The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforts us in all our affliction

so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort

with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ

are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.”

I’m sure you’ve heard of the man who complained that he had no shoes –until he

met a man who had no feet. How like that we are. No doubt, you’’ve heard the old

spiritual song: “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen; Nobody knows but Jesus.”

Paul treats all complainers with a word of praise: “Blessed be the God and Father

of our LORD Jesus Christ…” Blessed (eulogetos) means “well spoken, good word.”

We are to rejoice in the LORD. His compassion is our encouragement.

Just last night before we prayed, we received notice of a tragedy that surrounds

a retired missionary couple. I met Jack and Isa Douglas when I went to Papua

New Guinea many years ago. They were missionaries, who blessed my life in so

many ways. The sacrifices they made for the cause of Jesus Christ were multiple.

So, why now is Isa suffering from brain cancer? We have our health problems,

but they pale in comparison with theirs.

The LORD is comfort to all of us! He comforts us so that we may comfort others.

Some of you will readily understand this; others of you will understand it in time.

It all comes down to the fact that Christ allows us to suffer, so that we may know

how to empathize with others in their suffering. Yet, Christ Jesus Himself suffered

far more than we will ever know this side of Eternity. “Blessed be the God and

Father of our LORD Jesus Christ!” Please pray for Jack and Isa, as we pray for

one another.

Lovingly, prayerfully yours, always,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”