Outreach Center Network News Letter
April 2019
In this issue:
New Life, New Hope – a Devotion
Celebrating 20 Years of Ministry
Easter
Did I Read That Sign Right?
Death –What A Wonderful Way To Explain It
Final thoughts
Each article will begin with ###. You may move to the next article by searching for this.
### New Life, New Hope
And taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Luke 9:16-17 (ESV)
When Jesus was finished teaching the crowd, He saw their need of physical hunger. The disciples had only five loaves and two fish at their disposal. What could that do for such a great number of people?
In His hands, the hands of Jesus, our God and Savior, a few becomes more than enough. It was that way when He walked the earth, and it still is that way today. We sadly too often don’t see things through the eyes of faith. Faith in Jesus sees how the Gospel can work through seemingly bad or earthly situations: a cross, blindness, Braille.
I must admit, as this year started, I felt emotionally down, and unmotivated. It was a cloudy cold snowy winter in the midwest. Cloudy days cloud my mind. Perhaps some of you also experience seasonal affective disorder like I do.
And yet, Ministry, whether blind ministry or any other Christian ministry is God’s ministry. He is not only in charge but supplies all the ministry’s and our needs.I am thankful that I am his and that ministry is his as well. There are times I like any other person am down, discouraged or simply tired. God however remains strong, remains merciful, remains faithful to his promises.
As I look back on the first three months of this year, I can see God’s hand at work in my life, in my family and in Blind Ministry. Podcasts were produced, sent out and listened to; Outreach center and their leaders were encouraged and prayed for; individual people who are blind were encouraged and strengthened.
I got to say, it was God at work, not me. Just as when the crowd was fed, it was God at work not the five small loaves. Jesus does amazing things in and through us. Jesus does these when we know it, work with him, as well as when we are down, discouraged or simply tired
The best thing of all is our God sees and knows our immediate needs as well as what will satisfy our eternal need. That’s why Jesus did the miracle and fed the crowd. That’s why Jesus did the miracle and died on a cross.
Wait! What! a miracle to die? Yes, Jesus was God. Jesus was perfect. Jesus was life itself. He died so we might live. Jesus died that he might destroy death. Jesus rose from the dead and now gives nourishment to our soul. This is far more important for life, real life.
As you read this newsletter, the signs of spring and new life are clear: flowers are coming up and blooming; trees are greening out; summer birds are returning and building nests; refreshing rains are fostering new growth. It is invigorating and holds the promise of life and growth. In a similar way, the signs of God’s love and care are evident as well: His Word is read and heard; His Word is changing hearts and lives; His Word is strengthening faith; His Word is expanding His kingdom. All this is possible because His Gospel holds the promise of new life and growth.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We recognize that it is by and through you that God helps meet the needs of this mission. The disciples, after picking up 12 baskets of broken pieces, were amazed at God’s great abundance. May we all be amazed as we see God picking up the broken pieces of our lives and using them to share His Gospel with others.
Pastor Dave Andrus
### Celebrating 20 Years of Ministry
In March the Pittsburgh Outreach Center for the Blind celebrated serving the blind community for 20 years. Literally hundreds of blind people have been touched, helped, and blessed through this outreach center. Not only was this the first outreach center, but it has also tried many different ways of serving those who come: teaching Braille; teaching computers with speech output; guide-dog support groups; classes to deal with depression; a monthly meal for food and fellowship.
The outreach center invited Bob Mates, the first blind director, and Pastor Dave to attend. They shared their greetings and encouragement to continue to share and show God’s love.
Sherri, the present blind leader, reported that they had a few folks come back that they had not seen for years. They reconnected to the outreach center, knowing that they would be accepted. At times, life detours us for a bit, but the outreach center is there for them when they are ready. This consistency is a reflection of God’s constant, steady love. The outreach center helps build trust in God for those who are blind by reflecting His trustworthiness.
### Easter
E. is for the eternity we inherit.
A. is for the assurance we have in His promises.
S. is for the salvation He has won for each and every one of us.
T. is for the truthfulness of His Word.
E. is for the earnestness of His invitation
R. is for the resurrection of Jesus that makes this all possible for you and me.
### Did I Read That Sign Right?
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW.
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In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE
LIGHT GOES OUT.
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In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS...
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In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT
BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN.
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In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN
ON THE DRAINING BOARD.
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Outside a second-hand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING
YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?
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Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS...
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Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS, PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR.
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Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.
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Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS.
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On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK.)
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Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife And Daughter
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Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
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Miners Refuse to Work after Death
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If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
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Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
### Death –What A Wonderful Way To Explain It !!!!!
A sick man turned to his doctor who was preparing to leave the examination room, and said,”Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”
Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don't know.”
“You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”
The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that because he heard my voice his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough.”
### Final Thoughts
In upcoming issues we can and will look at many of the same topics as well as others. If you have questions, thoughts or suggestions, please send them to me or post them on the blind ministry email list.
Pastor Dave