Dear Miss Cummings,
I have thought of you so many times over the years. And now I’m coming to realize why. You touched my life in such a deep and meaningful way it changed me, even though I was just a tow-headed, shy, ten-year old. And please forgive me. I have put this letter off far too long. I realize it’s been well over 40 years since you passed, but I am hoping a few reading this might do what I didn’t do – tell someone who has made a difference in their life just how grateful they are before that special one is gone. And maybe, just maybe, God would send an angel to you with a copy of this letter. How sweet that would be. I think God can do anything.
This is what I remember. I was in the 4th grade but starting the year at a brand new school. I shuffled into class on that first day, nervous and feeling awkward, and there you were. Silver hair pulled back in a bun. Small, gold-rimmed glasses framing your soft, round face. A pretty cotton dress. And the warmest smile I’d ever seen. One look and all my anxiety fled. And over the next nine months you poured your heart and soul into my life, encouraging and loving me in such a way that I still vividly remember. I can feel even now the joy of just being around you. And then as fourth-grade wound down, just the best news ever- You would be my teacher again in 5th grade. Those would be the two happiest years of all my schooling.
You might be surprised to know I am a pastor these days. And I sometimes wonder if a little of the love I feel for others, didn’t all start with you.
So Grateful: In my October 27, 2015 prayer letter I listed this prayer need: “Brian Nafziger – aggressive bladder cancer.” Then this email came last Thursday: Grand news. My sister’s husband, Brian Nafziger, received congrats today from his surgeon, that he is cancer free. This after bladder cancer surgery a week ago, for which you all prayed. No chemo required, but weekly preventative infusions for 6 weeks. Miraculous. Gratefully, Cynthia (Schorr)
Prayer Needs This Week…
- That in lieu of the Islamic State Paris attacks, our faith would stay strong; we would keep our eyes on God; we would know Scripture prophesized events like this; we would remain alert, sober, and steadfast
- We would pray for the lost in all nations
- For all those trapped in addiction, seduced into this stronghold; prayed for a young lady on Sunday, broken over what drugs did to a loved one.
- Youth Sunday next weekend; God’s anointing and joy poured out.
- Peggy Hank needs the perfect care facility
- That God would deepen the connection and ties within our church family
- That a desire for increased worship, prayer and the Word of God would arise within many of our hearts
Joy exudes from Keith and Jane following their wedding celebration on Saturday
From Dwight L. Moody: ““If you have so much business to attend to that you have no time to pray, depend upon it that you have more business on hand than God ever intended you should have.” — Dwight L. Moody
A Word in Due Season: “If you lose heart, you will only be in weakness when adversity comes.” Proverbs 24:10
Pastor Jay