The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:24-25, “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.

25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God…”

Some of you may know that one of Rose Marie’s many nurses was an MMA (mixed martial arts) fighter. A truly Christian lady (except when in the ring! ??), she came to work one day with a black eye. When asked what happened, she quite amusingly and briefly depicted the fight.

Apart from this R.N., I cannot quickly recall anyone rejoicing in their sufferings, much less rejoicing on behalf of someone else. Yet, Paul did count is all glory that he was allowed to suffer in the cause of Jesus Christ. His “filling up tht which is lacking” does not mean that Christ in any way or measure was lacking in suffering. Quite often, some members of the Church have to do more because other members do less. Instead of criticizing those we think are not behaving as they ought, we need to work alongside them and help carry the load.

Ministers –true ministers—do not call themselves into the LORD’s ministry. They are called by the LORD. Paul was “made a minister” by the will of Almighty God; and he benefitted the Church in that he carried out the preaching of the Word of God. When men are appointed by God to be ministers of His Truth, they benefit the Church by how they live, what they preach, and how they love those who have accepted the LORD Jesus as their Savior.

No, ministers are not without sin, but they endeavor to be, knowing that others are looking to them for leadership in the Christian way of life. Pastors labor under many trying circumstances. We need to pray for them as they bury themselves in the study the Word. There is suffering even in that. Yet, even if pastors fail to live in the shadow of Jesus, they are not our supreme example. Jesus is!! Pray that you will be an example of the LORD Christ to both the saved and the lost.

We are praying for you; please pray for us,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

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.”