John,

My mind is spinning right now with so many ideas. We probably should have a phone meeting and talk through all of the ideas that i have sent to you and try to hone in on the most quintessential ones. One that came to me this morning is that:

God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. God loves us enough to allow us to suffer. Why? Because suffering produces endurance which produces character which cultivates hope, which will never disappoint us. This is because we have a sovereign God who loves us so much that He allowed His own Son to suffering on a cross…for our good. So many today are looking for a quick fix. We want it now. But God sees the future…the eternal future and teaches us that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us….

As Debbie would say at about this time…”Cut it! You think too much.”

On another note, just a reminder to share with Marshal how we want to convey about the tough choice the father has to make in order to help his son learn valuable lesson. John, we are so excited about this! praying for you…let me know when you want to meet.

-Mark Hamby

Hi Mark,

I was just talking this morning with a bright young man who’s facing some challenges in his work situation, where he’s not being treated well. I mentioned that he needs to leave in God’s timing–not his. If he jumps ship just because he’s suffering, he’ll miss the benefits of perseverance, character, and hope. Don’t get off the ride until God says you’re done.

Anyway, the words your sharing are having an effect on me and others. I never saw that perspective–that God allowed his own Son to suffer for our good. So he’ll allow us to suffer for our own good as well.

John:

I hope I am not inundating you with too much. There is just so much that needs to be done and now that God is opening the doors that we have been praying and dreaming about for twenty years, it is hard to hold back.

-Mark

Mark, Amen! Bring it on!

Whenever I get around someone who’s passionate about their mission–as your are–I get a clear sense of the excitement of God himself. A pastor friend told me once that the root word of enthusiasm is entheos, or “God within.” That’s the sense of excitement I sense in you and Debbie. This is no flash-in-the pan excitement. This is a reservoir of blessing that’s been building up for thirty years like water about to burst through a dam.

Blessings ahead,

John

Mark,

I’ve told the team how much you appreciate their hard work. And I am grateful for how God teamed us together. I have sensed his favor before, but this is on a whole different level. He wants to birth something powerful here, and like you, I want to be faithful to the call. Thank you for your thoughtful note. I’m touched and very thankful for your passion to be a God-seeker and courage to be a God-pleaser no matter what. It’s an honor and joy to work alongside you!

Blessings ahead,

John

Hi Mr. Hamby,

We were in the car today, and [my sister] was reading the script for Sir Malcolm aloud to us. Very soon after she started to read, the car was quiet, all of us listening. My 8 year old brother, sitting there with rapt attention, suddenly said, “Turn it up!” We all burst out laughing because we knew he meant the volume, and she was only reading it! Thought you might like to hear that…we can’t wait to hear the audio version!!! We were very sorry when she came to the end of part 1. As Adventures in Odyssey fans, and already Lamplighter Theatre fans, we’re very excited to see this! (This looks like it might turn out even better than Odyssey!)

-Esther