Running Well
As a young man, I was deeply inspired by the missionary Jim Elliot’s life and words. Remember, Jim was a missionary–and then a martyr at the hands of the violent Auca Indians to whom he was witnessing. At the age of 28, he left behind a young wife, a baby daughter, and an incredible legacy of faith. Jim wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Jim’s widow, young daughter and a few others, despite their loss, stayed and contacted the tribe and many Auca Indians trusted in Jesus Christ.
I have been marked again by a new Jim Elliot quote I had never heard, “When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die.” What a challenging word to leave all on the track as we run the final laps of our race on this side. As we age, we may not always be able to run fast, but we have opportunity to run well.
A Change of Pace + A Change of Place = A Change of Perspective
Donna and I were grateful to minister for eight days to military officers and families teaching about the person of Jesus Christ and where our hope resides. We love the work of Officers’ Christian Fellowship White Sulphur Springs, Pennsylvania Retreat Center.
I ponder how much I truly owe these military folks. What they are willing to do and what their families are willing to endure and risk so we can enjoy freedom is beyond what I can imagine. Their mission is essential, and I salute them.
James Samaritan State of the Children Breakfast
Three Hundred-sixty plus people attended James Samaritan’s First Annual State of Our Children’s Breakfast.
I got to share Psalm 20:7—“Some people trust in chariots, some people trust in horses, but our trust is in the name of the Lord our God.” There is nothing wrong with horses and chariots, but man-made solutions alone will never win the day. With our trust in the Lord and people of good-faith and good-will working together, we can solve problems that desperately need solving. It was amazing to see people from law enforcement, legal, social work, nonprofit, education, medical, faith, government, and business community coming together for purpose.
I got involved as a friend and advocate for James Samaritan when I learned of two girls who aged out of the foster-care system. With no place to go, they were living in the laundromat, and the pimp came in every couple of days asking if they needed help or money. He was trying to reel them in. I was pierced in my heart. What kind of rock had I been living under to not know that too many kids face challenges like this.
Jefferson Parish Prayer Breakfast
We had a fantastic Jefferson Parish Prayer Breakfast with Featured Speaker New Orleans Saints All-Pro Linebacker Demario Davis. What a testimony of his life in Jesus Christ. He is all in for the Kingdom of God. During the 2019 season, Davis was fined $7,000 by the NFL for wearing a headband with the words “Man of God” on it, though the fine was later repealed. I am grateful for my colleague, Barry Haindel and the work he and his team do to make these events fruitful.
Prayer
- I will be preaching at Forcey Bible Church on August 15 at 9am and 11am on the topic, “How to Live with Strong Convictions and Civility in an Age of Hostility.” I look forward to seeing some of you. I will also speak at the Forcey Men’s Retreat on October 8-10.
- We are launching a new Leader Faith Forum for the elected leaders of Jefferson Parish. We have prayed and worked toward this for several years, and it is now coming to fruition.
- Pray for our work with Capitol Commission as the ministry looks to expand to several new State Capitols by installing new Chaplain/State ministers.
Helping Louisiana’s Leaders,
Michael