VALENTINE'S DAY

From Smith Clinic, Cordova, TN
Did you know that the origin of Valentine’s Day actually comes from the life and death of a man who died rather than giving up his faith?

Legend has it that Valentine was a Roman Christian who was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. According to Claudius II, Christians were guilty of treason by refusing to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, “Caesar is Lord!”

Rather that obeying Claudius II's decree, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards, and when Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that Valentine be put to death. As the legend is told, while in jail awaiting his sentence, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter who had become his friend, signing it, “From Your Valentine.”

While Valentine's life was a true testament of faith and love for God, no greater love has been shown throughout history than the love that God has shown for His children. He sent us His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth, as a man, to die for us. God’s love for us was so powerful that He was willing to sacrifice His one and only Son in order for us to, once again, be able to walk side by side with Him. 

Our very salvation came through love. His delight in and love for you is boundless and beyond measure. Our prayer is that you know and experience His great love for you. Happy Valentine's Day!

MORIAH HOUSE

by Danna Shirley
For a few months in mid-2018 God had begun ruffling my feathers and blowing up my comfort zone where I had been attending church for the last fourteen years...Bartlett First Assembly, Bartlett, TN. I was happy there. I loved my church, my pastor, my friends. The sermons were awesome and I had a place and purpose. God used me there. So..."Why are you messing with me, God...?" I asked.

After finally making the decision to be "obedient" to the call, I spoke to Pastor Johnny Byrd through many tears. Our conversation went well and he agreed that I must follow God's leading. Some may believe leaving a church is because of some great transgression or conflict within the church or hierarchy. Not so! God has a plan and a purpose for each of us and He places us into His final picture as He pleases. Sometimes we are there to give back and sometimes we are there to receive. I've been in both places several times.

For me, only God knows the end from the beginning. I recognize this position all too well for He has moved me several times in my thirty-eight years with Him, and with each move, God has given me a new “family.” 

In seeking out where God wanted me next, I began visiting around and finally found a home at First Assembly Memphis, just four miles away. I attended a Wednesday night dinner, a women's evening class, and a senior's gathering but they didn't seem to connect with me permanently, until I found my Sunday School class and felt at home again. Even though I had now found my connection, I still prayed for understanding of why God had moved me in the first place. 

Then, just prior to Christmas, one of my class members, Sara Garrott, asked for donations for Christmas gifts for the children at Moriah House. I had heard of Moriah House since moving to TN but really didn't know anything about it. Sara had been a supporter of this ministry for twenty-seven years and I could see and hear the devotion on her countenance. I gave a few gift bags for the children but nothing connected as yet. My thoughts, however, began to gravitate in different ways to be helpful. 

Then in January, the church began a 21-day fasting and prayer for 2019. During this fast, I journaled my prayers and impressions. On day seven I again asked, "Why am I at First Assembly Memphis? Lord, what do you have for me to do?" Boom...MORIAH HOUSE jumped in my spirit in big bold letters. Confirmation from the Lord was very strong and my heart is now at Moriah House along with Sara's. 

MORIAH HOUSE

 Where women whose lives have been

shattered by domestic abuse, depression, 

drug and alcohol abuse, and prostitution 

can receive wholeness and restoration.

The ultimate objective is for these women and

their families to encounter new life through a

relationship with JESUS CHRIST and 

emerge as fulfilled, productive members

of the community.