Monday 23 March 2015

The most important photograph you'll see all week?


Doesn't seem like a really important photograph?
Kind of disappointing?

But it is an important picture.

Because it illustrates two really cool things that you can do today

The first thing you can do is to pray. Look at the jar that I'm holding. With some of the young men I was working with, every time a prayer was answered with a clear "Yes" we put another piece of pasta in the jar. In the book of James it says that, "You do not have, because you do not ask God." Prayer changes things.

The second thing that you can do is write a letter to encourage someone. Perhaps you noticed the card that I nailed to my door? Because I was missing the beauties of an English autumn, the card was sent to remind me that I'd be home soon. Inside was an encouraging message. There's something wonderful about knowing that a very busy person made time to write a letter to you.

Missionaries aren't machines: it's easy to get discouraged and feel forgotten. I'm so grateful for thoughtful people, who sent gifts and letters, during my time in the Kenyan desert. If you don't send any letters for the rest of your life? No one will criticise you. If you do send letters? You will be making the kind of difference that you were always supposed to make.      

Every now and then a photograph makes me sit up and take notice. Perhaps this is one of those moments. It might be the most important photograph that you'll see all week.