I hope this post finds everyone doing well in this new year. Possum Talks is preparing for our fortieth workshop this Friday and Saturday, 2-27 and 28, at Huntsville’s Walls Unit. Eight years ago we piloted the program at The Walls, so this is a milestone moment for us. Over that time we have gotten to know many of the men in white there, severally of them because they have faithfully served as stewards and small group leaders every time we’re given the privilege of being there.

     This workshop will be particularly memorable because we will have two of our original Possum Talks participants and their wives coming back after their release, to serve alongside the team. Isn’t that just fantastic (see attachments)! We’re thrilled to have them and can’t wait to hear what they have to share with the men. Both these men and their wives are people of God who are making a difference in their community in and around Houston. And their wives have a story of what life was like without them.

     After this many workshops, I’m frequently faced with the question: Will the message be fresh? Will it have the impact it did eight years ago when we were all – participants and team – pumped and eager to serve? This week, as I’ve prayed about our time together, several scriptures have come to mind that are a reminder of the importance of knowing and remembering why we do what we do and from whence comes our provision.

     One is 1 Corinthians 13: 1 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” These words focus on the “why” of ministry as centered on Christ and trusting that God will provide the “how,” the “when” and the “what” as He wills.

     Another is a reminder I noticed specifically for the church in Ephesus described by John as a message from Christ himself in Revelation chapter 2:3 and 4, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” This is a reminder that we “do” because we love Jesus but includes the caution that if we ever resort to a rote routine or worrisome overplanning and dependence on our own strength, that our words and deeds will lose their freshness — if I forget the love I had at first.

     Finally, the Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 1:3 and 8: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to[c] his own glory and excellence … For if these qualities [including brotherly love, and love] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
     Wow! What more encouragement can I ask for? But … I do ask for your prayer that our team may continue to serve with the compassion of Jesus and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for your prayerful support and interest in Possum Talks.

     Blessings to all!

PICTURE  OUR  SAVIOR  SERVING  UNWORTHY  MANKIND!