“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16 (KJV)

Pastor Ivan Peterson was the second to the last Pastor who lead our worship service during our vacancy and he gave us a sermon series of Psalm 23 over a number of Sunday’s. Early on, he asked if any of us were shepherds; no hands were raised. There are not very many shepherds left in Illinois these days; the profession is growing extinct. When we read about the work of the shepherds in the Bible, it probably reminds us of when we cared for small children and perhaps even brings back memories when our parents were raising and nurturing us.

This verse in John causes us to consider that there are numerous ‘folds’ on this planet. There are many flocks that are marked by the blood of Christ throughout this world that one day will all be in the same ‘fold’; the gate of Heaven will open for each of us from every nation who have been called and redeemed by our risen Savior.

Not sure where the two boys are from in the attached photo; not sure which ‘fold’ they are from. They each have a different type of pan that they brought from their home and each is filled with their daily manna. Thank you for sharing of your resources to bring this blessing to their school. One day, they and you will be reunited in Heaven and together share in the eternal joy of being with our Savior, the Good Shepherd.

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay