“J.O.Y. is spelled “Jesus, Others, Yourself” in that order” – David Bean

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:4)

What is the most memorable day you have had in the past year?
What made that so?

Yesterday evening I participated in a commissioning and prayer service for Rev. Sam Reeves at the Culpeper United Methodist Church. Each person there had a chance to publically share with Sam what he has meant to him/her personally. It was clear that Sam has had a huge ripple effect affecting many lives and many communities.

When it was my turn to share, the Holy Spirit prompted me to say, “December 18, 2007 was a turning point, not only in my life and Sam Reeves’ life, but also for Culpeper, Virginia, and the nation of Liberia.” That was the day I met Sam at the monthly Culpeper Ministerial Association meeting. I had just come back from a week long anesthesia conference in Manhattan (NYC) and had 700+ Christmas cards to get out in the next few days, so the last thing I wanted was something new on my plate. But God’s plans always trump our plans.

The only reason I went to that Culpeper Ministerial Association meeting was to honor Pastor Randy Orndorff for his 2 years of wonderful community leadership as President. When I arrived, there was only one seat left and that was next to Sam. I didn’t know who Sam was. Then Pastor Randy introduced David Bean. When David shared his God story of how God audibly told him to “Covenant with him (Sam),” my spiritual radar went up. Then when Sam shared his story and the history of Liberia, I knew God wanted me to help Sam communicate his message via the web.

Amazing things have happened as a result of helping Sam and Rim of Grace Ministries / Operation Rescue Liberia. When Rev. Ron Davidson was hosting the webinar to bless Sam, he appropriately chose the title “Experience the Miracle.” As a result of blessing Sam and Operation Rescue Liberia, I have met and got connected to so many neat people and gone to many new places. My visit to the Liberia Embassy on May 16 was just icing on the cake.

On April 19, 2008, I received what I consider the most significant award of my life, the “2008 Servant’s Heart Award,” a gorgeous plaque from Rim of Grace Ministries / Operation Rescue Liberia “In Recognition of your Commitment, Enthusiasm, and Love for the Work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the People of Liberia.”

This evening (May 29), Sam leaves Virginia to fly back to Liberia. He’s returning back to his homeland after a 15 year stay in the United States. Despite numerous trials, Sam has persisted and remained a man of prayer and ministry of the Word of God. He is an inspiration to those who know him well.

On the home page of the Rim of Grace website we now have an official Proclamation from the mayor of Culpeper, a letter of endorsement from Gov. Tim Kaine, and a video interview of the Honorable Edwin F. Sele, Deputy Ambassador of Liberia. In his interview, the Honorable Sele assures us that Madam President of Liberia will come to Virginia. All this has taken place since just February 2008. God is up to something big – really big. “Experience the Miracle” yourself by getting involved to bless Liberia. Now is the time.

If you have never read the official Proclamation by Mayor Rimeikis or watched the interview of the Honorable Sele, I encourage you to visit today’s Link of the Day to do so. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you Spirit to spirit.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I am truly humbled that You invited me to experience the miracle of blessing Liberia. I didn’t even know what continent that country was on just 6 months ago and now I plan to visit in March 2009 for the crusade that is scheduled. Thank You for crossing my path with Rev. Sam Reeves. He has been such a blessing to me and I’m really going to miss having him in Culpeper. Bless Sam’s trip back to Liberia. Bless his financial and prayer supporters. Open the gates of heaven so wide for Rim of Grace Ministries that there are not enough “barns” to store all the blessings. Thank You Jesus. We love You. Amen and Hallelujah.

Link of the Day
Rim of Grace Ministries – homepage includes major’s Proclamation, Governor’s letter, and Embassy interview

Blessings to experience the miracle of blessing Liberia!

Edwin F. Sele
Minister Plenipotentiary
Deputy Chief of Mission,
Embassy of the Republic of Liberia
May 16, 2008

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