The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh

I do my share on behalf of His body (which is the church) in filling up that which

is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”

Few, if any of us, ever rejoice over sufferings. It seems natural that we suffer,

but very unnatural that we should rejoice over it. Still, Paul recognizes that as

Christ Jesus suffered in His struggle against sin, even to death, so His Church

was destined to suffer. In other words, Satan’s attack against Christ Jesus did

not cease with His death and resurrection; Satan continues to wreak havoc

against His Church. The Christian Church is today undergoing immense

persecution throughout the world! And we, as a part of the Church, are

destined to suffer, also.

Recently, church-goers were gunned down in Russia, as they left their place

of worship. African Christians have for years been attacked by renegades

simply because they were Christians. Church buildings in Egypt and throughout

the Middle East have been burned to destruction because they were Christian

places of worship. The recent severe slaying of worshippers in Texas is ample

proof of Satan’s worldwide intention to wipe out Christianity.

While the recent school shooting in Florida seems not to have been focused

primarily on Christians, it certainly follows the pattern of killings throughout

the world. I have to wonder how many of those slain were born-again Christians.

I wonder, too, how many of the Christian students (and teachers) who escaped

death, wish they had witnessed more fervently to those who died without

salvation in Christ. We never know who will be next, or how quickly death might

come to those around us. Thus, the question comes: Are we effectively bearing

witness to the salvation of Christ Jesus? We have a part in the sufferings of the

Church. We also have a part in the ministry of the Church, the Body of Christ.

God bless you as you continue to share the Gospel with those who are lost.

When others lack, we must take up the slack.

Our love abounds for you; and our prayers avail for you, too.

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”