I feel like Flat Stanley! Stanley Lambchop was an ordinary boy until he was flattened one night when a bulletin board hanging over his bed fell on him. This unusual turn of events enabled the fictitious Stanley to slide under doors and travel cross country through the mail.
Jeff Brown’s story gave birth to the Flat Stanley Project. Students create their own Flat Stanley, which they mail to other parts of the world. The young learners experience Stanley’s travels vicariously as he gets the privilege to travel to places they cannot. Like Flat Stanley, I have enjoyed the privilege of visiting places others cannot – most recently in Brazil and Colombia. If you want to get a glimpse of some of the sights (and sounds) this "Flat Stanley" has experienced these last few days just click this link.
Today, "Flat Stanley" is back in the USA with a grateful heart and a renewed commitment to steward well the resources, education, and time the Lord has granted. This morning I want to express my gratitude to our church, to my traveling companions, and to our God.
To Spanish River Church: Your commitment to extending the gospel of Jesus Christ through church planting and your generosity to make it happen is exemplary. Paul’s words to the church at Thessalonica express my heart:
For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. (1 Thessalonians 1:7 ESV)
To my traveling companions: Casey, Craig, Fabiana, Larry, Matt, Nicholas, Rich, Rick, Shannan, Sonny, Terriel, and Valette – THANK YOU! You have exemplified the unity and servanthood that Jesus prays for and commends:
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20-21 ESV)
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
To our God, Paul’s words in Romans sum up my feelings:
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36 ESV)
MY PRAYER: Father, thank you for letting me play the part of Flat Stanley. Thanks for the people of Spanish River Church and our partners in Saint Augustine, Good News Church. Thanks for allowing us the privilege of seeing, serving, and extending your gospel in other parts of the world.