As we have started 2009 we can't pick up anything to read or listen to that is not about the economic condition facing our country or in all honesty the world.  There are discussions of government bailout programs for this company or bank working to save them or help turn the economy around.  We like all ministries have felt reduction in giving that have forced us to make some cuts and do some things we really wish we wouldn't have to do but need to do to keep focused on the people we serve. 

But in the midst of all of this uncertainty the certainty of the Love of our Savior Jesus Christ of His people shows brighter than ever and is not moved by economies, tragedies or disasters.  He loves us all so much and that never changes!

During the last couple of months I have been able to witness in the midst of all this bad news, His love in our staff, in our volunteers, in our donors in and the people we serve, let me just give you a quick couple of examples:

In our staff, I have watched our people even with the pain of watching some of our colleagues lose their jobs love them, care for them, pray for them and encourage them in Christ.  I have watched them as we have served more people than ever in the history of the Mission in January serving people with love and care even though they were pushed to the maximum of their human abilities.  We had many nights in January at our Men's shelter downtown that we had over 500 men staying at the facility-a year ago that was 350!  Christ gave them power and they showed His love! We have had over 100 children on most nights at our women's and children center. 

I have watched our volunteers engage and gather coats in our coat drive that raised over 30,000 coats this year for agencies all across Atlanta.  I have watched, Brunner an advertising agency in Atlanta volunteer to help us with our brand and pour there heart and soul i n helping us be more effective and communicate better to all that we touch.  I have watched women prepare meals with love and care for people, I have watched executives serve lunch to the least of these with a smile and a love that made a very cold and rainy day a little more bearable! 

I have talked to and received letters and checks from people who "just knew time were hard" and that they needed to help.  As I talk to them on the phone they share their heart to encourage me and all of us to keep up the work God has called us to do and thanking US that they can serve with Atlanta Union Mission thru the financial support of the gifts they give.  When spending the day with a couple in Atlanta who have had a major impact in so many areas, to hear their hearts and to pray in their living room with our arms around each other and tears flowing down my cheeks.  A note or a call from a board member or friend telling me that they are praying for me and the Mission.

During the night of the Super Bowl, the big night in America spending we had a surprise Super Bowl party for 400 plus homeless men at our shelter downtown with men from my church, Jay and our staff as we had wings, chips, sandwiches and drinks together.  The smiles, the cheers the fun we had together was a chance to share our love and them to share their love with us.  It was a special night no matter who won the game!  We prayed that these men would know that most importantly that we loved them and cared for them and that they are special people in God's eyes! 

So needless to say there is much going on around all of us, the papers all have bad news, the television talks about how bad it is and yes in many ways these are very difficult times but in the midst of all of this, I see our Savior getting our eyes off of this world and on to the next world and truly what is most important in this world anyway people. 

So when we hear the bad news-let's not forget the most important GOOD NEWS!  We have a Savior, He died for us and He loves us more that we can ever imagine.  As I look into the eyes of all of those we come in contact let me, not worry about the things of this world but truly keep my eyes focused on what Jesus wants me to focus on-what He focused on people! 

Let me leave you with God's word on Love:

1st Corinthians 13:13 "So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" 

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Thanks for your heart for the Mission and may you feel the Love of our Savior!

Blessings,

Jim