Gloria

Many of you have at some time sung to the accompaniment of my little "Gloria," a toaster-sized electronic hymn player. It was developed in the 90s by missionary friends in Latin America to help churches that lacked trained musicians for leading worship. Yesterday an amazing story came by e-mail from Colombia. "Our church chairman Felipe took his Gloria, his Bible, and several books along when he traveled to Spain for a 3-week visit with his dying uncle. Except for occasional naps during the day, the uncle has not slept for weeks, so Felipe had Gloria playing much of the time and sang dozens of songs that communicated truths he wanted to share. After two weeks, his uncle responded and prayed to receive eternal life through faith in Jesus. Meanwhile, Gloria had become the main attraction, as nuns and nurses became fascinated by the instrument and would keep coming by to ask all sorts of questions. Felipe ran out of books (which happened to be several of our own titles) but we were able to get more shipped to him in time to distribute to those he still wanted to reach. He had only one left when he boarded the plane for Colombia, only to discover that his seatmate was a lady who needed that very book. Fortunately he had not packed it in his suitcase!" I love being reminded about the power of good music and especially the power of God.

Yesterday we attended a consortium at SIM about our Hope for AIDS ministry. It's sobering to contemplate the scope of that dreadful disease, but encouraging to hear about the sacrificial work of caring Christians at the grass-roots level who make a huge difference for those who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The approach of this ministry is defined by H-O-P-E: Home-based care of the ill, Orphan care, Prevention through discipleship and education, and Enabling the local church to do all the above. (hopeforaids.org)

The nurse hit a vein yesterday but was barely able to fill a vial before the blood stopped flowing; Wednesday's port implantation is certainly in the "nick of time." I am so thankful to continue to feel well, to be able to sleep soundly, and to know the One who is fully reliable (making it possible for us to Fully Rely On God). Chuck is re-reading the book Dead Sea Rules, from which that concept came to us, and he says he keeps finding wonderful new truths.

Have a great weekend.

Love,
Carol