DIRECTOR'S BLOG

Dr. Sam Martin

‘His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant...” Matt. 25 v 21

Yesterday I was deeply moved by a note with regard to a Sponsor and her sponsored child. Of course, it is not unusual to receive notes from sponsors, but this was so different.

Back in the summer of 2016, a lady from New Brunswick, Canada joined a Mission Team to Guatemala. The experiences touched her life in many ways and she felt led to give a child a real chance at life, so she became a sponsor. This was also a blessing for the child, and an encouragement to us and our staff in Guatemala.

It was with sadness that I learned from the note that the Sponsor had passed away, but I have to add, sadness was bathed in gladness because Mrs. B. (I have chosen not to include her name) was a devout believer in Jesus Christ and was therefore in His presence where she heard Him say: ‘Welcome home my Good and Faithful Servant.’ However, there is more to the story!

Back in April Mrs. B called the office and shared with us that she was dying and she wanted to make sure her sponsored child would be able to finish High School. She requested we give her an idea as to when she would complete her studies.

Keily was 5 years old when sponsored, and had just entered the program. All being well, and God willing, she would graduate in 2029. Mrs. B’s love for the child and commitment to Christ led her to pay the sponsorship right through to 2029! Truly a tremendous sacrifice, and what a testimony. Honestly, I can see Mrs. B standing in the presence of the Lord receiving her reward.

May Mrs. B’s `example speak to all of us. Perhaps the words of an old Gospel song will add to what I have shared.

I dreamed I went to heaven
You were there with me
We walked along the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw a young man
He was smiling as he came

He said friend, you may not know me now
But then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday school
When I was only eight
Every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
One morning when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
His pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

One by one they came,
As far as the eye could see
Each one somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done, sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth, heaven now proclaims
And I know up in heaven
That you're not supposed to cry
But I was almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
And He said my child look around you
For great is your reward

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
I am so glad you gave
I am so glad you gave