The 8th chapter of Matthew is filled with stories of Jesus healing, faith, and calming the storms of our lives. At first glance, one might simplistically ask why don’t we still see such healings, faith stories, and calming of our storms, especially given an especially virulent flu season and so many areas of violence throughout the world. A deeper view, however, lightens our hearts as we view the landscape of healings, faith and calming of storms that are part of every person’s and congregation’s experience. Our common lives are filled with stories of physical healings through the care of compassionate medical professionals along with medicines and procedures that have been given to us through the decades of devoted researches. Healings in relationships are mostly invisible since few want to reveal their secret brokenness that has been healed but they are there none the less. And faith…there are so many stories to tell
that it is a wonder that we don’t take more time to tell them.
Frank Laubach was a missionary in the Philippines in the 1930’s. He was separated from his family by 700 miles when his son died from a tropical illness. He was in deep despair when God came to him during his daily visit to the mountains for prayer, Bible readings, and meditation. It was at his lowest point that he was inspired to once again turn to the people of his
mission field and encouraged to teach them to read. That may not sound like a “stilling of the waters” event for this tiny, remote village but this was what God knew was needed. By learning how to read, the people were able to read the Bible and begin the exploration of the mysteries of God and life. As Laubach wrote, "Your prison is also your paint box from which all the beauty you know is pouring."Laubach’s work of “teaching adults to read” in the Philippines eventually spread throughout the world and has been effective in teaching millions how to read. The Laubach Literary Instruction program still exists and continues to carry out the simple answer to Laubach’s desperate prayer. Now I wouldn’t want anyone to think that the Bible Challenge year will produce another Frank Laubach…but then again…why not!
Archdeacon Bryan Hobbs
that it is a wonder that we don’t take more time to tell them.
Frank Laubach was a missionary in the Philippines in the 1930’s. He was separated from his family by 700 miles when his son died from a tropical illness. He was in deep despair when God came to him during his daily visit to the mountains for prayer, Bible readings, and meditation. It was at his lowest point that he was inspired to once again turn to the people of his
mission field and encouraged to teach them to read. That may not sound like a “stilling of the waters” event for this tiny, remote village but this was what God knew was needed. By learning how to read, the people were able to read the Bible and begin the exploration of the mysteries of God and life. As Laubach wrote, "Your prison is also your paint box from which all the beauty you know is pouring."Laubach’s work of “teaching adults to read” in the Philippines eventually spread throughout the world and has been effective in teaching millions how to read. The Laubach Literary Instruction program still exists and continues to carry out the simple answer to Laubach’s desperate prayer. Now I wouldn’t want anyone to think that the Bible Challenge year will produce another Frank Laubach…but then again…why not!
Archdeacon Bryan Hobbs
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