June  2011

A few weeks ago Janet and I were blessed to accompany Burt and Gloria Bussey on a trip to Chicago.  Burt planned this trip as a birthday present for Gloria.  While we were there Burt and I attended a couple of meetings at the Presbyterian Church in the “Gold Coast” area of Chicago.  This church is in viewing distance of Lake Michigan, covering an entire city block. This is referred to as the “Mag-Mile” section.  For you ladies, this is  one mile of designer shops lining both sides of the street! Following one of the meetings, a young lady gave us a short tour and a lengthy description of their almost completed building project. She explained that they had experienced a temporary short fall in funds but had been able to raise them in a four week time frame, thus allowing them to complete and pay in full for this 11.4 million dollar addition!  When I asked her the purpose of the addition, she informed me that it was designed to add a kitchen and feeding program for the poor of that part of Chicago. Now friends, this church is located in what could be considered the Manhattan of Chicago and I am yet to see those “poor folks”, but I am sure they exist. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed at the expenditure and the speed in which they met their financial obligation.  I must state that I have always felt as “Southerners” we were intellectually superior to our Yankee brothers and sisters. After all , they started “The War of  Northern Aggression”.  Some refer to this  as the Civil War, but we lost and therefore did not have the privilege of writing the history books!

God has indeed humbled me. If I am so superior, why did I leave 90 degree sunny weather to vacation in 37 degree weather with snowy rain, dead trees, and winds coming off of Lake Michigan at 20mph?? The store owners stated that in the real windy season  they extend ropes outside of their stores stretching the entire shopping district for people to hold on to as they go from store to store. Also, if I am so superior intellectually, why do I struggle every day to raise money for mission trips while my inferior brothers and sisters to the North of us, seem to create it on a regular and easy basis?  Eleven point four million dollars is a lot of money. I would like to have 11.4 million in Confederate money.  I could probably exchange it for enough to fund a mission trip.

I have come to the startling conclusion that I am not as smart as I thought and that dear friends is just the Way I See It.

I continue to remain in His service,

Griff

PS. More on the serious side….On May 20th, I wrote Lifeline’s  newsletter which is enclosed . On May 21st I received an email from Gene Trulock which I did not read until May 22nd.  Gene copied me an email he had sent the Savannah District UMM thanking them for their large contribution to the Guaymas project that begins next week. Yes indeed, failure is not an option because our God is on His throne, still answering prayers, performing miracles, and meeting the needs of Lifeline Ministries. I owe a special thanks to the Savannah District for providing another answer to prayer before receiving the newsletter. A miracle and that truly is the Way I See It and Believe It.