Epiphany Reflections

‘God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’

This verse can be summed up in eight words,

‘God loves, Jesus died, I believe, I live.

John, Trustee and Committee Chair @ HHI (Penylan Baptist Church)

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

This was my wife’s favourite verse, and we were given a way of meditating on it by Rev. Dr. Daniel Beeby. Repeat the verse once for each word and put the emphasis on that word and hear what God says to you as you do so.

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

‘Be still and know that I am God.’

John, Trustee and Committee Chair @ HHI (John and his late wife, Lorna, members of Penylan Baptist Church, always manned the Craft stall at our Supporters’ events)

‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’

Angela Edwards, Christchurch, Ebbw Vale
Christchurch, Ebbw Vale has supported HHI with generous donations for many years and has welcomed us at their special Monthly Prayer Breakfast meetings on several occasions.

‘May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.’

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.

This familiar hymn reminds us of Christ’s atoning death: at the cross God’s love is revealed, to each believer, requiring total commitment – “my soul, my life, my all!”

Susan, Trustee @HHI

‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.’

‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’

It is not unusual for charities to appeal for donations during Lent. In contrast to this, few years ago, instead of asking for gifts and donations, HHI decided to produce a prayer diary. We knew that our faithful supporters would not falter in their giving, and we also knew that, through prayer, HHI would be truly blessed. So, as you reflect on some of the Bible readings and verses we are sharing, please continue to pray for our work and those people we seek to serve. Need we ask

Hilary@ HHI

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This verse is what HHI is all about and it very much applies on a personal level too.

Jute, Committee Member and Zambia Lead @ HHI (Stow Park Church, Newport)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Many charitable organisations launch projects during Lent and, in that respect, Health Help International is no different. Indeed, Lent is often seen as another opportunity to swell the funds in order to meet those needs identified by a particular charity.

We know that our supporters are always ready to continue to fund an ongoing project or a new initiative which is proposed and we also know that when we earnestly pray for the success of a venture, all our efforts are richly blessed.

So, this year, safe in the knowledge that our supporters will continue to work with us and pray with us, we have decided to post a Bible reading or verse each day on our HHI website and Facebook page. Some of these readings will have additional reflections while others will stand alone.

During Lent this year, we invite you to reflect on what is shared each day and pray with us for those needy and vulnerable people we seek to serve.