THE SHEPHERD’S CORNER

I would like to thank many of you who came to our combined Good Friday’s service at the First Baptist Church of Monrovia. I especially wish to thank you who worked so hard in preparing the musical skit and the food. We were all so blessed by the skit and by the good porridge as shown by many compliments I received from members of the other churches. Most of all, I would like to thank you for your support to the idea of having a combined service. I knew it’s a novel idea, but you readily embraced. You opened your hands and hearts.

On Friday, about two thousand years ago, Jesus the Son of God died a very painful death on the cross to bear the punishment of sin that is ours to pay. Because of His death and the resulting forgiveness of sin, we can look forward to a restored and loving relationship with God our creator. And, because of His resurrection—the Easter Day we’re celebrating today—we can look forward to our new and eternal life with God in heaven. Good Friday, Glorious Sunday!

On a different note, I would like to let you know that I have recently been diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer. I thank God that it’s detected early and my tumor turns out to be slow-growing. In light of this the three doctors I have consulted all recommended active surveillance in lieu of surgery or radiation. For the next few months they will monitor me closely before they decide to begin treatment. Personally, I would like to thank you for your prayers and support.

A poem written by Darlene Deibler Rose, a former missionary to Indonesia, has been a constant reminder to me of God’s everlasting presence, “Fear not little flock/whatever your lot/He enters all rooms/ the doors being shut/He never forsakes/He never is gone/ so count on His presence/from darkness till dawn.” Amen.

Pastor Paul