The September National Meeting was very positive with a great spirit among those who attended. The mission morning was fabulous and well attended. We saw two couples approved and one couple recognized to do their internship on the mission field. More have applied for approval next year for which we are thankful.

I’m not sure if this is the same for you but I seem to be thinking about heaven a lot these days. There are a couple of reasons why. Many friends I have known have passed from this earth to heaven because of old age, health issues, and COVID. It is also on my mind as we deal with the fast-changing world we live in, and I find myself looking for the Lord’s return to take us to heaven. Actually, focusing on heaven helps me endure the difficulties on this earth.

Following God’s call isn’t always easy – especially these days. We are to trust the Lord even though He doesn’t ask our advice or tell us His specific plans as we live our lives. He doesn’t always shelter us from adversity. Sometimes He even tests our faith – tests that can sometimes be painful. He also makes some promises that we’ll never see fulfilled in this life.

I am reminded of Abraham in Hebrews 11:9-10. Imagine how hard it must have been for Abraham, who had no Bible, no pastor, no sermons, no commentaries, and no Christian encouragement or accountability. One author put it this way, “Abraham never settled in the land of promise. Neither did his son Isaac or grandson Jacob. They were aliens, dwelling in tents like nomads. Abraham never built houses or cities. The only way he would possess the land was by faith. Yet Abraham patiently waited for God’s promises to be fulfilled. But what he did have was the promise of a nation, a land, and a blessing (Gen. 12:1-3). That was good enough for him.”

Abraham was patient because his sight was on his heavenly home, “a city . . . whose builder and maker is God.” (Heb. 11:10). In the same way, keeping our minds and thoughts on heaven gives us the patience to continue working for the Lord when things get tough. That’s why Paul says to set our minds “on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). If our minds are set on heaven, we can endure whatever happens here on earth.

Can I encourage you to do several things? First, keep your eyes on Jesus and trust Him by faith. Second, keep your mind on Heaven and look for His return. And third, pray for one another. Covid is still around affecting our missionaries and even taking lives. Please remember to pray for these who have recently lost spouses due to COVID or complications from COVID:

• Carol Torres (Spain)
• Fran Lingo (Colombia)
• Erin Taylor (Honduras)
• Pam Quinlan (Philippines)
• Sever Gonciulea (Romania)

There are others who have recently lost spouses or loved ones as well for other reasons. These are trying times for sure and yet our hope is in Jesus, as we look forward to our home in Heaven.

As they say in Kenya – Be Blessed!

Your friend,

Jon Konnerup