October Minister's Letter

Dear All,

October, as you know, is the tenth month of the year but it keeps its name from the old calendar of Romulus when it was the eighth month. In French, October is often abbreviated to 8bre. Each month is assigned a “birth flower” and this month it is the calendula. In early Catholic countries, this yellow flower was sometimes nicknamed “Mary’s Gold”, giving it the more common name Marigold. I just thought that would be an interesting little snippet of information for you.

Speaking of snippets, when I am preparing for sermons, a sometimes come across interesting pieces of information or articles, so I thought I would share one with you. This is an anonymous poem that reminded me of how prayer works. During Covid-19, many people have turned to prayer. Some churches were able to host online services, whereas, we focused on our blog on our website. Over 3700 people have visited our website, at least 60% of whom visited during the last few months. Here is the poem:

The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers
I asked for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Be careful what you pray more and remember, sometimes prayer is answered in the most unexpected of ways. Nobody wanted Covid-19 and there have been thousands upon thousands of tragedies. Yet, from that tragedy, God can work. God did not create the tragedy, but he will use it to show God is working God’s purpose out.

​Blessings,
Martin

Fun Fact: The longest word in the Bible is “Mahershalalhashbaz (Isaiah 8:3)

Image Source: Redeemer Eastside