June Journeys & Joyful Intercession – by Mary Jones, Tifton, GA

Mary Jones

I love spring in the South. The sun warms these old bones while the breeze is cool enough to keep the early gnats at bay. The rains have brought new growth from long-dormant grass and flowers. Everything looks fresh and vibrant at that time.

And then comes June. June is no longer the mild days of spring and yet it precedes the blistering dog-days of July and August. It is in-between. I am reminded that many of us spend most of our lives living like it is June. We are in-between youth and old age—not our freshest, but with a ways to go if God is gracious.

In the June of our lives, we can be lazier, less hurried, and able to enjoy a few moments here and there to reflect and to renew. Here is also where we can devote time to reach out beyond ourselves to care about others. We begin to see we can make an eternal difference in the lives around us. Then suddenly, duty may call and we have an urgency to get busy.

June is one of the busiest months for FCFI. Many shows are in place for the Gospel message to be shared through the walking sticks. Often these are at agricultural events. Many prayers are said that those sticks with the Gospel message of the beads will reach hearts and change lives.

Feet get tired and voices become ragged as the Message is shared over and over. Seeds are planted in hearts and lives, watered with prayers, and turned over to God for redemption and new growth. It is not a glamorous ministry because sometimes we get hot, wet, or cold. At that time we can reflect on these verses…

And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world, as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. —Matthew 24:14

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. —Acts 1:8

And then we are reminded that is His ministry and He will ensure that it is a glorious one.