FEBRUARY 1, Proverbs 25:25

Jamie chewed the end of her pencil as she tried to think of something to write next. “What are you doing?” asked her brother, Joshua.“Is that your homework?”

Jamie shook her head. “No, I’m writing a letter to Brother Lee,” she said. “You know… he’s the missionary who came and spoke at our church last month.”

“He probably doesn’t even remember you,” said Joshua.

“I know,” replied Jamie, “but I thought he might like to get a letter since he’s not married and works all alone in that village.”

Some days later, a missionary sighed as he sat down at a table. It was sweltering hot, and he was tired and discouraged. The work progressed so slowly, and sometimes he felt like he might as well give up his missionary work and go back home. He looked at the mail in his hand. Letters were scarce, and he especially wondered about the long envelope addressed in a child’s unfamiliar handwriting.

He smoothed out the letter and began to read. “Dear Brother Lee,” it said, “I just wanted to tell you we’re all thinking of you and praying for you. I liked it when you came to our church last month. I hope you’re having a good time there.” The missionary smiled as he continued reading. “I remember the things you told us about having faith in God. I will try to have more faith. Because of you, I think I would like to be a missionary some day. Thank you for your help. Love, Jamie.”

Brother Lee sat for a few moments, and then he breathed a prayer of thanks for the encouragement of that simple letter. Perhaps this is God’s way of letting me know He intends to use my ministry here, he thought.”Maybe I need more faith, too.”

He smiled as he looked out of the window at the village children playing in the sand. Then he took out a piece of paper. He had to write a thank-you letter to a very important person.

Thought: Have you thought about ways you could encourage the missionaries you know? Or the teachers in your Sunday School class? Your Pastor or other church leader? Even a child can write a simple letter to encourage. You may never know just how much it means to someone; why not write a letter this week?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to encourage someone this week. Could be my teacher or a missionary I know, just help me to pluck up my courage to write a short letter to that special someone! In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.