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| September 9, 2004 Dear Friends, In II Corinthians 4:1, Paul writes, �Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not.� To what ministry is Paul referring? A look at chapter 3 answers the question � the ministry of showing forth the transforming power of God in our lives as we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Chapter 3 gives the cause; chapter 4 reveals the effect. Verse 7 says �we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.� In other words, a believer has the Spirit of God living in him, but, for the time being, we are stuck with a troublesome, imperfect body which, all too often, gets in the way of people seeing the glory of God. That�s all part of God�s plan for us � when people do see His glory in us, there can be no doubt to Whom it belongs! This has been quite a week for us. Last Friday, Tim Files met with a committee with representatives from Global Diversity, Human Resources, and Equal Opportunity, and the bottom line was, the answer was �no.� On Wednesday, the news came out about Delta�s restructuring plan. We are working on a more detailed report on the meeting with Global Diversity, and the details of restructuring remain to be seen. But, in the meantime, let�s ask ourselves this question: Based on my reaction to this news, who will people see through me? We worked for 14 months, and went through many occasions of expectation, and then disappointment when meetings with Global Diversity were repeatedly cancelled. After finally having a meeting and being turned down, it would be easy to react with feelings of frustration, or anger. But who does that point the attention to � the �earthen vessel� or the glorious treasure inside it? When Tim, Bruce, and I debriefed after the meeting, there was a sense of optimism, not disappointment. We were �troubled on every side, yet not distressed.� We were �perplexed, but not in despair.� We went away with a sense of joy, not frustration. God is not through with CEND. Continue to pray as we re-examine our options. And, finally, be sure that your reactions showcase the glorious treasure, not the earthen vessel. Tom Beck, Interim Vice-president, CEND |
| Message from the Vice-president, CEND |