Your Advice, Please
This is a request for advice from the English reading audience of Today’s Word. Ā As you know, we decided to move toward a community that consisted of people who valued Today’s Word enough to contribute toward the goals of the community. Ā With your help, we have now distributed funds and other forms of help to several members of the community – and we will keep doing that. Ā But now we have an issue.
For several years, Today’s Word has been offered to the Spanish speaking readers, principally in Central America. Ā Bessy Bendana has faithfully translated each edition (without fee) and sent it out to about 250 readers. Ā Bessy and I decided that we wanted the Spanish language community to also make a show of community commitment, so we sent a message similar to the one that you responded to, telling readers that we would Ā move to a donor-only (plus unusual circumstances) list on 1 June. Ā Now we aren’t so sure about this. Ā There are several reasons:
1. This culture seems to be a “spiritual things should be free” culture. Ā Perhaps this is one of the reasons that they are so dependent on foreign missionary aid.
2. Ā In Honduras and El Salvador, many believers simply earn such a small amount of money that donations of any kind become a problem. Ā Some pastors I know earn less than $20 a month. Ā Of course, we are not asking for a specific amount and it is difficult for me to believe that someone is incapable of offering $1 a year, but that might seem impossible given the economic conditions there.
3. Ā We have had only 2 people offer donations of any kind, and we have had about a dozen people write to ask if they can still be included without a donation. Ā Otherwise, we have heard nothing at all from nearly 230 readers.
4. Ā Your donations are what is actually keeping this Spanish ministry going, but I am hesitant to continue it if it has such little value to the readers that they don’t even correspond.
SO, HERE’S THE QUESTION: Ā What should we do? Ā Should we continue to provide it without any commitment, or should be push toward making a commitment like each of you did?
Please help us. Ā It’s your community. Ā Tell us what you think.
Skip
maybe you can ask for a minimun of 1 dollar/year.
if they can read it on internet, they have posibility to pay at least 1 dollar.
otherwise they can ask a friend to part the cost betwen them.
God bless you!!
I just recently taught a series on developing a right relationship with God based on three pillars: the study of Torah, a consistent prayer life, and alms giving. As I prepared to teach on alms giving, I was amazed at the promises given to those who do give to the poor. For example, Proverbs 19:17 says: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” A portion of my notes explained:
1. āLendethā means: to join, to accompany. It has the meaning of attaching oneself to someone or something: to one’s wife through affection (Gen. 29:34); to a group of fellow tribesmen who have a common purpose of serving in the work of the priesthood (Num. 18:2, 4); to the Lord as one’s God, even though the persons are foreigners, strangers or eunuchs (Isa. 14:1; 56:3, 6), for the Lord will accept and prosper them.
2. āHe pay againā is the word shelam (shaw-lam) and is a derivative of shalom (shaw-lom) which means peace, i.e. nothing broken nothing missing.
3. The actual meaning of shelam is verb meaning to be safe, to be completed. The primary meaning is to be safe or uninjured in mind or body (Job 8:6; 9:4). This word is normally used when God is keeping His people safe. In its simple form, this verb also means to be completed or to be finished. This could refer to something concrete such as a building (1 Ki. 7:51); or things more abstract, such as plans (Job 23:14). Other meanings of this verb include to be at peace with another person (Ps. 7:4[5]); to make a treaty of peace (Josh. 11:19; Job 5:23); to pay, to give a reward (Ps. 62:12[13]); to restore, repay, or make retribution (Ex. 21:36; Ps. 37:21).
There are many promises to those who give alms; why not give Today’s Word free as a gift from this community to the poor?
JMO,
Barry
I agree with you.
What came to mind immediately while I was reading the original request was,
“Am I my brothers’ keeper?” and the answer is yes.
But you put it so much more eloquently, Bless you Barry.
I would be glad to “sponsor” a reader (or more than 1)….maybe the readers can suggest what they are able to give and the sponsors in the community can make up the rest (join together for a great cause).
You could require, at least, a response from each person to see if they are reading regularly. If a person makes no response whatsoever, you might assume they have lost interest. There would be nothing wrong in asking people to indicate a desire to remain a part of the community. If a member really benefits from receiving, but simply cannot contribute it would seem the loving thing to do to allow them to stay connected.
