MEDIA FOCUS
Telephone: 626-482-7140 or 562-907-9119
E-mail: chaplain@media-focus.org
January 2010
Alone can be a gloomy word. Lonely, has the sound of dark despair and longing. Passing through the Holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we encountered people caught in the clutches of loneliness. “I could be in the midst of a crowd of shoppers and yet feel dreadfully alone,” some said.
“I had no one to enjoy Thanksgiving with,” others remarked. Singles told us, the times they felt the pain of loneliness strike deepest was in the dark of night. Ministering to widows last year, they spoke of the empty pillow beside their head. Single men and women speak of their longing for a mate. But even married couples can have bouts with loneliness. Sure, we can tell them that Jesus is always there. Of course He is, but don’t we all feel like the little girl when told that, remarked “Yes, I know He is with me, but sometimes I want someone with skin and bones.”
The Lord impressed these thoughts on my heart when He took me to the fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes. The scripture speaks of the sadness of loneliness in verse 8. “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother. Yet there is no end to his labor, neither is his eye satisfied with riches.” Isn’t it true, the older we get, the more everything fades, and family and friends become all important. The verses continue; “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” Then the passage goes on to name other benefits: If one falls there is help, warmth of two wards off the cold, and there is strength in numbers when we go into spiritual warfare. A dear friend of ours said this last year, “I face the struggles and problems of life alone. I have no one to face life with or share with.”
As we put this newsletter together, Patty and I thought, “How blessed we are to have each other, children, grandchildren, family, and friends like each of you.” Praise God we didn’t have to face a tough year of 2009 alone. Yes, the Lord was with us and as guide and provider everyday, but you all were also there. So many times we sensed your prayers, and how often when finances were so tight, there was a check to Media Focus from one of you. Perfect timing and we knew you were led of God! For that, we are grateful and thank you for being our partner as we reach out to lost and hurting people in the toughest mission field on earth—the media.
Looking ahead into 2010 there remains more work to be done. We will continue ministering to persons working in studios, on sets, in homes or hospitals; whomever the Lord places us with to pray, council, or just listen, as they pour out their hearts.
And for those who are lonely: Patty and I pray we can bring a little joy and sunshine into their lives.
How can you help? We sometimes are asked that and here is our answer for this New Year.
Pray for us. Often! That is our lifeline of strength.
E-mail, write and phone us words of encouragement. There were numerous times last year we felt drained and exhausted and not sure we could go on.
It is said that financial problems can be as heavy as a death. Patty and I cannot express in words how heavy pressures got until we felt absolutely crushed. At those times, one of you would send a check, Praise the Lord, and what a lifting of that awful weight.
Please pray about helping us this year with your prayers, words of encouragement, and your financial support.
Remember, we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to call us. We love and appreciate each of you.
Praying God’s Blessings for you,
John and Patty
Chaplain of Media Focus
Checks to Media Focus or donations made through our web site, www.media-focus.org are tax deductible.
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