The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 1:8-10, “Epaphras…informed us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…”

Prisons are dismal places. There’s little to no cheerfulness, no laughter, no hope. Many occupants have no true friends on the outside. Even if some do, they rarely receive encouraging letters. Paul was an occupant in the prison in Rome. He was awaiting his opportunity to speak and bear witness of His Savior before Caesar. Encouragement arrived, however, by way of Epaphras, who informed Paul of the spiritual love the Colossian Church had for him.

Paul communicated with the Colossian Church, saying that he prayed consistantly for them all. He especially desired that they be filled to overflowing with spiritual wisdom and understanding of the knowledge of God’s will for them. If you are going to know what the LORD’s will is for your life –and that knowledge ought to be the foremost desire of your heart— you need to immerse yourself in daily prayer. Paul prayed fervently for the Colossians. I pray earnestly for you!

And if I am to be successful in ministering to others, I need people to pray for me. Wasn’t it Tennyson who said, “More things are wrought (accomplished) by prayer than this world dreams of”?

Yet, for prayer to be effective, it must be offered by those who “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” We must live spiritually honest lives if we are to please Him. Further, we must “bear fruit in every good work,” as we “increase in our knowledge of the LORD Himself.”

Remember when you were a child and really wanted something from your parents? Remember the key that unlocked their hearts? It was the “bearing of fruit”– your sweet disposition, your obedience in all things. That’s what appealed to your parents; and that’s what opens the LORD’s heart, too. Live for His glory; ask in faith; and say “Thank You” when He lovingly responds. God bless you abundantly! You’ll notice the difference in your life; and the LORD will pour out upon you blessings that will fill your heart to overflowing! Prayer and love are the answer to so much!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. Some of you will remember George and Rita Galieh from Australia. They were my musical team when we lived and

ministered in Australia and New Zealand. George is now 90 years old and in failing health. Rita is now responsible for

work George did, as well as for her own. I know they would dearly appreciate your prayers for them. They are the

most dedicated people I know, having ministered each year in Thailand for 25+ years, sharing the Gospel with Buddhists.

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.”