The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 4:10-13, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

There is nothing so exciting –so fulfilling—as giving to the needs of others! Just seeing the face of one you have helped is its own reward. At the same time, there are moments when we ourselves need the help of others. Paul recognized his own needs and rejoiced that the Philippian believers had once again sent him sent him help. Paul was not begging for help. He had learned how to cope with whatever circumstances confronted him. He knew the difference between a cold hamburger and a hot, juicy steak. You do what you can with what you have, and you don’t complain.

I cannot honestly say that I cannot recall a time when I was desperately hungry. I do, however, remember times when I was treated with sumptuous meals. There is a secret to both: it lies in our yieldedness to Christ. Whatever we encounter, He is sufficient to satisfy us. The LORD Himself said to the prophet Jeremiah, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27). And just a few verses following our verses above, Paul wrote: “…God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

The fact that God is able and willing to “supply all (our) needs” does not mean that we are to neglect others who have needs. Many missionaries live under less-than-desirable conditions. They have needs some of

us have never encountered. It remains for us to hear and heed the LORD’s call to provide for them. Don’t

say, “The LORD Himself will provide for them,” when He wants to use you in the process. Jonah had to

die to himself before he was prepared to witness to the Ninevites. You have no idea what the LORD has

in store for you when you reach out to help His other servants.

“’Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together,

running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be

measured to you in return’” (Lk. 6:38).

We love each and every one of you, and we pray the LORD’s blessing on your lives,

Nana & Dado III

P. S. Nana (Rose Marie) is progressing well and is tentatively scheduled to return home on Monday!

Join our family in praising the LORD!

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.”