A New Year 2024

January 1, 2024

“He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Luke 10:2

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am writing on this occasion to say Happy New Year! And to announce a new fervor that resides in me to spread the Gospel across our great land. It is with great hope that I move into the new year with a spring in my step and a love in my heart for those around me and I look forward to meeting new people through the ministry. I have come to know that the Lord places people in our lives for a reason and that we can all be a blessing to those who cross our paths or whose lives we enter as He said, “Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you.’” Luke 10:5,6.

I certainly feel that all of us in these troubled times are seeking peace. I know that as I watch the world fall into what can only be described as chaos in the middle East and Ukraine, I pray that the Lord will change the hearts of those have sought conflict instead of peaceful resolutions. It is with this knowing of the fragility of peace that I wish to spread the peace I have in my own heart to others. I pray that this new year will bring about some measure of peace to those places around the world that are in desperate need of it.

Jesus our Lord tells us to go and tell others that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near. Some might ask why we should go out there and proclaim such a thing! They will call us fools and say horrible things and truly we can only stay in faith that our work is ordained by God Himself. When he tells us, “But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” Luke 10:10,11.

I know that a calling has been placed on my heart. I want to spread the wisdom and love that is found in the words of our Lord Jesus. I have witnessed with my own eyes the power of His mercy and grace when it reaches those in need of it. I want to be a part of that for the rest of my life. I know that I am not worthy of the same mercy and grace, but always to my amazement I find it. I want to help bring that same amazement and joy to others.

In the scripture, when the seventy people whom Jesus sent out, as he describes, “like lambs into the midst of wolves.” Luke 10:3, return, they are filled with joy. They are astounded that they are able to “tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” Luke 10:19. When our work has been ordained by our Lord, we are able to overcome and pass through all types of obstacles set before us. This we must believe with all our heart. And we must also remember that our work is valuable to Him who has sent us. We must as He tells us, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20.

I, of course know that I am not one of those original seventy who were called out to do our Lord’s work. But as I wrote before, I do feel that a calling has been placed in my heart. Wherever it may lead me I am happy to go, whatever path I am to walk, I will walk it in His name. I am open to do His will for my life. I hope that if you also find yourself called to do something, that this year you find your way. I wish you peace and love and the hope that you find whatever you are seeking.

Thanks be to God.

Yours In Christ,

Br. Michael