I sat in the worship service feeling like a well-used dishrag. I had endured a very demanding week, and the coming week looked no better.The lay leader in the service had invited people to share a word of witness.A woman walked to the microphone and shared that the previous Sunday she had lost her wallet on the way to church. For most people this would be no great problem.For her it was a catastrophe.

She was African, and this was the second time in as many weeks that she had lost her identification documents.She was afraid to go to the police, fearing they would think that she was selling her documents.She was planning to return to homeland in several weeks and needed replacement documents right away.She lay awake all night praying and crying.The next morning she found her wallet, with all her documents, in her mailbox.After sharing this story in the service, she began to sing a song of thanksgiving to God.In a strong and confident voice she sang Give Them All to Jesus.There was no accompaniment; no one else sang, just the pure unencumbered music of gratitude.

For me, the most surprising thing was not that she had recovered her documents but how much her witness strengthened me that morning.I felt that I had given all I had to give that week.In all honesty, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself.But as she sang, I realized that no matter how much I give, I always receive more from others in return.

That morning God surprised me.At the World Mission Conference this summer, we will learn more about a God who surprises us.I invite you to come and be surprised by God.Who knows what can happen with a God like ours?

Matters of prayer:

• Thanksgiving that Ben and Luke both celebrated birthdays in the past two months.They continue to do well in school and enjoy their friends.
• Thanksgiving that we had a good retreat with other missionaries from the Europe/Middle East region and some staff from Valley Forge.
• Thanksgiving that the Romanian family that The Pilgrim Church is helping has found an apartment with heat to rent.
• Please remember the Union of Baptists in Belgium as they face the challenges of growth and change.
• Please remember us as we prepare to return to the States in July(So many decisions…It feels like we just did this!)
• Please remember L whose longing to be loved leads her into unhealthy relationships.

Peace,

Jim, along with Debbie and Ben and Luke