Fragrance From The Garden

                                       
                                    Fragrance From The Garden
Dear Friends,
     Years ago we had an old fashioned lilac bush in our yard and in the springtime when it bloomed the whole neighborhood was filled with the sweet fragrance of the lovely lavender colored blossoms. 
     When the woman came to Jesus and broke the alabaster box the aroma from the perfume filled the room. Every crack and crevice of the room was scented with the perfume and every person in the room noticed the sweet smell.
     People experience sorrows and their situations can have an effect on lives outside of the immediate situation, sometimes with great impact.
     The Abedini family is touching lives all around the world as a result of Saeed's imprisonment in Iran  for his faith in Jesus.  From inside the cold, dark prison walls Saeed has sent messages of encouragement and love.  In a recent letter he told of the loneliness and struggles he faces and then went on to preach to us who are free. From inside those walls, in the midst of threats and pain and persecution his letter tells us of the "...life-giving fire of God's love."
     His wife is being transformed like a butterfly emerging from her cocoon. She has told of the changes that God is bringing about in her life as she yields herself to Him.  She was fearful of traveling and of speaking to crowds.  Now she is a strong voice for Saeed and the persecuted church.  She is finding joy in proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the giver of life.
     Like the fragrance of a beautiful lilac bush can't be contained behind a fence or within a walled courtyard, the message of the persecuted changes lives around the world.  Believers join in prayer and intercession that Saeed will be released.  Saeed's prayer is that the Word of God will saturate the world with "...  the lava-like love of Christ."  
  Unite in prayer for Saeed and for the persecuted church. Pray for those who persecute, that their eyes will be opened to His life changing love.
Hebrews 13: 3
"Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."