It has been over a month since I sent out a newsletter. For a while, I didn’t know what to say at all. Then I realized what message I needed to convey. Then I had to pray about just how to say what I need to say. I got an e-mail from my daughter-in-law. It is one of those daily e-mails sent out for inspiration. The subject line reads “Insightful Illustrations.” That e-mail gave me the foundation of what to say. So, I will copy it for you to read and then pick up again afterwards.

“After Louis Daguerre invented one of the earliest photographic processes in 1837, the French Government declared his invention “Open to the world.” Immediately, “Daguerreotypes” began appearing from every continent; photographs of the great cities of London, Paris, Cairo, and New York. But when these early photographs of busy city streets were displayed, viewers came away from the galleries puzzled. There were no people in these photos. Nowhere in these pictures of Paris show any people. It was as if all these cities were ghost towns. Where were all the people?
There were indeed many people when the photos were taken. The reason they did not appear in the pictures is because the people were in motion and it took more than ten minutes for the images to form on the chemically treated plates that were used in the cameras of that day.
Like the Daguerreotype’s inability to discern people and animals in motion, so are our feeble senses inadequate to discern the actions of the living God. God is living and active and is light years ahead of our scrutiny as we attempt to “figure out” what He is doing behind the scenes on our behalf. The Scripture says, “His judgments are unsearchable and His ways are unfathomable.” (Romans 11:33)
Can’t see God in your circumstances? Don’t worry, we are called to walk by faith not by sight. God is there, though you cannot see Him, and He is working out all things for His glory and your good.
PRAYER: Dear Father in heaven, I have worn myself sick trying to figure out what You are doing in my life. Help me to rest in your love, power, and wisdom, as I seek to please You and give You first place in my life. Amen.”

I went to Washington State in October open to the possibility that God may want me to move there. Even as I came back I felt even more so that it was God’s will for me to move. However, as time passed, it seemed less and less likely that it was His will. Even then I still sat in wait for Him to tell me “the rest of the story.” I felt all that needed to happen was for Him to provide the funding. In late January as I met with Pastoral leadership and my accountability partner it became very evident that I am not moving anywhere. And I am also not going to be starting a Love Inc affiliate. I do still believe that Love Inc would fill a great need in New Orleans. But, I no longer believe I am to have a leadership role in making that happen.

As the illustration above indicates, we are not always privy to the details of God’s work. It is only up to us to be obedient to His calling for us. I can only say that my considering moving was a lesson in obedience for me. The why I do not know and I may never know. It really does not matter.

About a year and a half ago the work that I do here began to change. While I kept busy, what I did changed some. As October approached work slowed down to almost nothing. When I came back it continued to be slow until about three weeks ago. In recent weeks, I have fielded many phone calls and began working with quite a few new people. My primary focus is still healthcare. However, my focus is more on helping people seek out the benefits and agencies in the area that can provide for their needs. I am helping several people with the Disability Application process. I have helped a couple file for additional benefits through Social Security, Medicaid, and Food Stamps. I am also working with several people who are trying to get on their feet spiritually, financially, and emotionally. I continue to consult with families seeking options in healthcare. My services continue to be free to the consumer. I still work strictly on donations.

In Exodus 17, Moses recounts a battle he led the Israelites in fighting. While Moses was not able to directly fight, he was called to be a pivotal part of the process. Verse 12 tells us “But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.”

I need some people to support my hands. As I continue to do the work the Lord has for me, there are needs to be met. There are several ways you can help.

I have repeatedly asked for people to go to www.goodsearch.com and sign up for their toolbar choosing Healthcare Solutions – A Christian Ministry as your charity. When you cruise the internet searching, every time you search money is donated to this ministry. You can also sign up for www.goodshop.com. When you shop on the internet with any of their vendors a percentage of what you spend will be donated to Healthcare Solutions. There are many popular companies who support this site. This is an easy way to support this ministry. In my opinion, it is a no brainer. Yet, very few people have signed up. In fact, for the year 2010, I did not even receive a check from them. The minimum of $20 has to be met in order for them to mail a check. Please consider signing up and downloading the toolbar.

Another way to help is to consider a monthly donation. All donations are tax deductible. No amount is too large or too small. Even $10 a month makes a huge difference. Donations continue to be very low. At this point there is a need for $2,000 to take care of needs by March 1st.

Prayer is a very important part of this ministry. I covet your prayers on a daily basis – for myself as well as those I serve.

Volunteers are also welcome. Many of those I serve require help with grocery shopping, medication runs, light housekeeping, even sometimes just companionship.

Please consider any and all of my suggestions and feel free to make some of your own.

Thank you all for your continued support.

I continue to pray that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation of the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power.” Ephesians 1:17-19