May 16, 2008

“Are you Reverand McHan?”

“Yes, I’m the pastor.”

“I just wanted to call and tell you that you saved my life.”

I confess that at this point in the conversation, the woman at the other end of our phone conversation had my full attention. And because I didn’t hang up on her, I got to hear her story.

One year ago her mother died. The grief that followed caused her world to crumble around her. On the anniversary of the death this year, she decided to return to Sonoma where she and her mother had come many times to The Lodge for short retreats.

Our church sits one block south of her destination. As she was driving into town, she passed our church sign. That day it read, “If you’re lost, just call Jesus.”

As Fae told her story she said when she read that short, simple message she knew that was her – lost. She pulled the car to the side of the road, broke down and wept.

The weekend proved to be a tremendously healing time for her and for the past month she has felt like living again. She has told over 100 of her friends, co-workers and church members about the message of that sign.

So many are lost and looking for something. Many need a message of hope to which to cling. So speak up. Share a piece of appropriate literature. Support a missionary or an evangelistic ministry. Silence just doesn’t reach as many people.

“For the word of the LORD holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.” Psalm 33:4

With full commitment,
Pastor Steve