A line from Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet goes like this: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That seems to imply that the name of things does not affect what they really are. A few years ago, New Tribes Mission changed its name to Ethnos360. I still have a hard time saying that new name. Now I will have to get used to another new name: The Homes of Ethnos360. For years, many people referred the NTM Homes as simply “The Homes.” I think many of us will still opt for that shorter version.
Since I am quoting lines from literary sources, Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities seems quite appropriate. The novel opens with, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
The Best of Times: Things are going well at Sanford Bible Church. This last year a new A/C system was installed, the roof was done, the soffit and facia were replaced, and the outside of the building was repainted. A few weeks ago, we received our new chairs to replace the old pews. Last week, we moved the old pews out, had the carpet cleaned and set up the new chairs.
The Worst of Times: For some time, the staff at “The Homes” have been stretched thin. Many have been doing double duty trying to fill in the gaps of people who have left. Just recently two key men have taken a medical leave of absence because of serious health issues. The head of Food Services and the head of Maintenance/Construction have both been diagnosed with serious cancer issues. They and their families could sure use your prayers. Since our staff are pretty much running on fumes, they all need your prayers. And please pray that the Lord would fill the needs of our staff. The specific areas of need are: Administration, Food Service, Maintenance and Construction, as well as Housekeeping. These needs are critical at this time.
If you know of anyone who might be able to help out on a volunteer basis or as an associate member of Ethnos360 please let them know of these needs. More information can be found at our website at https://ethnos360.org/go#volunteer. They can be a part of the church planting team by helping right here in the USA.
Bob
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Grace is the very opposite of merit. Grace is not only undeserved favor, but it is favor shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite.
- Harry Ironside
