Flowers in Bomb Craters

During World War II the bombing of London left devastation. Lives were lost, buildings destroyed and bomb craters littered the landscape. After the passage of some time it was noticed that in the bottom of some bomb craters was a flower growing not seen in this region of England in quite some time. It seems that some of the bombs contained phosphorus, which trigger the growth of what had become a forgotten flower.

Hard times have fallen on our country economically. Ann asked if I would turn the television off this morning before coming into work, that the news was “just too bad” to listen to. I agreed, and turned the television off.

This morning I met for coffee with 10 businessmen and women, some of whom were non profit directors based in our town. We all shared the same concerns. I shared the news that this past week cuts impacted every staff. Two of our staff are or have departed; others must raise additional support to maintain their current salaries. These changes are all because of a 21% drop in the number of those going on trips with Mission Discovery.

As we sat together as a staff there was grieving and sadness. Rob, one of our departing employees gave me his book “Raving Fans” in jest remarked that this was no indication that he was not still a Raving Fan of Mission Discovery! These are and have been incredible ministry partners going to the worst places in the world to serve the poor and depart Mission Discovery with dignity and hope.

I know for us here at Mission Discovery we are looking for and have found “flowers in bomb craters.” The scripture says it this way, “I’m confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.” While the world’s confidence in the U.S. economy falters, we find our confidence in a foundation of Jesus, who has a purpose in our lives and uses every event that passes through our lives to make that purpose possible.

Thank you for remembering Mission Discovery’s work in the poorest part of the world through giving. Thank you for remembering our staff in prayer.