However, I’m giving this opinion without having any idea of the expense involved in keeping those who do not contribute connected.
Bob
Provide it without any commitment….trust God for the rest of us to provide. Our friends in Honduras and El Salvador will mature as God in His timing brings them along. We all have been there with the ‘this is mine, and I need it’ attitude.
I agree with Ken. Would I have started if there was a fee required? I,m not sure. But I am sure of the value of these messages. Let it be for free as we are unsure of the individual situations to afford or even to make commitment. The important result is that they can be accessable to as many as possible. It is not really for us to decide who gets and who is rejected.
I am really torn between what was written by Barry & Bob. I am one of those in the States that hasn’t been able to give to this community until this very week and am just now able to do so. I know how vital the “Today’s Word” has been to my journey and I faithfully read it daily, even when I was out of state being with my dad as the Lord prepared him to go to him. (My dad went to be with the Lord at 7 a.m. Tues. morning 5/19.)
I also agree with Antoinette & Ken. On the other hand, I also know that sometimes we appreciate something more if we have to make a sacrifice to get it (referring to the Today’s Word). A $1.00 annual donation isn’t too much to ask for. Final advice: JUST PRAY ABOUT IT, Yahweh will tell you what to do! Shalom, Pam
My brain agrees with Bob, that it is appropriate to respond. But, how long is a seed in the ground before it germinates and sends sprouts that are seen? Only the Creator knows.
We should provide for them if possible.
I am reminded of a true story by the missionary Malcomb Smith who found a tribe in Africa that no one else knew of, but they were believers in Jesus. When he asked one how they came to know, they took him to an old man who was once the witch doctor who carved the idols. He told his testimony of when he was carving an idol and got the revelation that what he was carving could not make life, but was only a carving. He knew there must be a God that made life, and having no instruction on how to find Him, he just began to walk through the jungle hollering, “Where are you, …who are you? He got a dream that night and in the dream he saw a white woman with a black book approaching the tribe and since he had never seen a white person or a black book, he knew it must be from this real God. It came true. A white woman with the Bible approached the tribe and he was so excited, he came screaming out of his hut, “What is His name? What is His name?” speaking in his own language, that she did not know, but the Holy Spirit interpreted it for her, and she said, “His name is Jesus.” The news of Him spread through the tribe from there. So my question is, who provided him the revelation, the desire, and the gift of Himself and His Word? Was anything required of the man other then to desire to seek after Him, and He took care of the rest of the provision of Himself. Do we own any part of Him that we have freely received? If money, or commitment is required for something, He is able to give the provision and desire to enable it to be given, but we were not able to even keep our covenant (commitment) to Him, and that is why He was faithful with perfect commitment to make His own sacrifice to keep both sides for us who receive Him. So can we command a commitment of another that we cannot keep ourselves without Him. Unless He directs us and is in charge of that we, and them, would be helpless to keep it. I would ask Him what He wants you to do with what is His, because what He ask of you, He will provide for somehow.
Skip, the Holy Spirit brought three things to my remembrance. One: where your treasures are, there your heart will be also. Two: “you shall not muzzle the ox that treads the corn” and three: Paul’s collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
If this daily dose of truth and hope is treasured by the Spanish Community, then they should be willing to put their earthly treasures, where their heart is. Also, if you are willing to tread in the corn fields for us so that we can have fresh corn to eat each morning, then we should be willing to help you with the expense of the farming implements that are required to tread in the field.
But, if the Spanish Community is unable to contribute at this time, then we as their brothers and sisters need to lay up something for them and then give it to you on their behalf. If they know of our love for them, and they are encouraged to contribute to their own support as soon as, they are able, then the justice of the Holy Spirit will move them to that end. But, our mission is to love them and to let the Holy Spirit be the Holy Spirit. Skip take up a collection for the less fortunate saints.
I will continue sending this material to ours brothers and sisters without conditions. It is not how heavy the burden in our shoulder is; it is the willingness of doing the Lords work. I know it takes money to do any thing but when you are committed to the Lord He always provide. Also it will be wise to check on the idea of sponsors, it may work. Remember Matt. 6:19-21 (GNB) “Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.”
Shalom everyone,
You know there are so many responses which could be crafted in support of either a “let’s provide things gratis” model all the way to “better not be a respecter of persons for any reason” model.
