The Shepherd’s Vigil, 3/16/22

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly                     John 10:10

I have spent the last couple of days in a strategic planning meeting with the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home (FUMCH).  As we were talking about the vision of the future of this great ministry I was reminded of this scripture.  Jesus came to give us life, all of us.  The divine gift is abundant life!  Jesus offers us full, purposeful, overflowing life.

I was struck as we talked about the need for the work of FUMCH because this gift of life has been stolen from so many children.  Often, we only see the destructive behaviors of some young people and miss the fact that they have been robbed of the divine gift of abundant life.  We all would feel and act out if we were robbed of something so valuable.

It is the role of the church to offer the divine gift to all of God’s children.  God sent Jesus Christ that we may have abundant life.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we receive and then offer this good news to all, especially the victims who feel the pain of losing their opportunities for abundant life.

I am glad to be part of a church who is so deeply invested in this ministry to children through FUMCH.  We have a Golf Tournament and silent auction coming up next month.  This is an exciting fundraiser but more importantly it is part of the work that offers restoration and abundant life to young people in need of this precious gift.

Blessings,

Pastor Rafe