Worth Reading

In reading for a book review due Wednesday (note implicit prayer request!), I came across a great Easter story! It's short so enjoy. Happy Resurrection Day!

An atheist, a committed disciple of the "truth" of Communism, once gave a speech to an enormous crowd in the former Soviet Union. He mocked the Christian faith, saying it was all mere fantasy. It was not Jesus but the program of Marx and Lenin that was destined to bring history to its appointed purpose. The atheist was eloquent and withering in his scorn for Christianity. When he finished, an Orthodox priest asked if he could say just two worlds in reply (his two Russian words are translated by three words in English). The priest shouted, "Christ is risen!" and the crowd roared back the response carried with them from their childhood: "He is risen indeed!" For a world so twisted by evil and enslaved by sin, what other message could there be? Christ is risen.

Bartholomew, Craig G. and Michael W. Goheen. The Drama of Scripture: Finding our Place in the Biblical Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004, p. 165.

Praises and Prayers

Hey friends,

Life is busy (as it is for everyone), but especially for us at this time of year. Let me share some praises and prayer requests with you.

Praises
1. Since my last post some great friends from Tennessee came to visit Louisville and allowed us to spend an entire day with them. It was so good to be with them.
2. We were blessed to be able to return to North Alabama during spring break. I preached at Washington Park Baptist Church's homecoming service and had a great time sharing and fellowshipping with those dear people.
3. WPBC continues to support us on a monthly basis. What a blessing that is! But more, they gave us another pounding with some much needed supplies and canned goods. Individuals from FBC, Savannah regularly bless us as well, some anonymously. Thank you so much, WPBC and FBC for your generosity. God is using you to bless us, increase our faith in our mighty God, and meet our needs.
4. The last half of spring break we traveled to Savannah, TN and were able to stay with dear friends. It was a blessing to fellowship with them as well.
5. While in Savannah, we were able to (partially) clean out our attic and had a huge yard sale. We expected to make $400-$500. We had one $60 item, a few $20-$30 items and the rest small stuff. At the end of the day on Saturday, God had blessed us with $1,051! It was a real loaves and fishes thing. After tithe, we'll net about $900! Wow! Praise God!
6. Another $900 was given to us through various sources recently. We are amazed at how God supplies our needs.

Prayer Requests
1. Jason and Keller are winding down their school years. Keller has SATs soon. Pray that he will be relaxed but take them somewhat seriously.
2. Jason's school projects are piling up. He has a set of discussion questions due Monday, a 15-page book review due Wednesday, a 15-page paper due in two weeks and a Greek final exam in a month. Pray that God would multiply his time, make him efficient, and help him to stay dependent on God.
3. We are still waiting on God to sell our house. We say this because we know we can't sell it ourselves. Pray that we'll have wisdom on what to do about a realtor, the price, possibly renting, etc. Most of all pray that it will sell to the right person, at the right time, for the right price.
4. Both Amanda and Jason are looking at other/additional employment opportunities. Pray for wisdom in this.
5. Jason will be doing two weddings this summer (Heath/Starla and Jeremy/Alyssa). Pray for these couples and for Jason as he does pre-marital counseling with them. Also pray for Jason's mom as she's getting married this summer as well (Tony/Pat).

Thank you so much for your support and prayers. We continue to want to give back to you through prayer. How can we pray for you.

For His glory,
The Mackeys