Letter – Only Faith Remains

My dear Caribbean brothers and sisters,

After reading a rather sad paragraph in the May, 2000, Caribbean Pioneer, I want with all my heart to tell you that I am one of the many brothers and sisters in Australia and other parts of the world who love you and am honored that we are partners and “heirs together” with you. In the pages of this magazine, I read of warm-hearted brothers and sisters who encourage me by their faith and love.

I am always thrilled to see the Caribbean Pioneer in my letter box. I enjoy reading of active preaching, courageous endurance, and selfless kindness, because it re-assures me that God is working in us. Some times I am ashamed when I see that, by comparison, my own service is weak. Even more do I feel ashamed when I read of sinful attitudes among Christadelphians.

I recently read the words, “The most loving thing you can do to a person is to tell him his fault, but it must be done in God’s way.” There is a lot of truth in this. I also think we should share our own spiritual life with our brothers and sisters. If I am to keep holding forth the truth to everyone I meet I need the example, interest and encouragement of brothers and sisters who tell me they are doing the same thing. We can pray for each other, you and I right now.

Here is a little poem I once wrote in a moment of frustration:

Life is mostly wrong decisions.
Only faith remains.
Faith that God will mend the damage,
Losses turned to gains.

All I want is loving Jesus,
Serving God, and yet,
Half the time I follow guidelines
Self and mammon set.

All that’s good comes down from heaven,
All that’s bad from me.
O what joy when this foolish person
Dies before eternity.

We can be joyful together that God chooses the weak things of the world and, even in this life, out of weakness we are made strong.

We live in a world where many of us live in affluence and prosperity, cared for from the cradle to the grave. You live in a different world, beset by sometimes insurmountable difficulties and problems that none of us has much power to change. We can, however, assure you of our love and our prayers, and remind you of the “eternal arms” that will never let you down.