News - 04222007

It is often difficult to understand how important each of our lives is before God. We often fail to value our own gifts that we have received from the Lord. Perhaps the greatest failing in recognizing what we do is found in our giving; especially in financial giving to ministries pleasing to the Lord. As we give to the Lord, great care is addressed to each and every gift, regardless of amount, by the Holy Spirit. In Zechariah 4:10 NLT, we read, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

What seems small to you might be huge to someone else. In World War II, Bohn Fawkes piloted a B-17. On one mission he took flak from Nazi antiaircraft guns. Even though his gas tanks were hit they did not explode, and Fawkes was able to land safely. On the morning following the raid Fawkes asked his crew chief for the German shell, to keep as a souvenir of his good fortune. The chief explained that not just one, but eleven shells had been found in the gas tank, none of which had exploded. Technicians opened the shells and found them void of explosive charge. They were clean and harmless, and with one exception, empty. The exception contained a carefully rolled piece of paper. On it a message had been scrawled in the Czech language. “This is all we can do for you now.” A courageous assembly line worker was disarming bombs and scribbled that note. He couldn’t end the war, but he could save one plane. He couldn’t do everything, but he could do something, and he did it.

Yes, your notes, your gifts, and your prayers for the Kingdom of God count! Let no one tell you that your gift is too small! Remember: “do not despise these small beginnings.”

Speaking of making a difference, I need to share some updates concerning a couple of folks who are very dear to us.

The Few, The Proud, The Merrill! As we shared in our January Newsletter, Merrill Healy joined the Marines and went off to Basic Training in San Diego. He has just graduated Basic Training, is home this weekend, and is off on Tuesday to combat training at Camp Pendleton for 3-4 weeks. In his testing, Merrill scored very high in language skills (Merrill could always talk!) so after Camp Pendleton he is most likely off to Monterey, CA for special language training school.

We are very proud of him and are very appreciative of all the men and women who protect our nation by serving in our country’s armed forces. We (and his parents) fervently ask you to put him on your daily prayer list for protection and safety. It is our prayer that the Angels of God will watch over him with a hedge of protection and that he will meet and serve with other Christians that will encourage him in his walk of faith in Jesus Christ.

Kim Kaufman joined YWAM (Youth with a Mission) a while back, and has seen the world!
Not quite a Marine but Kim Kaufman is definitely a Soldier for Christ that has traveled the world on a mission for Jesus! She just sent us an update that I want to share with you:

How do I say thank you for your generosity in giving toward the work the Lord has called me to, as well as all your faithful service to Him. Helping Neighbors has been one of my most faithful supporters financially as well as moral support. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.

I have been directing a school of evangelism with a group of dynamic students. We have been in lecture phase for the past 3 months training and equipping them to go out to the utmost parts of the earth. The students will leave for Chicago next week to do inner city ministry for 2 weeks. Then off to Nepal for 6 weeks to minister to various Nepali people groups. We will be teaching an intense Discipleship course up in the mountains to 30 to 50 Youth Pastors from 10 different regions. The team will trek in to live with them (no electric or running water). – Please keep Kim Kaufman and her great work in your prayers!

We are excited about being a small part in what God is doing around the globe! Helping Neighbors Worldwide Ministries started small but each year we gain more support through people like you. We need your help to continue supporting the many ministries that are involved. Bless you for the small things and for being part of this ministry!

Bless you for caring!