Arms of Mercy

Arms of Mercy

Rembrandt’s final great painting The Return of the Prodigal Son hangs in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. In the painting, the father’s face is full of compassion as his son kneels at his feet and presses his head into the man’s chest. The father’s hands rest on his son’s shoulders, and the father literally enfolds his son within his red cloak.

Like the father of the prodigal, God yearns for His children to run to Him. He is full of compassion, eager to forgive, ready to fellowship with us, and He longs to enfold us into the red robes of His grace.

If you’ve had a bad year so far, a bad month, a bad week, or a terrible day, take it to the Lord. Repent of sin. Kneel and confess your need. Cry out to Him, and you’ll find that even while you are a great way off, your Father will see you and run to you with His arms of mercy outstretched to you.*

We rejoice in sharing the story of God’s love with the children in Good News Club. But, I have many people in my circle right now who are adults, most are Christians, who are suffering. I felt like the Lord was impressing on me how important it is for us, as adults, to be reminded that God loves us, even in the storms and tragedies we are experiencing now.

In moments of crisis, we need to cry out to Him and know He hears us. Perhaps seeing the picture above and imagining us kneeling at the feet of Jesus and feeling His arms embrace and hold us will help someone today. It’s ok to humble ourselves before the Lord as a child, in fact, it’s encouraged in the New Testament when Jesus uses a small child as an example for all of us. He is, and will forever be, our Father with arms of love that can reach us where ever we may be and at any time.

For God’s Glory,

Tammy Beers

*Turning Point, Dr. David Jeremiah

Clubs are Growing!

In the second week of May Good News Club, we have reports from two locations that almost doubled in size from the first week. This is an answer to our prayer request!

Many children in elementary school only know the name of Jesus as a cuss word. It is a word that has been used in vain or anger. How sad this is, but what a wonderful opportunity to let them know of Jesus love for them. Please keep praying that even more children will come and learn the truth.

Quiet Time

One of the essential components of Good News Club is Quiet Time. Dividing the children into smaller groups, using a Quiet Time sheet to help them consider what was taught on the personal level, encouraging them to pray specifically. Spending time alone with God each day can be learned so that it develops into a lifelong habit for spiritual growth. Pray that it will result in a personal surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise God with us for:

1. The additional children enrolled last week so that they can meet Jesus.
2. The teacher that called and has 3 more teachers who want to train and start a Good News Club at their school!!
3. The positive reception at each school site. There may be opportunities to establish additional full time Good News Clubs in the fall.
4. His arms of love, that exist for us now and will through eternity. May we cry out to Him, our Heavenly Father, in every situation.

Pray with us for:

1. Continued growth in each Club at each school so no child misses the opportunity to know Jesus, who He is and what He did for them.
2. Pray for more volunteers to apply and train this summer for Good News Club in the fall. Pray for teachers at each school so more children can be reached.
3. Summer youth to join us for ministry in June and July, experiencing mission across the city and the Valley.