There is no way to tell what kind of impact Today’s Word is having on the lives of these people, is there? We have no idea if Today’s Word is the only real dose of truth being received at all, do we?
I for one believe that Skip and Bessy have some decisions to make and need to pray on this matter …. and I will pray for them.
Regarding general dissemination of Today’s Word outside of the community … this is a matter between ELOHIM and Skip!
Does a student population tell a teacher how or to whom to teach? For example … let us say there is a teacher in an elite private school who decides to also teach for free on the weekends to some economically disadvantaged children. Should the students or parents or even the school administration intervene and stop these weekend activities?
Just one boy’s opinion!
Drew
Some seed fall on rockie ground. Don’t waist the seed. However if you get a responce that they want to get the word keep sending it.
Since Skip invited comment, I will just put my two cents worth in. I am an MK having spent approx 14 years of my life in Venezuela where I was born and where my parents ministered as missionaries for nearly 40 years (beginning in Cuba). My brother married a Puerto Rican and they have 6 children and all live in Puerto Rico. I am part of a mission agency with its primary focus on Brasil. I am bilingual. I know the culture (perhaps in some measure I am the culture) of which we speak and understand precisely the issues to which Skip is speaking here….I have seen mud homes with mud floors and yet with TV antennas. I have seen poorly clothed (if clothed at all) children but with adult parents with cell phones and other unnecessary amenities….For many, the issue isn’t just the lack of funds (though that is true certainly in comparison to Americans) but the lack of any training on “how to manage your money” (i.e. issue of values and priorities). In some respects, this is true of any of us regardless of our bank accounts. Perhaps we have a lot and still have skewed priorities or perhaps we have very little and still have skewed priorities. And here, we are talking about a community that at the very least, have a computer with internet service (monthly charges etc.) so we aren’t talking about folks that are completely without resources (i.e. the really poor). If that were the case, then rather than providing for an open and free of charge community, we should be sending funds for computers and computer services so that more can have access (the really poor) who do not but would want such access to this community…
I think the real issue here is what are the goals of this community. Not sure I will state them correctly but my understanding was as follows: 1. It is not about expanding membership (numbers) but about reducing size in favor of true commitment and influence/reach 2. It is not about the money (larger community committed financially to outreach ministries) but about the true commitment of those who are being served with service to others in mind. In summary, I am hearing “quality” (largeness of the heart) and not “quantity” (largeness of the membership roll) both in terms of equipping and outreach effectiveness.
So…if the goal of this ministry is as stated above, then expedient wisdom might call for placing the bar at the same height for these folks as they are for all who have indicated their commitment to this community (with the exceptions of those who cannot but still show the same heart commitment provided for by those who are contributing financially). If the goal is evangelistic or as a means of instructing those who might not have any other means of receiving instruction (expanding outreach), then obviously, such an exception might need to be made.
The question for me isn’t what do we do but rather, what is the purpose of this community/ministry and then staying true to that purpose (reminder: Skip leads that charge and is in charge, not us – totally his ministration of his “grace gift” to us)….it isn’t like this community is the ONLY source or resource available to the Hispanic world (and if that is the case, then exceptions could be made – and Skip would be in the best position to determine all exceptions to the rule).
One last thing: “Grace, given time will invariably lead to entitlement.” (Ken Boa). This ministry was a grace gift (free of charge) to so many for so long. Such grace, for many, has now turned into entitlement. I have said many times at my church that all you need to do to cause an uproar would be to take away the free donuts and coffee between church services. “Grace, given time will invariably lead to entitlement.” So, my view is stay true to the purpose, set the bar higher (keeping exceptions in mind and as warranted) and then be prepared for the uproar for those who have taken grace and turned it into an entitlement.
Just some thoughts for what it might be worth.
Great comment David!!
The key of the summary for me is, “If they can pay for internet, then they’ll pay for La Palabra de Hoy *if* it’s of value to them. If not, good riddance.”
Being the “Tech Geek” of this community, my $0.02 is that there was quite a bit of my time put into setting up different pages, accounts, sequences, etc en espanol. I was pretty disappointed that only about a dozen of the 280 I imported from the atgodstable.com list were interested and able to put their money where their mouth was.
