This is an interesting season for our family, actually our families. Both Sharon’s brother and my brother died. They are both in glory having fulfilled their HOPE as shared in Hebrews 11:1

Faith in Action
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

We don’t see heaven but we know about it. It is the realm where Jesus and Father God dwell and they desire that we join them for eternity; and it is our choice if we want to be there. Both brothers are there, they just got there before we did. Our Pastor, Tate Crenshaw said, “your brother is in a better place and that is a wonderful hope and promise yet we sorrow here on earth.”​

During these two weeks as “celebrations of life” are held for them, another family members’ life was remembered. Tim’s wife Allison’s father Curt Curtis’ “celebration of life” was held in Colorado Springs, Colorado where they live. Short time-frame scheduling for these services did not allow to gather as families as we desire but as live streaming technology allows we are able to be in the room vicariously as it were. 

Sharon’s brother simply did not wake up one morning. My brother suffered tremendously for the past two years. It causes me to consider where he is and a song comes to mind. Son Tim toured the USA for two years with the gospel singing group and band TRUTH and became a dear friend with recording artist, song writer, concert performer extraordinaire Russ Lee.

​He sings a song written for the band leader’s brother-in-law following his death. A death preceded by pain and suffering. Back on Russ' 25 year of ministry celebration we lived in Singapore and we hosted him and wife Mary for an Asian gospel tour. That was great. In Malaysia in concert he was on a roll preaching and stated, "I am a preacher who sings" and he does both with excellence. His text was Judges 3:31 about Shamgar and I remember it well to this day. It's one of my favorite Bible stories.

Gospel singer Russ Lee recorded and performed in concert IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW.

I shared this song as an encouragement at my brothers celebration of life. No, I did not sing it, I read it. Whew!

​Our prayers have all been answered I finally arrived, the healing that has been delayed has now been realized - no ones in a hurry there’s no schedule to keep - we’re all enjoying Jesus just sitting at his feet.
If you could see me now I am walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole. 
If you could see me now you’d know I’ve seen his face.
If you could see me now you’d know the pains erased - you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place - if you could only see me now. 
My light and temporary trials worked out for my good, to know it brought Him glory - when I miss understood - and though we’ve had our sorrows they could never compare what Jesus has in store for us no language can share.
If you could see me now I am walking streets of gold
If you could see me now I’m standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now you’d know I’d seen his face.
If you could see me now you’d know the pains erased, you wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place if you could only see me now.

I opened with a bit of family history:
Eulogy is the tribute to my younger brother. This is not something you plan for over the years nor something you would put on your resume.

I love my brothers and am honored to pay tribute to Rev. Charles William Kealy, Jr. born September 10, 1945 - graduated to heaven July 20, 2022. He was the son of Charles William Kealy, Sr. and Edythe Lucille Archer Kealy who met and were married at church in San Bernardino, California as young adults in 1940. 
    Church was and continued to be the center of our family life.

In closing Chuck would want me to share with you he is in heaven with God.  Heaven is the realm where God dwells and he wants you to be there too -  He made that choice - it’s your choice to be there too . . for eternity.

Ephesians 2:8 records: 
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works that no one should boast.”

For two years partner missionary Theovision International held weekly Bible Studies in Ahwerease Fum, a remote village in Ghana, West Africa. Many in the village claimed Jesus as their Savior and spiritual needs were met for the Bible Listening Group that is known as the Word for All program.

Physical needs were identified and a fresh water well was the solution to ongoing sickness, especially with the children. David and Sharon Kealy of Reaching People far from God visited the village because a donor had provided the money for a fresh water well. A few months later a well was completed by the village chief and David and Sharon were there for the dedication representing the donor. 

The interesting story about that visit was a new bridge across a stream had been poured just prior to the visit and the road, actually a wide dirt path, was closed and we were told we could not go. We remembered the distance and told we would really like to be there and we would walk from where we could not cross the stream. They said oh, that is too far. In reality it was only a few kilometers and of course we could walk and they were amazed. They were so kind after thinking we would attend only if by car the whole way to the village.

