A Death of a Saint

    I was doing some work on the computer recently when I came across a recent bit of news.  I read where Don Richardson passed away on December 23, 2018.  I then followed a link to a service that was broadcast on the internet on Saturday, January 12.  I watched the almost 2hour service that was a memorial to a missionary who worked in what was than called Iran Jaya which is now, Papua, New Guinea.  He was instrumental in bringing the gospel message to a tribe in that area and he also authored a book called, "Peace Child."  The almost 2 hour presentation was filled with testimonies of Don's relationship with God.  The accounts of his children were inspiring as was seen in how God worked in the lives of Don and Carol Richardson all the way through his life.   Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
        I have been in the midst of a word study during the past few days, which, when I get finished, will have no profound effect on anything. It will not have been instrumental in taking the gospel anywhere, no one will probably ever read it or even care about the difference in the Bible of two words.  When it comes right down to it, there are many things in this life that occupy our time which have no benefit in regard to the kingdom of God.  They might be important in our own lives but they have replaced important time and energy with an attempt at self glorification which, in the end, have no eternal value.  While we pursue our worldly endeavors, souls are perishing, not just around the world, but next door or down the street from where we live.  Relationships are broken even in our churches as people hide behind masks of apathy and shame.  It is comforting to know that there are souls like Don and Carol Richardson who respond to God's leading and never look back, but keep on going forward with the message of hope, peace and love that can only come from the spreading of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is also comforting to know that God is aware of His army of soldiers that are marching around the world.  People who seem  to be indifferent are hearing the Gospel message and responding.  Souls are still being saved and lives are still being changed as men and women such as Jim Elliott, Nate Saint, Don and Carol Richardson, go about the world today spreading the Gospel message.  It is not just the famous such as those just listed, but you and I that are also in the Lord's Army.  So, don't get side tracked with insignificant things, but keep your eyes on the goal of winning people to the Lord.  When the worship of God exists in every corner of the world, you can stop,  but not until then.  Praise God for the Gospel Message.