A Message from the President from the latest FTN Journal:
October 2009
Compare Your
Trials
Psalm 23 has been a timeless comfort to many throughout the generations and it continues to be so even today. It begins by establishing who God is and how we should respond. He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. He covers us, protects us and heals our wounds. He feeds us and takes care of every thing we need so that we shall not want.
From there, He leads us beside still waters, not turbulent and troubled. He rebuilds and restores the broken down and hurting. He restores our souls, bringing us to completeness and leading us along a path of righteousness for His namesake.
In the Psalm, David said, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Is there evil on the earth? Absolutely. But many people have walked through that valley and have decided to camp out there. We want to build a monument, to stay there for a while and analyze things. The Bible tells us we don't have to live in fear even to the point of death. We don't have to fear evil because He is with us.
Our friends who we feed around the world are going through a tremendous valley with very few mountaintop experiences. Many of these people are believers. We know the Lord is with them and will provide for their daily bread. And that's where you come in. When the Lord touches your hearts and you respond, you make it possible for them to receive the food they have prayed for.
In our part of the world, we think we have problems and great issues because of the damaged economy. Is it a meltdown? For some, yes. But compared to the trials of the rest of the world, it is nothing. Our world is hurting, but we have a Savior and we must bring Him to those in need.
Steve Sumrall
President