The apostle Paul wrote that, in Christ, some men's
works are gold, silver, and precious stones. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15.
That is, their labors result in wonderful, eternal results in
building up the church and in the eternal saving of lost souls.
On the other hand, he said that some men's works are wood, hay,
and stubble. These are works that do not endure the trials of
fire. They, among other things and ultimately, are the souls and
congregations who become unfaithful to the Lord and who are lost.
Perhaps they are studies, schools, papers, etc. that, in the end,
fail. The same laborers may (and no doubt, do) experience both.
This summer, while on vacation, I looked upon
a congregation (in which I was once a part) that has failed and
upon a church building that is now lost to the church. My heart
was broken, again, and, as I now write, I hurt deeply.
We pray unto God for forgiveness for our weaknesses
and our failures. We rededicate ourselves to the work that is
before us. We take great consolation in the truth that, if our
works are burned, and though we suffer great losses (so as by
fire), if we are faithfully doing our best, we shall be saved.
It is with this wonderful assurance that we continue
in our work with WVC. Thank you for working with us. Pray
for us that God will be honored and glorified through Jesus Christ
our Lord.