“Acts of Mercy”

May the goodness and riches of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, guide and protect you always. May His Spirit grant you peace and empower you morning and evening. May God’s blessings be yours for the asking? May the time you (we) have here on earth be devoted to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and, may we always remember to engage in works of mercy and works of piety. Works of mercy are acts of benevolence (generosity) shown towards the least. Works of piety are prayers and supplications, our daily devotion and prayer life.
 
In the book of Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells a story of the Son of man coming in glory, and all the holy angels with Him. Specifically, Jesus proclaims to us, “For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?”And the King shall answer and say unto them, verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”.
 
In ministering to the least we fulfill the gospel of Jesus Christ to love our neighbor as ourselves. In loving our neighbor, we Asbury/Annapolis, under the leadership of Brother Louis Parker and Sister Beverly Taylor, are asking the congregation to participate in a church wide mission project. The project is geared towards helping the citizens of Haiti to recover from their dreadful and devastating loss. The intent is for us to repeat the actions of Katrina, that is, to collect packages of hygiene and other products to be shipped to an impoverished nation. This is a church wide mission project.
 
In undertaking this project, we make true the words of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. John Wesley, said, “The world is my Parish”. Let us here at Asbury/Annapolis; make the world our parish through our acts of mercy. I truly believe that one of Asbury/Annapolis strength is that of mission, of helping and giving to others. This is one of the most generous churches that I have served. I am looking forward to this undertaking!
With Love and Thankfulness!
 

Rev. Dr. Walter E. Middlebrooks