124 years of pointing people to heaven
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
It might seem that our focus today is to thank God for the vision and gift of a woman which led to the founding of The Lutheran Home Association, 124 years ago. Two days after Sophie Boessling saw the completion of what her gift began, she received an even greater gift; a gift from her Savior of eternal life in heaven.
Because of Sophie’s gift, over the past 124 years, many people have been pointed to and received the same eternal gift. At its heart, that is the essence of our ministry.
We have the responsibility of providing the best possible care during the worst time of someone’s life as he or she faces pain and difficulty at the end of life. But far greater is making the care of the soul, the soul of our care. We have the privilege to hold hands and guide souls as they reach the end of their earthly journey and meet their Savior in heaven.
It is such a privilege to help lift people’s eyes from the pain and difficulty of this life. We let them see what is waiting for them in heaven as John describes in today’s verse. Isn’t that the goal of each child of God? We hold on to our faith through this life and one day receive the eternal joy and bliss of heaven.
On this Founder’s Day, we certainly thank God for the gift which Sophie Boessling gave leading to the establishment of our ministry. But far greater, we thank God for the souls which have been strengthened and reassured by God’s Word and guided safely to their heavenly goal. There is no greater joy or blessing which our ministry could seek to give or share.
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for the 124 years of blessings you have showered on the ministry of The Lutheran Home Association. Throughout this period, you have guided, directed and sustained this ministry. Most of all you have given us the privilege of sharing Jesus with many souls and pointing them and guiding them to heaven. We ask for your continued blessing on our ministry. Most of all, our care of the soul as we seek to continue to be your instruments in pointing people to Jesus and guiding them to heaven with the comfort of your Word. We humbly ask this through Jesus our Savior. Amen.