Last week I ended the midweek letter with a thank-you and a prayer request: Thanks for helping in the search for Lynn Murray, and a request for prayer that he would be found soon. Less than thirty minutes after that email went out, the call came in that Lynn had been found and was alive! I guess I should have asked you to pray sooner!
I couldn’t believe it. It was so incredible. The word that has come to mind for so many is simply, “miracle.” The way Lynn was found and where he was found, the only explanation was the miraculous, sovereign, merciful, guiding hand of God. You can watch our own Andrew Harrell share some about helping to find Lynn in this news report.
We dedicated the entire service Sunday to celebrating all the ways God showed up in the search for Lynn. I believe this was truly a significant moment in the life of our church. The way so many helped in the search and loved on the Murray family; I’ve never been prouder of our church. I knew Valley View was a loving and caring church, but this really highlighted how much you are called to love and serve one another.
God also used this moment to shine a light on Valley View throughout the community. So many from the area said to me, including some of the emergency workers, “Your church has really showed up for this!” and “I don’t know anything about your church, but this makes me want to visit.”
As I shared Sunday, this is an example of Matthew 5:16 at work. Our hope is that when people see our good works, they will “give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” We are called to be a light to the world, to shine the light of the gospel into the darkness. Last week, Valley View was a light to our community, shining the light of the gospel through this search and rescue mission. Be praying for continued healing for Lynn, as he still has a long way to go. Also be praying for those in your life who need a miracle, who need God to show up and rescue them from their wandering journey through the wilderness. Don’t give up hope. Keep praying! You never know when God might work a miracle.