Blessing in Disguise

A New Jersey dentist named Charles E. Welch believed God was calling him to be a missionary to Africa back in 1868, but shortly before the departure date, his wife became ill. Welch was devastated, believing his desire to serve God would never be realized.

But soon after, Welch and his father discovered a technique to pasteurize Concord grape juice. Welch began to sell the unfermented beverage to raise money for different Christian ministries and missionaries. The Welch Grape Juice Company continues today, more than 150 years later.

Romans 6:4 says, “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Be receptive to a “newness of life” by asking God to make His desires your own, and seeing obstacles as detours, not dead ends. Think about a recent “blessing in disguise” in your life. Give thanks to the Lord for knowing what you really needed.

With his tremendous financial gifts Charles E. Welch ultimately accomplished more for missions than he ever would have, if he had followed his original plan. Maybe you cannot be a boots on the ground missionary, but you can give generously this month to our Mission Georgia offering goal of $4500, allowing mighty work to be done for the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Your servant, Pastor Phillip