BUT, all my work is “sunk cost” now, so it’s not like there’s much “tech work” left to do either option.
Skip, if you want me to add a “polling” function so we can take an online vote, let me know. (Then again, how Greek of us that would be! š
I have appreciated reading everyone’s thoughts here. My two cents would be contained in what has already been suggested; ask for a $1/year commitment and also ask everyone to respond to see who is still connecting with this ministry. I beleive that it is difficult for us as Americans to fathom that a person could not give $1 but we don’t live in their world but this minimal amout still gives them an opportunity to exercise thier faith. Ultimately, you could use what wisdom the Lords gives you on a case by case basis. If someone cannot afford even a dollar a year and yet asks to still receive Todays Word, I would give it to them>
Because you asked….Here are some thoughts.
You asked for my money and I value your ministry to me and those HE’s sent me to, so I offered my pittance and then you said it wasn’t about money. Had you said it was about communication I’d have written, even tho’ I’m pretty sure I don’t have much to offer. You joyfully received what I could offer and I am grateful. I had freely received for quite some time, it is right that I give considerably more than you accepted.
Freely give…A workman is worthy…
People, culture aside, tend to value what they pay for. They also more readily make what they pay for their own. When one is only entertained or fragmentally blessed by the teaching you send out, ownership does not occur and the teaching may be lost (the HS can resurrect anything!).
Maybe these spanish-speaking peoples are like me: if you’d have said up front that it was the gesture, not the amount, you’d have had a different response.
So, act like Jesus. Do ONLY what Father says to do, nothing more, nothing less. If Father told you to ask wealthy Americans for money as a sign of a commitment to learning, perhaps HE will tell you to ask peoples with less money for some other sign.
Dear Skip,
Thank you for your commitment. 2 Cori 4:1. Ministry is His. You are His. He who called you is faithful.
I am Pastoring a congregation for past 6 years, with out a remuneration. This Feb the bros turned around ‘you are our Pastor and receive our offering so we will be blessed’.
Feed the pure milk, you will be blessed. God will be your provider.
BN
I believe that if people truly value something, then it is put to use. To those who are receiving Today’s Word and not even reading it, I don’t think you will hear anything from them. To those who are reading but can’t give, I can help bear that buden as well like many here have already said. I’ll pray for those who really want to give but don’t have the means yet, God will provide a way.
A dollar a year is more than reasonable. You can keep it free for a time which you have, but after a while it takes on less value. This is just how the human mind works. $1 is NOT too much to ask and you are holding the same accountability to English readers, so it is not like there is a double standard. If they do not feel that it is worth a dollar, and no one steps up to cover it for them if they really cannot afford it financially, then it may be time to put it on the line.
Paul seemed to be quite comfortable about making needs known, and asking expectantly for joyful giving. But I cannot recall a “pay to play” model in old or new testaments. Culturally, our country has sufficient resource, and has grown to expect to have to purchase interesting material, whether for spiritual growth, or not. Why not make the needs known, teach from the Scriptures, and let the Spirit do the work in the Latin American Countries (i.e. Spanish language translation)? Perhaps the community / local church could be solicited to defray the costs of this work as a missionary expense? If God does not provide, over time, perhaps reconsider the calling?
Personally I would do what ever it took to get the kind of information you give. I also give to people that will never say thank you or even give a flying flip but that isn’t my problem. I feel when you know and learn how much was given to you without even asking then you become a giver and not till then. This is one of those damned if you do and damned if you don’t :*)
Does not community require some kind of involvement or participation? Regardless of all the scripture that would support providing sustenance to our brothers and sisters without any strings attached, I do believe that scripture also supports some sort of involvement from the church body members. From most of the responses thus far, I get the impression that most readers feel Skip is trying to generate revenue instead of seeking to prod a deeper and more sincere commitment to the ministry of Today’s Word. Let’s find another way for cummunity members to feel more connected with the Spirit and the body of Today’s Word that is not monetary. How about taking the time to share a testimony of encouragement for Today’s Word community members? If no time investment can be made, then we would be closer to knowing where each member stands…or sits. Thanks for the ministy of your Time, Skip.
