September 11, 2021
LIVE JOYFULLY
Rick Delaney
Volunteer, Ohio
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6
Paul writes to encourage the Christians at Philippi to live joyfully in every circumstance. To know and celebrate the belief there is a partnership between the followers of God and Christ. Paul points to Jesus’ death to show that God can take even the darkest moment in history and turn it into a reason for joy “in the Lord.”
Three of my four seasons in Karonga – I had “my guys.” Lewis, Robert, Richard, Jaswell, and others. We toiled, prayed, laughed heartily, and shared personal connection cultivating our closeness. Trip #1 - my last day in the bush 2010, I was saddened knowing I would not be working with “my guys” the next day…
Richard settled the moment by reminding me to discover joy in every circumstance and God would reunite us “to carry it on to completion.” That we are a family of Christians who love one another and are graced by the words of the gospel and blessings from our Father. I remember driving the tarmac reflecting on Richard’s words and the calm it provided as I prepared for the next day’s departure. To his word, we worked two more campaigns together as we celebrated joy “in the Lord.”
Sadly, this past winter I received the following message from Lewis (Mr. Silungwe): Dear Sir, I must let you know that we lost Richard Vinkhumbo due to a road accident on 17 January 2021 and was buried on 18 January 2021……
I had to read it twice – check my journal for the spelling of Richard’s last name. Partners for only three seasons, yet he was profoundly important in my life and experience with MMM. I look upon his picture and feel heartache for his family, friends, and community. Yet, as we find in scripture, I also know Richard was willing to be used by God with purpose, ministry, and the spirit of a better life through clean water for all God’s people. Our friend Richard is remembered with joy and thanksgiving in spreading Christ’s love to lift up others.
Application Question: Are you remembered with Joy by your acts of kindness?
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your Church, which is the body of Christ and the family of God. As we lift up the needs and requests of our brothers and sisters, may our prayers be bathed in love and grace, forgiveness and faith, care and concern. Amen.
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