Susan hard at work in the pit (her studio).

Is it Time to Dust Off Your Gifts and Talents?

Dear Friends and Partners,

My wife, Susan, has a favorite saying whenever she starts thinking about gardening, a project around the house, or doing something new. She says, “I’m not dead!“

Susan is an accomplished stained glass artist. At one time, she produced stained glass as a business. She also won awards for her work. What she does is not just run-of-the-mill stained glass. It is creative, colorful, beautiful, and unique.

But when we moved to Scandia four years ago, her stained glass art dropped off the radar. All her equipment and glass pieces ended up in the back of the garage, since we had no place for a stained-glass studio.

A few months ago, I helped her set up a studio in the storage room of our basement, and she has begun creating stained glass once again. Whenever she has time, she says, “I’m going down to the pit,“ meaning in the basement. Now you have to understand, Susan hates basements. If she’s trekking off to the basement to do something, she must really enjoy doing it. You see, Susan‘s not dead. Neither are you and I.

It’s so tempting to think, “I’m too old.“ Or, “I don’t have what it takes.“ Or, “I can’t learn no things.” So, as a result of negative thinking, we sit on our hands and do nothing.

I’ve been inspired by a 93-year-old British Evangelist named David Hathaway. David has come back from cancer twice, was once confined in a Soviet prison, but has persevered in life to bring salvation to many and revival in the Church. At 93, he continues to travel and minister in Europe and central Asia. David Hathaway is not dead. Neither are you. Neither am I. 

The Bible says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23 MEV). What is gathering dirt in the back of your garage? What is lying dormant in your creative toolbox? Maybe it’s time to dust off your gifts and talents and start using them to glorify the Lord. 

For you, maybe it’s writing poetry or starting a blog or working with wood. Or maybe it’s being a friend to your neighbor or starting a Bible study. Or perhaps it’s finding a place to serve in your local church. Whatever you do, do it heartily unto the Lord. Every day is a gift! Let’s make the best of it! 

Teaching in the Bible School in Benin

For all the evils that come along with modern technology, there certainly are some great benefits as well. In February, I taught a class to the Bible students at Mt. Moriah Bible School in Benin, West Africa, via an app called Google Meet. Similar to Zoom, but easier to use, Google Meet enabled me to speak to, see the faces of, and hear responses from about 15 students. It was truly a joy to speak with these receptive seekers of truth.

I spoke on “Hearing God’s Voice,” beginning with Jesus’ statement, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 MEV). I taught that:

• God does speak, and it’s normal to hear His voice.
• Hearing God’s voice is central to the Bible and its covenants. 
• Hearing God’s voice is a Gospel benefit.
• Hearing God’s voice is based on a relationship with God. 
• To hear God’s voice, you need to learn to awaken your spirit man and quiet your mind and emotions.

Pray for Hope for Mahnomen April 14-15

Please pray for our upcoming outreach, Hope for Mahnomen, on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14-15, 6:30 p.m. nightly, at the Mahnomen High School Gymnasium Mahnomen, Minnesota. Click here to learn more>>>

Thankful for you!

Susan and I are so thankful for your partnership in prayer, in encouragement, and in finances as you are led. It’s great to be part of a team that cares about souls and is seeking to expand the Kingdom of God in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls. We are praying for you! 

Let’s keep going for Jesus!

Tom