What are you commencing? What's on your "things to do today" list? How much more important is it for us as laborers together with God, to trust Him no matter what, and eagerly do his will. How important is it for us-especially in reaching people with the gospel of the good news of the great mystery- to never give Up! Knowing that God is working in us and with us, what more do we need!

Still ministering,

Wayne Clapp