I just came back from New York City. Thank you to those who prayed for me. I could feel your prayers as I realized how much I needed what transpired over the weekend…
I went there to officiate a wedding of a former youth student of mine. I was there for her and her siblings through hills and valleys over her formative years. And I’ve witnessed how God has faithfully guided, provided, and worked in her life. I’ve also met up and caught up with other former youths who were there to celebrate their friend’s weeding. It was an emotional and healing event for me as I reflected on the goodness of God in faithfully providing what I didn’t even know I needed at the time. 
Often times, ministry is all work and sacrifice. It is gritting of teeth and just doing what needs to be done for the sake of the kingdom. But through this trip, God allowed me to see a glimpse of the fruit of my labor. When I saw how mature, smart, and yet god-fearing they were, I knew that all my work wasn’t in vain. I felt unworthy and yet so grateful to be used by God in this way and so thankful that God would allow me to see a bit of fruit. 
I came back refreshed and energized. I want to continue to be faithful to what God has called me to over long haul. I’ve realized that you see this kind of fruit only when you have been in it for years…
I pray that God will allow you to experience His goodness time to time. In the meantime, keep being faithful to God and the task at hand. You may think it’s all for nothing. But it is not. What we do for Christ will bear fruit.
The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.Numbers 6:24-26
PH