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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: MAIL (02/18/16)
As I read the letter, these words jumped out at me and took my fancy. After all, I merely sent them a casual note with a wishing well card, so I never expected a reply.

“Nowadays, people are just too busy to write. When we received your letter, we were so delighted that you took the time to write to us.”

Wow, I did not realize that my simple letter of appreciation could impact him and his family. I remember writing them a brief thank you letter, accompanied by a greeting card before we departed. In the note, I thanked him for giving us rides to different places in town, and his wife for going out of her way to serve my wife with cakes and fruit juice at a well-attended party for the dementia.

Since reading his comments, I was truly inspired to write warm letters of encouragement to friends. Recently, I wrote to a long-lost friend to find out how he was faring in life. He replied that he was struggling, and needed some financial help to tide him over. Having known him as a straight person, I decided to lend him some money as I did not wish to see him knocking on the door of a loan shark as an easy way out of his problems. In reply, I assured him of my prayers and hoped that we could meet and catch up once more.

Earlier on, Christine Caine in “Undaunted” spoke to me eloquently about forsaking the ninety-nine and go looking for the one that wandered off. (Matthew 18:12 and Luke 15:4). Could this friend be the 100th sheep the Shepherd was searching? I was greatly exercised about his financial straits. If I did not help him, he might think that God had abandoned him, or even worse for him to think that the Church had rejected him. So far, I have met several others who quit their church because they did not get the help they wanted. On my part, when God spoke to my heart so clearly, I had to act on it. Nevertheless, it was better to err on the right side

Shortly, he sent me another letter. His mail warmed my soul enormously. Not only did he thank me profoundly for the money, but also confided to me that he had married someone of another faith and had actually participated in their forms of worship to placate his in-laws. Suddenly, it hit me hard—it was a God’s moment for me. For more than twenty years, my friend had steered clear away from us, and now he was like a prodigal son making his way back to the fold. He also felt that God was pursuing him like a Divine Hound, biding him to return to the fold.

Now I realise the ripple effects of letter-writing. Not only has it provided me with a window on his spiritual state but also opened a line of communication between us. This experience has sparked my enthusiasm to write to others as a new, hidden ministry. Never will I know what joy can such a letter bring to the person!
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This article has been read 575 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Philippa Geaney
02/26/16
I am the richer for having read your entry. Today during my quiet time I was 'just wondering Lord - where is it in the Bible that we are assured that you care about us-as individuals?' The words of Jesus about leaving the ninety nine sheep in search of the 100th came to me instantly. I didn't look it up but reveled in the joy. Now you provide the reference. Definitely the Lord. Thank you for your mail :))
Bonnie Bowden 
03/02/16
One of my favorite pleasures is opening a note or card and reading the words of a family member or friend.

I thought the line about my friend being a straight person was a little confusing.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/03/16
This is a lovely testimonial. I enjoyed your encouragement to write more letters. It is becoming a lost art for sure. I'm guessing this is nonfiction, and sometimes that can become a bit dry. Don't be afraid to write creative nonfiction. I might encourage you to focus on just one letter and expand on it more. For example, you could do something like this: After closing my Bible, I suddenly felt the Spirit talking to me. "You need to write to Joe."
I stood up and shook my head. But, I haven't spoken to him in ages!
As much as I tried to avoid it, God didn't stop nagging me. Finally, I gave in and picked up my pen. Dear, Joe,
You've been on my mind quite a bit lately...
I know I took liberties, but sometimes I think seeing an example is more helpful. Of course, you'd tweak it to make it your own. (Maybe you don't resist God's calling, but I know I do, but he never stops, and eventually I give in. Then I'm blessed more than I could dream possible.)

You have some great advice, and I believe God is planning on using your words in ways you might never imagine. Don't be afraid to use all 750 words. I believe you have a lot to say. I can definitely feel your passion as I read. Keep reading and writing. You're doing a splendid job.