Monday, March 19, 2007

Servant of Christ and Homeless Suffers Stroke

Ever participated in or heard of churches and volunteers serving breakfast at the shelter? Before _____ _____ returned to Greensboro some 20 plus years ago, there were no such services offered. A week ago today, ______ suffered a medium stroke. He's recovering, but his speech is still slightly impaired.

One of ______'s mentors, John Staggers of Washington, DC, was also a humble servant who's "under the radar" ministry touched thousands. John used to respectfully reject any recognition of his good works, "so it won't spoil my heavenly reward." (see references below to Jesus' teachings.) So in that spirit, I am leaving out his name. If you want to learn his name, feel free to ask me or Cara Michele or most anyone at the shelter...

A good friend wrote this short note about _____, encouraging us to pray.

_____ _______ has had a long and compassionate ministry in Greensboro through music and service for many years....His work with the homeless of Greensboro has been very significant. I am sure a number of you know _____ and his wife _____ to some capacitiy....he was a neighbor of mine for several years and has been an example of humble and gracious service for Christ as long as I have known (or known of) him. The thought of _____'s speech being impaired is painful to imagine as _____ possesses an incredible singing voice, a gift he has been sharing for thirty years or more. I could go on and on.....excuse my indulgence, I guess the reality of age and the fallout of a broken world weigh heavy as I consider _____ in the hospital. There is much to be grateful for .... just as there is much need for intercessory prayer.

Matthew 6:2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:1-3 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-5 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:5[ Prayer ] "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 6:4-6 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Matthew 6:5-7 (in Context)
Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:16[ Fasting ] "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full
.Matthew 6:15-17 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Comments:
Praying with you...

Peace,
Cara Michele
 
Very effective post. Made me stop to think of the truth behind it.
 
Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]





<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?

Subscribe to Posts [Atom]