Tim
My mission work is in Honduras, clearly 85% of over 7 million people live in extreme poverty. I have had to learn and understand their culture. The comment “spiritual things should be free” is so very true. What is happening however is this country since 2000 is growing spiritually. Jesus is being proclaimed. I am a self funded missionary – what I do I do with a grateful heart. I get to see the very worst and and very best that God has to offer in this beautiful country that I call my second home. How many in this country even have access to a computer? Only those in the larger communites and most rely on the cyper cafe’s. It cost them lempuras to have access. To ask them to consider paying brings them to a stand still. Do they eat or pay for information on the net. The net is how they communicate with their families in other parts of the country and in fact across the world. Many save the small amount of lempuras so that once a month or two they can use the net. I am reminded of the early missionaries who smuggled bibles into to countries – I think of the possibilies of those today who by seeing “Today’s Word” on the net are in fact sharing this wonderful teaching with those less fortunate.
Lives are being changed in this country by the gospel. It is a process. One statement “People value what they pay for” is in fact quite true – in North America – in third world countries they value the fact that they had something to eat today.
Skip, you are providing a most valuable tool and I am sure that the spanish speaking people are grateful for having this available to them. My prayer is that you continue to provide this for the 250 people and that our great God continues to provide you the necessary funds that you need.
Blesings to all
Sandy
Paul didn’t place financial burdens on the churches he served even though he was worthy of their support. Financial support was voluntary, those churches that gave basically supported Paul’s ministry worldwide. Your teachings always remind us that the culture of the scriptures were Hebrew based not Greek. Assuming the Latin world doesn’t value scriptural teachings because they don’t or can’t contribute financially is Anglo thinking. Here in North America we don’t understand poverty. Our poor are wealthy compared to Latin American poor people who don’t receive government help. Continue to provide the teachings for free and let us here in North American burden the responsibility.
SKIP: I APPRECIATE SO MUCH THE WORD OF THE DAY. IT IS SUCH A BLESSING TO ME. THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I AM SEEKING SOMETHING SPECIAL TO GUIDE MY DAY. I READ YOUR “WORD OF THE DAY” AND IT IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEED. I BELIEVE YOU NEED TO GO WITH YOUR HEART. GOD HAS A WAY OF PUTTING THE ANSWER RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR EYES, AND WE FAIL TO SEE IT. YOU ARE A WISE MAN OF GOD, AND I BELIEVE GOD HAS A WAY OF USING THE WISDOM HE GIVES US TO SEE THAT HIS WILL IS CARRIED OUT. I AGREE WITH THE BROTHER WHO MADE THE COMMENT (CASE BY CASE) LET YOUR HEART SPEAK VOLUMES OF GRACE AND MERCY, AND YOU WILL KNOW THE ANSWER.
The comments thus far have been excellent. I am not sure what I really can add to them. As a person who has a “mailing list” and deals with regular subscribers (in the U.S) I have been confused at times by their “lack of response.” Of course, I have not asked for contributions but I have on occasion asked for feedback from about 500 people only to receive it from about the same dozen every time. (Kind of like that core in most churches) I don’t understand the dynamic and at times have felt like taking my site down and offering my devotionals in e-book form only but God has not allowed it–yet.
I don’t understand people but I do believe that God will direct you, Skip, in your decision. As someone else here so aptly said this is really between you and Elohim. Allow Him to direct you.
And for all of us who assume that we are good soil just because we have given monetarily or participated in some way I believe that in the end what is grown and produced in our lives determines just what kind of soil we are. That is something that cannot necessarily be measured by email responses or contributions–and often requires a continued work by The Gardener in our lives.
Skip I know without a doubt that you will receive the direction that you need regarding this matter. Thank you for your ministry. It truly challenges me on a daily basis.
What does it mean to be in a global community? It almost seems those words are a contradiction. āGlobalā is so vast while ācommunityā insinuates intimacy. It a fast moving world and in some ways the world seems to be shrinking because of our amazing technology. This string of conversation, for example, is taking place within minutes of each post and most of us have never met face-to-face; we are close and yet we are not. Some have uploaded their picture and some have not. Still we talk, relate, and exchange ideas.
