SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Giving Ourselves Wholly to God
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6, KJV).
ABOVE: Pastor Daniel Gouveia, the senior pastor at Fresno Central Church, enthusiastically illustrates John Wesley’s famous quote, "Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."
26 Pacific Union Recorder
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or over a year, we have been mired in a pandemic as well as an economic meltdown, and we have been facing challenging issues of racial disparity and fairness. While these issues have dominated much of our attention and emotions, we can also look back and see how God has led us. Even though we would like to somehow magically erase these ordeals, we have not only learned a great deal but also gained much during this year. The pandemic won’t end suddenly, with bells tolling or a ticker-tape parade; instead, life will proceed cautiously back to the familiar. Although things will not be exactly as before, it will be important to remember the “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15) that has been so abundantly shown by God’s people. There have been innumerable churches, schools, individuals, and conference ministries and events that have sacrificed and served their communities. The stories of some have been told, but others may not be recognized until Jesus says, “My good and faithful servant.” To all, we say thank you for what God has done through you to bless others.
Central California Conference
