July 15th, 2018

My name is Sue Crone and I currently serve as Vice President of Hearts and Hands for Jesus, International.  I am also Pastor Sally's sister.  I wanted to share some thoughts and experiences related to our mission. 
I recently read that compassion was when the need of another intersected with your ability to respond.  We are constantly bombarded by many terrible stories of need and injustice and we can easily become emotionally overwhelmed.  This can result in a sort of ‘hopeless inaction’ because we know that alone we cannot save the world.  Showing compassion does not mean trying to meet every need we encounter. It means we should act when we FEEL a need to act, when a need speaks to our hearts and we are able in some way, big or small, to help.  
Personally, I want you to know that your gifts to this mission make a difference.  It may not end world hunger, but Merily's family in Costa Rica may have a balanced healthy meal today because of your gift.  It may not end illiteracy; but Barry,
at 31 years of age, received school supplies, felt love and encouragement, went back to school and will graduate this year.  It may not spread God's love to everyone in this world but for two days this month  youth and young adults from Limon shared their faith and love with indigenous youth on a retreat.  These same youth and young adults used the kitchen mission teams helped to build at Harvest Tabernacle to make soup and baked goods they sold to raise funds to help
cover their costs. 
You DO make a difference through this mission!  You DO bring hope.   You DO change lives through your generosity in time, talents, and financial resources. You DO show God's love and empower others by joining the work of this mission.  Those of you that have been able to go on a mission trip have changed lives forever.  You have helped build rooms on homes, dig wells so families can have clean drinking water, paint the church where refugee families have been able to worship and become followers of our loving Savior.  Your participation on mission trips speak to the hearts of many in Limon, telling them they are children of God that matter and are loved. I also think those who participate on mission trips are changed. I know I am.  I look at the need of my neighbors with new eyes. I know that as a follower of Jesus there is much work I can do in my home community and the world to build up the Kingdom of God.    
As Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9-10, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those of the household of faith. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”  I have seen the beginning of the harvest and it is good and pleasing to God.   I offer you the continued “opportunity” to do good and thank all who support this mission. I encourage you to contact Gregg, Mike, Sally or myself if you have
​questions at any time. 
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Blessings on your journey  - Sue


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