Sheep need their water, their clover, their pasture -
each provisioned by the Lord.

 Jesus, the gatekeeper, opens the gate –
while the shepherds “terra-firma” enter;
with strong hands, they
stand in the gap to lead ,
such that the sheep
lean to listen to Jesus’ voice.

With exhortation and prayer, they
teach, challenge and at times hold on.
To Create space for the sheep’s need.
Earthly listeners to our prayers,
To evoke an environment supportive,
often forgoing own petitions.

 Agreed or perhaps not, a sheep sees
our little church stand - blessed with a pair,
two who can Defend
and help each other up.

He, a survivor from childhood –
Pain not unique to that physical.
Giving his life as a teen, he was faithful
unto same, years and years until brought
by the Lord to build and scale.

Her home also broken, sadness and pain
Surmounted by sincere love for her
Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. They met in autumn,
bible College hosted the appointment divine. 

A city placement saw flourish, and family.
A simultaneous outpouring of effort,
not small nor insignificant of time;  
this godly service meeting a jarring earthly end.

Seeking a body:  low numbers, red ink, and a pandemic phage emerged.
What became our church rebirthed alongside them.
We learn to love God with all, and love our neighbor.
As we love ourselves…learning to live dependent upon.

She is often unsung, ministering to kids downstairs-
caring for teens and her own,
she shares  the stories of those almost – forgotten –
and in that way encourages the body to be strong.

He shares with us the Blueprints, series that spawn –
an authentic Gospel life, seeking community
in Christ as at the dawn.  We are taught, not just to pray but abide -
in the vine that sustains, be salt and light to those cast aside.