I recall a story from many years ago Dr. Tony Campolo told at a seminar I attended. He was returning from Haiti by way of a small private airplane. While boarding the plane a little boy who had been closely shadowing him begged Tony to take him. He wanted to go with Tony on the plane. Tony refused and boarded without the boy; recanting to himself all the logical reasons why he could not take the boy. As the plane taxis on the dirt runway the boy is chasing the plane along the side; he is crying and reaching out in a dramatic plea. It was so upsetting Tony could no longer look at the boy and he ignored him; until the plane was airborne.
As the plane pulled up, Tony looked back and locked eyes with little Haitian boy and everything changed. Until that moment the boy was a nameless, faceless person. Tony had been so focused on doing his missionary work he totally disregarded the boy. Now he takes the time to look at his face and in that instant he had a heart connection. The face-to-face encounter made a difference for Tony. He related that as he locked eyes with the boy he remembered the words, āwhen you have done it to the least of these my son you have done it unto meā. As the plane picked up speed and banked a turn out of site it Tony said it felt like he was leaving Jesus behind.
I do not mean to suggest any theology in this story; that is not my point. I am merely attempting to communicate that in discussions like this one our perspectives are often from a point-of-view which has not viewed the faces of those of whom we are talking about. I may talk about a person who I have never seen, but once I see their face and hear the voice I speak of them differently. Their face brings them alive to me and I relate to them as a living human being; created in the image of the Creator just like me. Are we not more readily to respond in affirmation to those we have met as opposed to those whom we have never met? I confess I am; I am just that selfish. Please Yeshua forgive me.
Whether āTodayās Wordā is given without cost or $1 annually is required is for me a minor point. The greater issue is, have I taken the time to consider their face, their voice, and their heart? Have I just counted them as another impoverished, needy person in a remote village? Or, is this the cry of my people yearning to be restored? If I am Messiahās ambassador, then what is my responsibility?
What did John teach? Luke 3:11.
We are so rich, in Europe and the States. I will send some extra money. I will probably not even miss it! We have an obligation to our brothers and sisters who are really poor.
Kees Brakshoofden
Holland
Years ago, before we were tithing, I met with a Pastor to speak about the whole issue of tithing and that basically we didn’t have much income and I felt we just couldn’t “afford” to tithe. He told me a story that has stayed with me over 25 years, and one we’ve passed on to our children. At the time we met, this Pastor had just completed the sale of a piece of land his family owned. He made $200,000 on the sale and tithed $20,000. He told me it doesn’t get easier to tithe with greater income. God looks at the heart, not the amount. It’s stepping out; an act of faithfulness, whether it’s $1 a year or $100,000 a year. Making $20 a month is unimaginable for most of us to comprehend. Tithing $2 seems huge, considering the $18 remaining, but bottom line, God will bless their faithfulness. That to me is the message.
I’m in total agreement with brother David Salver and sister Saralou. Your labor is worthy of hire and if they really desire to receive, they will make an effort to help.. If they are well educated and can afford a computer and it’s reception than they can contribute something to prove that they truly want and will act on it.
IĀ“m SkipĀ“s transaltor, Bessy,
IĀ“m totally overwhelmed by all your responses. This IS a real community! You see, the Spanish community has not developed – or evolved. There is little reply or comment, participation is almost inexistent. I understand that our culture does not favor confrontation, and given our religious background, we rarely question who we consider biblical authorities, so there is no debate.
Additionally, we are very used to receiving, not giving. So itĀ“s difficult to evaluate if readers really benefit from our effort.
Skip writes, I just translate. ItĀ“s the same effort for 250 or 5. In the old site, we didnĀ“t know whether anybody really read it. Now we do have names, and some faces – yours – and thatĀ“s what makes this enormous effort worth it. We know it matters to someone, it makes a difference somewhere!
ItĀ“s the same in the Spanish community. I will translate for 2 or 200, but I wish I could tell whether it makes a difference for someone. I have heard from about a dozen people…if Yeshua had 12, well, I guess so can we.
But what about the rest?
Skip has to make the decision, heĀ“s the one supporting the site and fronting the expenses. But in the end, available funding comes from the English speaking community. It overwhelms me how caring you are, how willing to step up. At the risk of sounding patronizing, I feel very proud of our community. IĀ“m honored to be a part of it. I hope this example sets a path that the Latin community can follow.
Keep us in your prayers. We need a direct answer from above.
B
Nicely said Bessy. š