A Very Important Letter

Bible Reading: Philippians 1:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Kara chewed the end of her pencil as she tried to decide what to write next.

“Whatcha doin’?” asked her brother Brooks. “Is that your homework?”

Kara shook her head. “No, I’m writing a letter to Miss Sanborn. You know—the missionary serving in South America who came and spoke at our church last fall.”

“She probably doesn’t even remember you,” said Brooks.

“I know,” said Kara. “But I thought she might like to get a letter since she works in a village far away from her family.”

“Send her an email,” suggested Brooks. “That’s much quicker.”

Kara shrugged. “I guess so, but I’ve got this started now, so I’ll do it this way.”

A couple weeks later, far away in South America, Miss Sanborn sighed as she sat down at a table. It was sweltering hot, and she was tired and discouraged. The work progressed so slowly. Sometimes I feel like I might as well give up this missionary work and go back home, she thought. She looked at the mail in her hand. Who could this be from? she wondered as she looked at an envelope addressed in a child’s unfamiliar handwriting. She opened it and took out a single page.

“Dear Miss Sanborn,” she read, “I just wanted to tell you I’ve been thinking about you and praying for you. I liked it when you came to our church last fall. I hope you’re having a good time.” The missionary smiled as she continued reading. “I remember what you told us about having faith in Jesus. Because of you, I think I would like to be a missionary someday and tell people about Him. Thank you for the help you have been to me. Love, Kara.”

Miss Sanborn sat quietly for a few moments, and then she breathed a prayer of thanks for the encouragement of that simple letter. Perhaps this is God’s way of letting me know He’s using my work even when I begin to wonder, she thought. He’s faithful, and I need to trust Him.

She smiled as she looked out the window at the village children playing in the sand. Then she took out a piece of paper. She had to write a thank-you letter to a very important person.

– Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

How can you encourage other Christians you know? In today’s Bible reading, Paul tells the people of Philippi how their encouragement helped him share Jesus with others, even when it was difficult. You can encourage other Christians in the same way. Whether it’s a missionary, a pastor, a teacher, or a friend, your encouragement can remind them that God is faithful and is using their work for good.

Today’s Key Verse: Philippians 1:4-5 (ERV) I always pray for all of you with joy. I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News.

Today’s Key Thought:

Encourage other Christians