Youth and the Grace by which we stand

Sometimes I am just striken by certain events and photographs. I am especially touched and concerned about the youth of this country. They represent the future of Mozambique and they are being pulled so many directions. The family influence is so great and the vestiges of traditional religious practices (witchcraft, curses, and the like) is all around us. In addition, the corruption and general acceptance of stealing, whether it be from your employer, the government, or your neighbor, is just beyond understanding. Things change slowly but the youth remain the key and our churches continue to struggle with having viable youth programs, reaching young people for Christ; training them to understand God's plan for their lives. Today I am praying for the youth in our churches. We have a young fellow at Khongolote named Abel who is so precious and loves the Lord so much. They even call him little pastor. I must get a picture of him to share - he is an example of a bright future in a land that doesn't always seem to cherish or even hope for bright futures. Our hope must be in God.

Have a wonderful Sunday. We have started the CD series from our home church on Galatians and it is meshing so closely to what we have been reading and studying already; the message that God is affirming in our lives. The Gospel is simple and we must accept it deep in our hearts. We are saved by Grace and can add nothing to it; and what we do we do out of love for the God who has paid the price already for our sins; past, present, and future. These is no room to doubt so great a salavation; so great a gift. And whenever we try to add something to it, we get in trouble and as humans we fall into that trap so easily.

There is a great Keith Green song that speaks to this: "...but nothing lasts, except the Grace of God, by which I stand....." My soul sings it out whenever I hear about this marvelous Grace, this amazing gift of God...

Happy Sunday,

Dave & Ann

"....we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2