Dan Cooper's Blog

I could be bragging on two of our deacons, Aaron Pearl and Tim Davis today, because they are up at Camp Manatawny serving as co-directors for Jr. High I Week of camp.  Or I could be bragging on other deacons (Mike B., Dave P., Bud B. and Chuck O.) because those four deacons are also up at camp working for the week.  But I am not bragging on any of those guys. I could be, but I’m not. Rather, today…

I am bragging on another deacon, Rich Rinne.  Rich and his loyal wife, Joann, have coordinated our Wednesday night meals through another entire cycle, Sept.-June.  This past Wednesday night they threw their annual appreciation dinner for all those who’ve hosted a Wednesday night dinner.  Hosting a meal for 100 people is a big deal.  If you have done it, you know what I mean.

So, Wednesday after Wednesday, all school year long, the Rinne’s see that we have meals served.  That is huge!  How would you like to be yoked with the responsibility of serving 100 people every Wednesday?  Way to go, Rich and Joann.  W

e all appreciate you,
Dan

Tears flowed from his eyes, his voice quivered.  His name was Mr. Honachker.  He had been away from the Lord for over 40 years when I first met him.  D-Day, when we suffered such horrific losses, devastated him. He told of the ocean being red with blood. He told of friends who were shot up, wounded and killed. He was horrified!

He wanted to know three things from me: 1) Can God forgive me for what I did? 2) Why did God save me [and not my buddies]?  3) What am I supposed to do with my life to make a difference?

Every person alive needs to know their life mattered…that we made a difference.  That’s why this note from France, just sent by Craig Young, was so significant:  “Thank you again so, so much for the incredible mission you all accomplished among us.  So enjoy working with you.  So much accomplished at the camp - so much more accomplished in the lives of those who joined us - especially Hatem.  Danny and Katherine Finn had a great week with us at the CEM summer session.  Getting ready for Bible camp - heading back to the Centre. Partners in Ministry, Craig Young” 

Our church is making a difference! 
Dan

I woke up at 2:30 AM today.  Recovering from the jet lag of our France trip!  2:30 AM here is 8:30 AM there! Hey, I slept late according to their time zone.

You can be so very proud of our team of workers.  Our faith and works moved a mountain; well almost!  Still, if you were to drive up to Centre Bonnefoi and look at the chalet from the outside, the “before and after” appearance would reveal very few changes.  That’s because most of the work we did is not apparent at a glance; most of our work was done inside.  Windows were cleaned, extensive painting was done, our “cleaning machine” worked in high gear, electrical and plumbing work was completed, a trench was dug for a sanitation line and then covered over, sheet rock and taping was completed, tile was added to both floors and ceilings, and broken roof tiles were changed; but much of the progress is simply not apparent from the outside!

So it is in our lives as Christians.  Many of the changes we make are not initially obvious.  Big changes are happening inside our lives even when those changes are not obvious to others.  Nonetheless, the changes are significant and very real.  Are you making changes that no one but Jesus sees?  That’s okay.  Jesus specializes in seeing the unseen.  This is just one important lesson I learned on our France trip. 

Keep on.  Jesus sees the progress in your faith journey,
Dan