January 2009

..... Do you get excited when you know it is time for club? I have to admit, Wednesday night is not always the easiest night of the week. The cold, wintry weather we have had in SE Michigan has made it even more tempting to stay home in front of the fireplace and promise to pray for folks, instead of venturing out! (See, missionaries can be "real" people too!!)

Everything seems to fall into place when the kids start coming in the church door! Leaders are early and waiting for the night to begin. The regular attendees know exactly what to do. Visitors are made to feel welcome. Our large group time is first. It is a blessing to have a really good song leader that uses bright visuals and teaches the meaning of the words. The clubbers enjoy doing sign language with certain songs, too. A huge thrill is watching the bus kids.

While going through some old papers, I found the following poem written in 1779 by William Cowper. I hope you don't mind my sharing:

SOMETIMES A LIGHT SURPRISES

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again. A season of clear shining, to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue the theme of God's salvation, and find it ever new. Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say, Let the unknown tomorrow Bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through; Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too; Beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed; And he Who feeds the ravens will give his children bread.

Though vine no fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear, Though all the fields should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there; Yet, God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice, For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

Isn't it wonderful to praise the Lord? Going home with a song in my heart after club is GREAT!

Connie