Not forgotten

When was the last time you cried in public?

It happened to me last week. I was in Washington DC for a conference, and took advantage of a break to walk to the National Mall. I stopped to see Korean War Veterans Memorial, the National World War 2 Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

It was that last one that got to me.

I looked at the Wall from a distance. I walked past it. I was walking away when I noticed a small, unobtrusive, almost out-of-the-way part of the memorial.

In the middle of a group of trees stands a sculpture of three women, one holding a wounded serviceman. It’s the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, erected eleven years after the Wall was completed.

It reminded me that even though my ministry is rather out of the way, it’s not forgotten. It’s remembered by people like you, who pray for Julie and me, give to our ministry, and encourage us.

And it reminded me of you. Folks who serve in the nursery at church. Who take care of families. Who work hard to provide for the needs of others. People who aren’t going to get that limelight recognition for being on “the front lines,” but whose work is vital to the cause of Christ.

Thank you for being willing to do all those things in the background – the things that are often taken for granted. Thank you for persevering, often with little thanks and scant resources. Thank you for grabbing hold of the role the Lord has given you and making it happen, in His strength.

And thank you for your role in our ministry.