Today’s need concerns one special need – PRAISE. Deuteronomy 32:3 says, “I will proclaim the name of the Lord oh praise the greatness of our God.” As I look back on 2009 through 2018, I want to proclaim this verse for all to hear.

During these years God has met every need for Wesley 1 John 3:17. WOW!! PRAISE GOD!! I want to thank everyone who has generously given to change lives physically, financially, and spiritually. Each week I have been in awe of God as I have witnessed God’s provision in our lives.

Many people are facing hard times, and God needs people who are willing to do His work. You don’t have to look very far to find people who need help. Where do we find these people? There are people in our backyards who will get wet if it rains. There are people in our backyards wondering if they are going to eat today. There are people in our backyards with nowhere to lay their head. There are people in our backyards being abused and told they are no good. There are people in our backyards huddled together in a house with no heat for the cold. There are people in our backyards who could die tonight without knowing Jesus.

So could the answer be right where you are? YES!! God can use you.

You may say the problem is too big, and what difference can I make? I read a book with a wonderful story that answers this question. A young boy was on a beach full of starfish. Each starfish that washed up on the beach was dying. The young boy walked down the beach throwing one starfish at a time back into the lifesaving water. An elderly gentleman saw the young boy and told him: “young boy, what you are doing is noble, but you cannot fix this problem. This problem is too big.” The young boy picked up one starfish, threw it in the water, smiled, and told the man, “Well, it mattered to that one.”

If you can make a difference in the life of one person, it matters. Thanks to everyone who has supported Wesley 1 John 3:17 to make it possible to say weekly it mattered to that person in Meridian.

For more than nine years we have been trying to live out 1 John 3:17: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him how can the love of God be in him?” Have you ever read the next verse, 1 John 3:18: “let us not love with words or tongue but with action and truth”? Thank you to everyone who loved enough to take action each week to make sure no needs went unmet. I praise God, for He has been AMAZING in His provision.

One last thing I would like to praise God for is you. Thank you for allowing God to show provision for these needs through your prayers and generosity in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015,2016, 2017,and 2018. It has been a privilege to serve God through this ministry.

After much prayer, this week’s column is my last.

THANK YOU!!!!!