Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 4th Quarter 2016
This year has sped by at amazing speed. Time certainly flies, and I fly more. Early October already marks the introduction of Christmas decorations in malls and shopping outlets, yet most of the world hurries on, forgetting that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” How is it with you and me?
As busy health workers, we are totally occupied and engrossed, as we daily encounter the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people. We are so deeply engaged that we ourselves become physically and emotionally exhausted, and even spiritually jaded. Jesus foresaw this scenario; this is why He invited the disciples to “come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile.” We should strive to do this daily as we rest from our works and are immersed in His righteousness and healing. My prayer is that you will make such an opportunity daily, especially over this festive season.
I would like to thank you all for your untiring ministry to a world in need. Thank you for being His hands to touch lives and alleviate all kinds of suffering. The recipients of your care and effort are drawn into a tangible understanding of the love of Jesus through your life. As you move into the new year with its uncharted terrain, challenges, and your personal resolutions, may you be ever encouraged by the promises … God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” and that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13: 5, 8 NIV.
As the General Conference Adventist Health Ministries Team, our prayer for each one of you can be summarized in the beautiful hymn:
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be In working or in waiting, another year with Thee; Another year of progress, another year of praise, Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace, another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face; Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast; Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love, Another year of training for holier work above; Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee. —Frances Ridley Havergal
Let us move forward in confidence, and, empowered by His Spirit, embrace the world’s brokenness through Comprehensive Health Ministry, sharing wholeness, serving all, and with every member engaged and involved. The intensity and frequency of daily events and catastrophes, not to mention the relentless thrust to exclude God from government and society, leave us in no doubt that we are indeed living in “…grand and awful times”. But we have hope, “…hope in the coming of the Lord.”
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
