And great crowds came to Him (Jesus), bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31
Every now and then I come across the story of a person who impresses me. Today's devotion revolves around such an individual.
May I tell you about seven-year-old Annie Clark? She goes to Wilson Christian Academy. This year she won a penmanship contest ... and $1,000. The award is especially meaningful since Clark was born without hands. She writes by moving the pencil with her forearms.
Pretty impressive, don't you think?
Well, this story isn't about Annie Clark. Yes, she is special, but the real special folks who touched me are her parents: Tom and Mary Ellen.
The couple has nine children: three biological kids and six who were adopted from China, including Annie. She is one of the four adoptees who have special needs, which affect their hands and arms.
Mary Ellen said, "Each time, we weren't looking to adopt a special-needs child, but that is what happened. This was the family God wanted for us."
Tom said, Annie is "an amazing little girl. It's a shame because society places so many rules on how people should look, but the minds of these kids are phenomenal."
Truly, little Annie is special; but her parents are specialer.
Here is a couple whose love of the Lord is so big they find it a blessing to welcome into their family children who have been avoided and shunned by others. Then, having done what others might think is extraordinary, they show the Savior's love by teaching those children that God will do great and wonderful things for and with them.
These are the kind of people I wish I was. They are the kind of people who remind me that the Lord Jesus can do great things if we let Him work in us and through us.
I mean if the Lord can help Annie Clark win a penmanship contest, what can't He do with all of us?
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, You have always specialized in doing what we humans consider to be impossible. Today I ask that You grant me the grace to set my limitations to the side and be empowered to do something special. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What "tune" was Psalm 58 set to? "Do not destroy." (Good job Dianne Hance!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: According to Psalm 146, how long does the Lord reign?
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CATECHISM
Question: Why are there evil and suffering in this world?
Answer: Evil and suffering are in the world because of sin. But in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated His power over sin and death. God in His almighty power and love causes all things to workt ogether for good to those who live Him.
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CHURCH CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Alpha 6:30; trustees meeting 7
Wed- bells 6:30; choir 7:30
Thurs- nothing
Fri- Bible study at Hendershots 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- early Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Sunday school 10:15; worship 11am
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NEWS:
VOTER'S MEETING ON SUNDAY, MAY 20, at 10:15!!
Two important items are on the agenda.
1. The building committee will present their newest ideas and findings, and the plan for the future.
2. First we will vote whether or not to keep the 11am service (In January it was only decided that it would be temporary until this May meeting whenw e would decide whether or not to make it permanent.) Then, if and when we decide to keep the 11am service, we will decide how to best change the service times so that we have enough time for fellowship and Sunday school between services.
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ALPHA CLASS CONTINUES THIS WEEK AND EVERY TUESDAY at 6:30pm!!!
Everyone is always welcome even if you haven't been to a class yet! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HELP TO FEED HUNGRY KIDS IN WARREN COUNTY WITH OPERATION BACKPACK
In the preschool room there is a box that you can put food in to feed extremely low income children in Warren County. Many of these kids get fed every day at school for breakfast and lunch, but what about the weekend? What the food listed below does for many of these children is gets them through the weekend when food is especially scarce.
If you want more information about this program or you want to donate money to this causeyou can call Erin Waters at 359-9219 or email her at erinwaters@centurytel.net.
Here is the list of food you can bring
cereal (single serve sizes)
oatmeal (instant packets)
hot chocolate mix
juice boxes
peanut butter
jelly (squeezable bottles)
soup
spaghettios or beefaroni
mac and cheese
corn
green beans
granola bars
fruit snacks
pudding cup
raisin boxes
applesauce cups
fruit cups
cereal bards
pretzels
individually wrapped crackers or cookies
bread
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY IS LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF AND HUMAN CARE
Lutheran World Relief is often the first to arrive when disaster strikes in this country and around the world. If you care to donate to this cause make your checks payable to St John's and clearly makr the designated envelope for Lutheran World Relief. As always these donations should be over and above your normal tithes and offerings.
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