Second Quarter
Newsletter
What We Do
at Not Alone Blind Internet Ministry:
·
Provide
a weekly devotional podcast message called “You’re Not Alone”
·
Provide
a Bible study podcast called “Room 4216”
·
Serve
the 52 Outreach Centers with a newsletter and leadership support
·
Provide
pastoral care and counseling that comes about from hearing the podcasts
·
Raise
financial support and awareness for Not Alone Blind Internet Ministry
Devotional Thoughts
from Pastor Dave:
My wife and I have liked antiques since my time
at the seminary, when walking through antiques stores gave a break from studies
and the busyness of life. As we walked, we talked about the old items and what
life was like years ago. Also, being poor students, we appreciated that some antiques
were inexpensive.
Our enjoyment of walking, talking and looking at
antiques has continued even to today. With a bit of money in pocket, the quest
continues. Once we found a Singer treadle sewing machine. We brought it home,
rather pleased with our find. Debb’s Grandma was living with us then. She saw
it and said, “That old thing. I had one like it, and I threw it away.” What we
valued, and paid money for, Grandma had thrown away?!?
We live in a culture of mass-produced toys,
cars, beauty products, and they all promise great power and prestige if purchased.
How much value do we place on these things? on our houses? our jobs? our material
possessions?
Jesus looked around and saw many people rushing about
for this or that. He noticed they valued material possessions more than God.
This troubled Jesus, and so he spoke these words:
Look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as
well. Matthew
6:26, 33
Did the world value the words of its creator?
No. The world did not value Jesus. It discarded him, nailing him to a cross and
tossing him in a grave. By this, Jesus paid for our lives, with his innocent
suffering and death. We were broken by sin, but Jesus paid the price so he
might take us home—home to heaven.
Value is not found in earthly things but in the
one who values us and purchased us at great price. This ministry shares that
value with people who are blind: Jesus is the one who helps, blesses, forgives,
and saves.
The Ministry Continues
to Grow:
We
are able to track how many times our podcasts are downloaded and listened to. It
is exciting to know that actual people are listening—and they keep coming back
every week! 110+ people
listen to the Room 4216 Bible Study every week. 210+ people listen to the “You’re
Not Alone” Devotional every week.
Are You on
Facebook?
If
you go to the Facebook website and type in “Dave Andrus” you will find podcasts
of “You’re Not Alone” and “Room 4216.” If you ask to be a “friend” you can receive
the information and listen or share with others.
“Room 4216” Bible
Study Comments from Listeners:
“Excellent
program and excellent editing. Loved the contrast between Jesus’ serving of His
disciples on Thursday evening and the loving service to all mankind on Friday. Love
whoever played the penny whistle!”
“Really
enjoyed your podcast. I like the new inbox segment. I personally think that
James is a really loaded little book. Every line or two holds a new idea, and I
think that each deserves some time. I really appreciate that you actually
discuss the time and culture in which these words were written. For me,
personally, this discussion helps me in applying these words to life in the
present tense.”
“You’re Not Alone”
Devotional Podcast
Comments from Listeners:
“Hi, Pastor Dave. I
really can relate to this message! I feel alone a lot. I’ve been left
standing many times. What if this person dies or gets hurt or just forgets or
just gets tired of me—how will I get home? I’ve had sighted friends walk
away from me for no reason, and that hurts. I am so glad to know Jesus
will never leave me or forsake me! I honestly don’t know what I’d do
without Him! He’s my best friend! I love Him so much, and I love your
messages! You really do help me a lot! May God bless and keep you!”
Blind Outreach
Center Update:
From
the Cary, North Carolina Outreach Center sighted leader:
“I
just would like to let you know that I enjoy reading your monthly newsletters
and loved your devotion for Lent. We used it last night at our meal, and I also
just now read it to one of our members who is homebound due to
illness. Thank you so much! Blessings on your Holy Week and Easter!
Pastoral
Care:
Last month, I mentioned that as the
ministry grows, so will the need for pastoral care. This is true in any local
congregation. When God’s Word is shared, it touches hearts and changes lives. I
also shared that I was serving a blind person who was dying of cancer, who did
not have a church, who connected with me because of the “You’re Not Alone”
podcast. In that she lived in St. Louis, I was able to visit her weekly. At the
beginning of my visits, she didn’t know Jesus very well. But after four months
of visits, she came to know the Lord. She lost her battle with cancer, but she
won the battle of faith and went home to heaven, to Jesus’ waiting arms.
Please consider partnering with “Not
Alone” Blind Internet Ministry to provide hope and restore comfort to those who
are blind. If you would like to support this ministry, please donate via PayPal
at the website link below or send a check to this address:
Blind Ministry
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
2141 E. John Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63107