Dear Friend…

For well over a decade, our founder Paul Smith would prayerfully write letters to Tree of Life supporters which became known as ‘an encouraging word’. These letters, meant to uplift, encourage, and inspire, have touched the hearts of many who read them. It is an honor for me to continue this tradition, one of encouragement and support to the reader, and walk alongside you in the Word. Paul will still contribute from time to time with ‘an encouraging word-from across the pond’.

As I spent time over the past week reflecting on Easter, so many things have inspired me. Jesus, in the last days before His crucifixion, demonstrated acts service and of love, breaking bread with and washing the feet of his friends. His friends were like us in that they didn’t deserve it or expect it.

I have also thought much about the moments between Jesus declaring eternal life and freedom for the thief on the cross by stating that ‘today you will be with me in paradise’ and that monumental Resurrection Sunday morning. What did Jesus do in between His physical death and time in paradise where He said He would be? Why was God silent on Saturday? I read recently that Friday and Sunday get all the attention in the popular Easter story, but we shouldn’t ignore Saturday.

We have all experienced the Saturdays in our lives, time between the brokenness and struggles and the answer to prayer that we have been longing for. The time of loneliness or hopelessness, the time of patiently or impatiently waiting in whatever state we are in.  If we will allow ourselves to learn from His example, to stay silent, to wait, to know that God will ultimately not leave us alone in abandonment, we will have a better understanding of that why. Just as He did not leave His Son alone in the grave, He will not leave us or forsake us. The resurrection of our Lord would have arguably been less impactful if there had not been a waiting period – waiting for God…waiting ON God. The Saturdays of life have their purpose.

My prayer in this season of waiting on God, waiting for much longed-for answers and hope, waiting for the second coming of our Savior; that we don’t miss the opportunity and blessing afforded us to be a servant. Jesus, the King and forever servant, loved us and because of that love we can love. Many of the people we serve are in a waiting period. A ‘Saturday’ in their lives…waiting on help, waiting on the Lord, waiting for someone like you.

So in your waiting, consider the opportunity to live out His example of serving the poor and needy with His love.  Tree of Life offers ways to serve through our unique 5-Branch model and 2 Gospel Enterprises, following the founding principles and mission of Matthew 25.

Consider volunteering, praying for and with us, and giving to support the work that we endeavor to as the hands and feet of Jesus.

All for Him,
Susannah Lee
Chief Executive Officer