Giving God Glory
by Ralph LaFlamme

When one looks around at all that is going on in the world today, it would be easy to get discouraged. Terrorism, genocide, infidelity, injustice, natural disasters and the apparent triumph of evil around us can easily lead to despair. At such times, it is important to remember that the Lord has already won the war. The enemy of our souls is defeated. Victory is ours!

Years ago, I was hurting, lonely, deeply depressed and in deep bondage to old sin patterns from an alternative lifestyle. I was at wits end as to how to change my life. On the last night of a retreat that I was led to attend, I pleaded with the Lord to “free me from this prison of myself.”

Because of my pain and lack of social skills, I was so turned inward that I was quite self-centered and had tremendous difficulty relating to people. It was only then, through the help of many loving people, especially my wife Diane, much counseling and many courses over the years, that I can say that He has faithfully answered my prayer. And, the opportunities the Lord has provided in reaching out to people through this ministry, has had an important impact in stretching me beyond myself! I have felt the need to give to others the gift that I have been given.

Through this ministry, the Lord has enabled us to give back this gift by providing us with several avenues to reach out to people. These include: touching the lives of teenage prostitutes rescued from their pimps on the streets of Atlanta; evangelizing boys and girls in youth detention centers and adults in state and county prisons; providing support and comfort to inmate families torn apart by their tangles with the criminal justice system; helping to bring cheer to boys and girls recovering from a multitude of difficulties at a psychiatric facility; praying inner healing and deliverance with a growing number of people who are discovering this ministry; giving presentations on the Jewish roots of Christianity including leading Seder celebrations at several churches; distributing hundreds of Christmas gifts to needy families and seniors in nursing homes who, otherwise, would have an empty and lonely Christmas.

At this time of the year, our mailboxes are flooded with appeals asking for support for every sort of worthy cause. The needs are so great but so little are the resources to meet them. Your support, especially financial, is crucial in enabling us to touch these lives! This year we are asking you to consider being extra generous in your support of this ministry. You can make such a difference for so many lives. Given the chance, God will move mountains for us.

Times are indeed gloomy from a worldly viewpoint but we have the power to spread light in the midst of that darkness. Please radiate that light and extend that victory this Christmas season. Help us to help others in need. Blessings to all of you!

(I recently gave my personal testimony to a local church congregation. We have copies of this 30-minute presentation available on CD for a donation of $5 plus $3 shipping and handling.)

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