Poem of Encouragement
Knox Church would like to thank our missionaries both overseas and locally, for all the effort, energy and commitment you put into serving in the mission field. We appreciate your monthly updates so much and think of you often. At the start of 2024, we collected words of encouragement and specific Bible verses from many of the congregation. Viv Ball then collated these words into a poem, as a gift of support & blessing in order to nurture whanaungatanga/connection, & uplift and inspire all of you in your service in local & international mission. May God continue to bless you in your work.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald
The bringer of good news,
Announcing deliverance
Proclaiming to Zion, Your God has become King.
To our missionaries,
Praise God for the great example of Christian service that you are!
We know the road is not always easy,
and there are obstacles along the way, but be encouraged -
Our Lord delights in you and rejoices over you with singing.
He looks on you with compassion and mercy,
and with unfailing love, bestowing a rich inheritance on you; making your treasuries full.
God will not forget your work, and the love you have shown him
as you have helped his people, and as you continue to help them.
You, who seek the Lord, who know God’s name
Will never be forsaken.
The light of your service
will never be extinguished,
Because the lamplighter neither slumbers nor sleeps -
When the storms of life feel like a raging ocean,
The presence of the lamplighter will be constantly with you.
When you feel weak, remember God the Lion, who is strength, holiness and goodness will cradle you with his gentle paw, bringing protection truth, wisdom in all things.
As you trust in the Lord with all your heart your path will be made straight
Picture in those days, the days of Jesus,
when he died and rose again
And picture trembling disciples;
their doubt and fear; they were flawed and weak
Yet God worked mightily through them, reaching the nations of the earth with the gospel of love.
So we keep praying for you,
That you will be given the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
That when you are tired, overwhelmed, burnt out or grieving,
God will cover you for his steadfast love that endures forever.
That if you are lonely,
God will fill your lives with meaningful relationships;
That when everything feels so foreign God will be near.
The sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations
Remember our combined love for Jesus unites us
Our joy in each other refreshes us
Our kindness to each other defines us
May we be gentle in all we do together.
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father who has shown us such love and in his grace has given us such unfailing encouragement and so sure a hope still encourage and strengthen you in every good deed and word.