JEFF'S JOTTINGS

Jeff Fishel
Board President

I remember something I once read years ago. In a note from my Uncle Dan to my mother in big, bold, black letters he wrote, “Worry is the opposite of prayer.” I read these words after Uncle Dan died, and, whether he was quoting someone else or the quotation originated with him, these words have always stuck with me.

On May 25, my wife, three daughters, niece, and I were attending a graduation party on a golf course near Fairbank, Iowa. An EF-5 tornado had just devastated Parkersburg and was heading our way. We were in a building with large windows and no basement. On a police scanner I heard a frantic male voice say, “The tornado is a mile wide. It’s north of Waterloo and heading northeast toward Fairbank.” This put us directly in the tornado’s path! As large hail began to fall and the winds began to rise, I worried for the safety of my family and those around me. So I prayed.

Although we were spared that evening, many others are still suffering from the tornado’s carnage. Moreover, many more people are recovering from the devastating floods that took place shortly after. I am aware of people worried now about rebuilding, where they will live, or where they will eat their next meal.

In Matthew 6:25 Jesus tells us, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” In Matthew 6:33 he tells us to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” A well-known hymn reminds us, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

May this continually be the message proclaimed by Christian Crusaders each week until the return of Jesus Christ. Thank you again to all who love and support this ministry.