Page 20 - Newsletter 2025 October - November

Page 20 Southern Pennsylvania District

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 ESV
I was seated on my front veranda sipping a steaming cup of coffee and watching the rain fall from the
sky on afternoon not so long ago. A strong breeze confirmed the decision I had made to don a sweater that
morning. It was the beginning of the rainy season in the mountains of Africa’s interior. A sweet, fresh, and
pure scent of rain slowly washed away the intense dust and scorching heat of the dry season.

I had just recently enjoyed a visit to the Grace Academy. A new school year had begun, with new and
returning students alongside staff. A new year, with much energy, excitement, goals, and some tears from
young members just starting school.
In the sewing classes, I am continually impressed with the progress of the students. Some of the

more experienced students have been studying or even drafting patterns. Newer students have been busy
learning to sew a neat and tidy straight line. A number of them are mothers with newborns watching wide-
eyed from their place carefully strapped on their mother’s back. Older toddlers dashed through the bustling
learning space, weaving be-twist and between people and clacking treadle machines with shrieks of glee.
I am currently preparing myself go for a five month training course at Youth With A Mission
(YWAM) in Kigali, Rwanda. It will be centered on discipleship and evangelism, called Discipleship Training
School. I am looking with anticipation to skills and tools I will learn there to bring back and use in my field of
ministry. My hope and prayer is that God will use that time to continually draw me closer to Him in sweet
fellowship.

I will now expound and pontificate on the subject of which I have titled this newsletter/ blog, “A
Great Cloud of Witnesses”
When I go outside, it often feels like my presence is a great spectacle to observe. That passage about
a great cloud of witnesses can seem quite real at times. As many people are watching, one becomes a bit

more mindful about what they are doing or speaking. Is what I do or speak a reflection of the kingdom of
God that I represent?