A Barnabas Word

I received word last week of a second skin cancer surgery in my near future. I’m still recovering from the last surgery in May. The new cancer location is near the first, so there is a possibility that the cancer is spreading. Not good news. I spent an entire day feeling sorry for myself. All I really wanted on that day was to hear an encouraging word. None came. Then God sent a Barnabas. The Apostle Paul needed encouragement on one occasion when the believers in Jerusalem refused to accept him due to their fear of his past. Acts 9:27 begins with “But Barnabas . . .” and continues to relay the account of Barnabas living up to his name – “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Including the subscription list for this Monday Manna and the connections on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, there are several thousand potential readers each Monday. Ideally, I would like to minister to every reader, every week. Practically speaking, I’d hope to minister to a few each week. This week, the law of averages says I must have some who need a word of encouragement. For you, I want to share a Barnabas word, and say, be encouraged. God has a plan and He is good. He will not forsake you. Be faithful. I hope you have a good day.

Join me this week in remembering the following global concerns:
• Pray for the SEND North America Conference being held this week as thousands consider the possibility of ministry in the great cities of North America.
• Rejoice with those who serve in Northeast Poland that during their “camp season,” 10 people prayed to receive Christ, 3 people were baptized, many people were open for spiritual conversations for the first time, and many read the Bible for the first time! Pray for effective follow-up.
• Pray for Mark and Olga and their 5 children as they transfer to Toronto, Canada to work with Russian speakers.
• Pray for Jim and Charlotte as they minister in Brazil to young men caught in drug and alcohol abuse.