Living and Sacrifice don’t go together. However, that is exactly what it takes to live the Good News of Jesus in our lives. Let’s learn how we can die to live and what we can do when we are yielded to Christ.
“[Psalm 19] For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” –Psalm 19:1-2
“It Is Well with My Soul” was written by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss. It is possibly the most influential and enduring in the Bliss repertoire and is often taken as a choral model, appearing in hymnals of a wide variety of Christian fellowships.
English: Picture of Horatio Spafford (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the 1871 Great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago which was ruined by the great fire).
In 1873 he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre. At the last minute, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire.
While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him a telegram, “Saved alone . . .”.
Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his melody “Ville du Havre”, from the name of the stricken vessel.
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
3. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
4. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Pender ReGift Thrift Store is an outreach ministry of Pender United Methodist Church. Originally formed as “The Outreach Center,” which still operates at 12401 Alder Woods Dr., Fairfax VA 22033, the thrift store was started because the outgrowth from the at-church location.
We accept gently-used material goods. They can either be brought to the store during business hours, or taken to the church’s pod at any time. If you need a pickup, then you need to complete our online donation pick-up form, and your pick-up will be scheduled.
Our nonprofit mission is to be a witness by distributing material goods to those who need them. We have worked with both governmental and nonprofit organizations to maximize our distribution effectiveness. We’ve distributed locally, nationally, and internationally. We helped quite a few people establish households after being homeless or institutionalized.
Our store helps finance our operations, but as yet, our store has yet to cover all costs. Last month, your generous individual donations helped bridge the gap.
There is too much for me to do it all by myself. Currently we are actively seeking volunteers for marketing, for pricing and sorting, for deliveries and pick-ups, and to help mind the store.
If we cannot sell an item, or find a good home for it, we will recycle. Recycling is a distinguishing characteristic of our nonprofit. In addition to traditional recycling of cardboard, paper, plastic, and aluminum, we also recycle for metal, electronics, wood, and hardback books.
We hope that you will support our cause by shopping, volunteering, or donating.
News and Views 