Greetings!

 

My door is always open when I am at work.  And often as I work, Mission guests come in to talk; ask for help or ask my advice.  Each has a problem or a hurt so grave that they doubt they can recover.  Each workday I spend some of my time confronting human suffering.

 

The mystery of why good people should suffer remains an enigma in my mind.  My only answer is that it is just that: a mystery.  Why are some kind and loving people struck down with such calamity and misfortune that they eventually arrive at our door for help?  They, who have so often helped others, now find themselves in desperate need for help themselves.

 

That was Job's situation.  Job's friend, Eliphaz, tells us that before his present condition, Job was one of the kindest and most loving of all men.  He was the one who always encouraged others who were in distress.  Job 4:4.  It was Job who doled out his charity to the blind.  He was the one whose soul grieved for the poor.  Job 30:25.  He wept for those in trouble.  It was Job who opened his door to the strangers and the transients.  Job 30:16-22. 

 

But, I think that the greatest compliment that Eliphaz paid to Job was that "He helped others get back on their feet."  Job 4:4, modern day translation.  I rather like that image of Job because that is exactly what we do here at the People's City Mission.  We try to help people get back on their feet and to get their lives put back in order again.

 

As we build, remodel, repaint and redecorate ... why not emblazon these words over our door; "We are here to help others get back on their feet"

 

And, if it's not too bold for an attorney to ask, I would love to have these words as an epitaph on my tombstone: "She helped others get back on their feet."

 

May the joy of Easter morning be with you every day.

 

 

 

 

 

Hybels is the senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL, one of the most influential churches in the United States.  Each year he conducts a 2 and 1/2 day Global Leadership Summit that is telecast to locations all over the world.  In an article appearing in the October 28, 2007 issue of the New York Times Magazine, Bill Hybels and Rick Warren were cited as the two, young pastors that were leading the evangelical movement in new directions.  Bill Hybels is a "must hear" speaker!  All are welcome!

 

Registration information for the two PCM events will be available soon.

 

As you plan your Fall 2008 church program, you may want to offer classes or forums to discuss  one or more of Rev. Hybels books.  There are twenty titles to choose from, including Courageous Leadership, The Volunteer Revolution, Descending Into Greatness, Who Are You When No One's Looking? and Too Busy Not to Pray. 

 

Each summer, the Mission sends the management staff to the Willow Creek Leadership Summit (telecast in Omaha) and we come back energized and inspired for the year ahead.  We are honored to be able to bring Bill Hybels to Lincoln for these two events.

 

This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us!  Plan now to include one or both of these opportunities to hear Bill Hybels in your September plans.

 

On Good Friday, I looked over and saw several of our guests holding hands as Chuck Bordon led us in prayer.  We all find comfort and renewal in the Mission community, particularly when we worship together.

 

Many of you donated Easter treats for our children.  We had an Easter Egg Hunt at Club E.D.E.F.Y. on Wednesday, after school.  During the week, parents had the opportunity to make Easter baskets to give to their children on Sunday.  For those children whose parents did not have time to make an Easter basket, we had beautiful prepared Easter baskets for them, thanks to a generous donor.

 

We even had a lady deliver beautiful, hand-made Easter dresses, sizes 1 to 4, for our little girls.  I sew but could not come close to matching the quality of these garments!  Every stitch and every seam was constructed with love and care. 

 

Easter Dinner was served Sunday evening by 40 volunteers.   Ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole ... dinner with all the trimmings!  Of course, we are enjoying the left-overs this Easter Monday.

 

Thank you to everyone who helped make Holy Week and Easter a memorable holiday for our guests and staff this year!

 

Christ is risen!    He is risen indeed!