This morning I received an email from Carl Grubbs, pastor of Pearl UMC, in response to the e-pistle sent yesterday.

Carl wrote to express the joy he and his family experience on this day, Epiphany - a day of joyful giving to Christ through "the church we love." Carl and Diane simply observed that only 379 more checks for $1000 were needed for the conference to be over 80 percent in mission shares for the year 2010. Their personal check for $1000 was written and would be delivered today.

The treasurer of Pearl UMC, inspired by Carl and Diane, "found" $1000 available in the funds of the church. As a result, $2000 is on the way to the conference office from Pearl UMC.

All across the Mississippi Conference there are gifts to be offered, inspired and "found" today and tomorrow by 4 p.m.

May light shine through us as we follow the star, bravely daring to go where it leads us together in this new year!

With gratitude for God's generosity to us through Jesus Christ,
Hope Morgan Ward