David Marshall Kealy
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"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service." 1 Timothy 1:12
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David Marshall Kealy
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"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to His service." 1 Timothy 1:12
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In years past as the owner of a business I made it a practice to make sure personal communications happened. It might be a personal thank you to someone or to write to someone about something of interest to both of us that would maintain friendships. It might be to ask a favor. It might be to make an introduction to two of my friends and contacts. Usually that results in a win-win situation. It makes a day a rewarding day. And there was always a business opportunity to be explored. One way to make this happen was to set a goal, a discipline to writing and sending five letters a week, one per work week day. Those five letters were beyond the ongoing business that needed constant attention. This came to mind the first few days of September as I considered writing this BLOG. Cleaning my email Inbox and Sent messages files is vital to work clean. I try to keep the Box as current as possible. It serves as my TO DO LIST almost. If it is in the Inbox it keeps my attention. With the volume of my communications it is almost impossible to keep it current. I recall a time in our early married life I worked one Christmas time at the local post office sorting mail. It was during my break from college at the main office in San Luis Obispo, California. My assignment was to sort piles and piles of incoming mail to the surrounding cities. Piles and piles of mail were placed below my feet under the slots for the cities. I would grab a bunch and place them in the alphabetically organized slots. It was almost impossible to get all of the stack below me clean. New batches arrived constantly.
Social Media is the title of this months BLOG and our email communications are more and more important in our daily lives. Seeking wisdom will guide us through the myriad of communications before us.
Here is a passage from the Bible to guide us. "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5 NASB If you are struggling with a message that needs to be sent, ask God for wisdom. The verse above is a promise. Just moments ago I asked a friend about a health issue she is dealing with. Her immediate response what to ask me to pray. She knew my relationship with God was much better than hers. She said so. It reflects my local testimony of my faith in the God we serve and more importantly reflects her knowing she needs prayer. Let your friends know you pray. It opens doors like it did today for me. I will pray for her and it gives me a chance to followup and ask her, not just if my prayer worked but if she enjoyed comfort knowing a friend was praying for her.
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Heaven Bound Calling for our familyThis 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.” Sharon's brother Charles Duane Smith and mine Charles William Kealy, Jr. are in that better place, heaven with Jesus. Rev. Charles William Kealy, Jr.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. Tim and Allison / Russ and Mary Lee at 50th reunionI 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.” We are informed in God's word his promise ~ Heaven is a glorious place. It is my desire to see you there and enjoy eternity together.
FRESH WATER makes a vital differenceFor 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. GENEROSITY AND JOYSharon 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 THANKSGIVING IN MAYYou 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 Report from Prague, CzechoslovakiaThe 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. The past two years everyone encountered conflict. That is unless you live under a rock. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closures and shutdowns everywhere, not just locally but globally. Dramatic life change happened. People were divided. People were angry.
People for the most part do not like change. Change in every aspect of life was necessary and conflict on a variety of issues resulted. We experienced this even in our churches. Personal face-to-face contact was restricted and resolution was difficult if not impossible. Our Daily Bread is a devotional we read every morning at Breakfast. A recent reading included the following: People were also divided in Paul’s day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being “fully convinced in their own mind” on whichever position they held. Paul reminds them of their common ground; living for Jesus (Romans 14:5-9). Instead of passing judgement on one another, he encouraged them to “do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (v 19). In an era when many countries, churches and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point to one another to the unifying trust of Christ’s work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paul’s reminder that we ought not “destroy the work of God” (v. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgement on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honors our brothers and sisters. THINK ABOUT IT QUESTION When did a difference of opinion cause division between you and another believer? If you resolved your differences, how did you do it? For further reading try Romans 14:13-23 A pastor friend of mine shared:Last Sunday, Easter, I preached from I Corinthians 15:35-58. I Corinthians 15 is Paul’s persuasive argument to believe in the Resurrection of Jesus and to look forward to our own resurrection. Many of the Corinthians thought there was no resurrection – that such a belief in resurrection was beyond reason, and foolish, and had little to do with the good ethical life of Jesus. But Paul counters that: it is essential. Without resurrection there is no forgiveness of sin and no hope for this life or the next – no good reason to live or care about others. He went on to address another question: what will our resurrected bodies be like? I talked about the nature of our future resurrected bodies. The key descriptive word, among others, is “imperishable” or “indestructible”. This is a phenomenal expectation. In this world we have bodies that decline and decay, but in the next world, we who exercise trust in God through Christ will have full bodies not subject to destruction or disease or dementia or destitution. As CS Lewis said in this writing of The Great Divorce in his description of Heaven: Heaven and our eternal bodies will be more real, more substantial, more solid, more whole, than what we experience now. Do you go to a church that preaches the gospel?
You should. Again several generations of Americans are exposed to a horrible WAR! Ukraine has had 30 years of religious freedom. - During those years thousands of people have come to know Christ as their Saviour. - Hundreds of churches have been planted all over the country. - Scores of Bible schools and Christian training institutions have been founded. - Para-church organizations have been established, - Ukraine sends missionaries - with support from Ukrainian churches - to other countries, many to the Russian-speaking world. But now we see fathers saying goodby to their children and wives. Notice the wedding ring on the right hand of both the father and mother. We wore matching Ukrainian wedding rings while living in Ukraine and replaced them now to remind us through each day to pray for our friends and ministry partners during these dramatic days. Poland is a great neighbor to UKRAINEOn February 24th we received a notice from the CCM Media ministry in Southern Poland. I served on their International Board of Directors for several years. They are helping ~ helping Ukrainians each and every day now that they are refugees away from home. We traveled by train through Western Ukraine to Poland during our time there in the 1990's. Dear David, Russia has invaded our geographical neighbour, Ukraine; the upheaval is going to be far-reaching. There are 1.5 million Ukrainians already residing in Poland on short term contracts, working in various industries, where they are valued as diligent, hard workers. Many of them are now returning home to fight for their country. Meanwhile, in excess of a million women with their children are expected in Poland. The State has waived many bureaucratic barriers. Hundreds of thousands of Poles are spontaneously helping by giving food, transport from the border, free accommodation, etc. It is beautiful to see such solidarity, but a lot of this effort is not rational, as there are piles of food at the border crossing and no room for storage. Railways in our part of Europe have offered free transportation. Just last Saturday our staff plus some local friends ferried 51 women and children 380 km / 238 miles from the Polish border to Wisla. There is also much humanitarian aid in which the churches are playing a major part. We invited many people to a concert our church in Wisla given by my son, Filip, and his friends, during it we will invite people to return to the church for a Sunday service. During the concert there will be simultaneous translation into Ukrainian. We ask friends at CityBibles in the Netherlands to sell us 1000 Ukrainian Bibles. They sent them to us free of charge! We are also printing a Ukrainian version of Word for you today, personal daily passages for individual quiet times. Churches are greatly involved as well, mainly giving humanitarian help. As we have many connections, through our e-coaches with thousands of people, also our Outback outreach, that we started some 7 years ago in Ukraine – there are links to believers but also non-believers in need. In our organization – we appointed a lady, our e-coach that resides in Poland but is Ukrainian to coordinate this effort. Here is a tremendous opportunity for Sunday School children; (nobody was planning for that!) Some of the help given by CCM Media to Ukrainians. We have found the destruction of infrastructure in Ukraine keeps us from funding efforts directly into Ukraine so are helping CCM Media financially as they have a huge new ministry outreach with their Ukrainian neighbors.
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1 Timothy 1:12 is a life verse that led to our creating Reaching People far from God
David M. Kealy Archives
March 2024
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