Tag: church

The Quilt (Part Two)


I have shared about the quilt which was presented to my wife and me when we left our church in Tucson to serve at a new church in Southern California. This was a memorable gift which the women in the church put together as a reminder of the wonderful families and individuals who were part of Chapel in the Hills Church in Tucson.

Each family in the Tucson church made a square with a note or image with their name on it. A number of women put these memory squares into the quilt which was given to us at our going away party. We found it in a trunk after my wife died and it is now on display in our home.

I enjoy viewing the squares on the quilt which provides many special memories of the people who were part of the church in Tucson. One of the things which impressed me was how many missionaries are included in the quilt. I was surprised by the number of missionary families our church supported so many years ago.

For example there is a square from Eric and Susan Binion who still serve as missionaries teaching at a Bible College in South Africa. The McAlevy’s taught at a school for missionary children in Ecuador. And John and Babette Wood served as missionaries in Belgium and Africa.

Art and Ellen Johnson were teachers at a boarding school in Brazil for children whose parents served as missionaries in the Amazon jungle. NT Dillinger and his wife served as missionaries in Belize in Central America. Steve and Kathy Marlatt were skilled linguists who translated the Bible for the Siri Indians in Mexico along the Sea of Cortez. Jim and Alice Tucker were missionaries who served in Cameroon, West Africa. And the Matthews worked with a group called JARS which stood for Jungle Aviation and Radio Services. They lived and worked in South Carolina maintaining small airplanes which were used to train pilots who flew in remote jungle areas of Indonesia and Irian Jaya.

The Apostle Paul used a phrase several times to describe the people who helped spread the good news about Jesus across the Mediterranean world. He called these faithful servants, “My fellow workers and partners in the Gospel” (Romans 16:4). Let me encourage you to pray for the missionaries you know who continue to share the Good News around the world. Do something this week to encourage them. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Read more stories by in Mark’s newest book, “Let Me Encourage You Again” by Mark Hopper. You can purchase one copy for $25 or two books for only $40 and this includes postage. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org.

Unhealthy Comparisons (Part 2)

white porsche 911 parked in front of building

Many problems in marriage are related to unfulfilled expectations and unrealistic comparisons. I shared in a previous article that unfulfilled expectations lead to frustration. Couples become disillusioned and disappointed when their expectations are not met.

Unrealistic comparisons can also sow seeds of resentment and dissatisfaction. For example, when you compare your old car with your neighbor’s new one, you may find yourself dissatisfied. You had no problems with your old car until you sat in the front seat of your neighbor’s new car. Now your car looks old as you notice the stain on the seat and the chip on the exterior paint. The new car shines while your old car looks dull.

Comparisons can poison your relationships with other people too. When you compare your new boss with your old boss you may find yourself critical and disappointed. You may have been comfortable working for your previous employer but now you don’t like the changes the new boss has introduced.

When a wife compares her husband with other men, she may become disillusioned and bitter. When she notices that other men bring flowers to their wife and her husband does not, she may begin to question her husband’s love and affection for her. Whenever you compare one person with another or one car with another, dissatisfaction and disappointment are likely.

I caution new visitors at our church that our church may look better than the one they have attended for many years. I encourage them to stay at their old church where they have friends and deep roots. Stay where you are. Don’t compare one church with another or one pastor with another. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.

There is a passage in the Bible where church people were comparing different leaders. Some liked Apollos while others preferred Paul. This resulted in division in the church at Corinth. Paul encouraged his readers to not compare one leader with another but realize that both are working together to spread the good news about Jesus (First Corinthians 3:3-9).

Let me encourage you to not make unhealthy comparisons. Your spouse, your boss and your pastor will have their own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on their good qualities. Encourage them with your words and support. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can read 365 more articles and stories (one for every day of the year) in the author’s book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper. The price is only $20 plus postage ($5). Order your book today at markh@efreedb.org