Hello Friends,
Some of the biggest joys I have in my role is when I see engagement between the local church and our ministry to the incarcerated. Recently, a friend of the ministry shared a Psalm from her Lenten readings.
It was Psalm 140:13, “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”
Our friend Carrie says, “I think this is a great tie to the challenges we’re facing right now. But the psalmist declares that ‘God helps those who cannot help themselves. If we would be more like God, should we not cooperate with Him in helping the poor and the defenseless?'” And the prayer she read that was included with the Psalm reading: “O God, as I pursue my own well-being, help me to reach out to the less fortunate.”
In this preparation for Easter, I am so thankful for the anticipation of what is to come. Christ has risen, and through Him, we no longer need to be separated from God. Most important, His grace covers all, regardless of my sin, your sin, or the sin of others. There is no greater story than the story of redemption.
But what continues to awe me is the way Jesus uses His church to join us in our mission to restore the families of the incarcerated. That Carrie would read these words, understand the value of what they are saying, and send them to me is most edifying.
Yet I could say the same for each of you. If you are reading these words, it means you share your heart for this cause. Ministry is certainly easier when you have a large group of friends in the work with you.
The message of Lent and Easter is so critical to our faith walk. I wonder how many people fully comprehend its meaning as well as its application. This season, let’s all share this message with someone who might not understand.
And if you are willing, go ahead and share the ministry of Lifeline Global. You never know how God will use the conversation.
In His Name,
Dr. Romney Ruder
Lifeline Global President
