Last June, I was in Colorado Springs during the Waldo Canyon fire. Many of our Home Office staff were caring for the needs of their own families but also made great sacrifices to care for the staff from around the country who had to be evacuated. The decision to evacuate was made when the fire came very close to the hotel where we were attending ISI's National Conference. Now, I am reading the news of a devastating fire that has consumed 15,000 acres in the Black Forest area. Two of our home office staff are making preparations to evacuate their homes and our president, Doug Shaw, lives in the voluntary evacuation zone. We are praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they endure this crisis that their hearts might be encouraged. The saddest news of all is that our former legal counsel, Denny Yoder, has lost his home to the fire. We give thanks that there has been no loss of life, but our hearts are terribly heavy for Denny and his family. In light of these events, I am frankly perplexed when I read these words from the apostle Paul: "we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit..." (Romans 5:3-5) There is nothing else I can conclude other than God is using tribulations like wildfires to bring about perseverance and character in the lives of His followers. We trust that the hope that is brought about through their testimony will encourage those outside the faith to turn to the living God.
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