Sharon and I start each day at breakfast together reading a devotional from OUR DAILY BREAD Ministries. It is a quarterly publication you might want to consider. You can obtain it by going to ourdailybread.org. Here is one we enjoyed, Wednesday June 8, 2022


“Researchers tell us there’s a link between generosity and joy: those who give their money and time to others are happier than those who don’t. This has led one psychologist to conclude, “Let’s stop thinking about giving as a moral obligation, and start thinking of it as a source of pleasure.”

While giving can make us happy, I question whether happiness should be the goal. If we’re only generous to people or causes that make us feel good, what about the more difficult or mundane needs requiring our support?

Scripture links generosity with joy too, but on a different basis. After giving his own wealth toward building the temple, King David invited the Israelites to also donate (1 Chronicles 29:1-5). The people responded generously, giving gold, silver, and precious stones joyously. But notice what their joy was over: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to meet a need” (Verse 9). Joy often follows.

As missionaries know, it can be easier to raise funds for evangelism than for administration because believers in Jesus like the feeling of funding frontline work. Let’s be generous toward the needs, as well. After all, Jesus freely gave himself to meet our needs (2 Corinthians 8:9).

NOTE: Used without permission.

HEART DEPOSIT:
Why do you think generosity and joy are connected? 
What “unexciting need” could benefit from your generous giving?

RELATED VERSE:
“Bring in the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need”.  Malachi 3:10 NASB

You perhaps have heard of and enjoyed events called “Christmas in July”. I remember them as a kid.

This month let's focus on being thankful.
So, how about THANKFUL IN MAY?
Let CHRISTMAS IN JULY follow.

Last month I reflected on our era when many countries, churches and communities are divided over issues large and small.So, is being thankful a reasonable paradigm?  We do have much to be thankful for.

What do you do or how do you feel when things don’t go right. What do you feel on a bad day?

Years ago when living in Ukraine we met a couple of young women who were there as missionaries from an organization that had a phrase I liked. It was, “go and stay”.  In a time of greater international travel mission assignments had changed from the David Livingston days of going to another country and investing your life sharing the gospel and not returning home often or never.

What we really liked was a phrase these women used the things did not go as planned. It was “for this LORD we prayed”.

They were there because of choices they had made and a pledge to God to serve him in a foreign missionary assignment. 

This leads me to consider this about prayer.
Do you pray for God’s leading in your life? 
If you do when things don’t go right you can take comfort in realizing this is what God has planned for you. 
​
It helps to be thankful at all times. 
Even times when things don’t go the way you planned or even thought they would or should.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Col 4:2  
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Col 3: 15
 
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,”
Hebrews 12:28

The first phase of the Ukrainian refugee crisis went well, so far. We are delighted that over 3 million mothers with children found refuge in Poland (7.8 % of the population of Poland).  To give you an idea, it's as if the US was flooded with 26 million mothers with children in just 2 months! About 700 thousand mothers with children found refuge in the Czech Republic and Slovakia (4.6 % of the population of Czechia and Slovakia), 850 thousand in Romania, etc. Over 10 million out of 40 million Ukrainians (25 %) have been displaced and 5.5 million (13 %) have left Ukraine. They were welcomed with open arms.

The government, individuals, churches, and the immigration authorities quickly organized lodging, health insurance, placing children in schools, and helped especially those qualified to find employment as assistants and aides in hospitals, nursing homes, and factories. The solidarity with refugees is unprecedented. All 6 small churches we work with care for about 60 Ukrainian mothers and children.

Phase two, integration of refugees, is on a good track as well. It is interesting how quickly we are brushing up on the basics of Russian, Polish, and Slovak languages. We hardly need any help with translation. Slavic linguistic similarity is a great help.

Phase three pertains to the future. For now, many mothers and children are safe. Their husbands, sons, and fathers (all men from 18 to 60 are not allowed to leave, except fathers of 3+ children) are putting their lives on the line to defend the independence of Ukraine. Most refugees have families back home, many have nowhere to return to. When and if this war will end remains a question.