Beautiful Staff

I want to share a portion of my perspective on the staff here at Beautiful Gate. I have been observing the staff for the past 4 weeks and I have been so impressed and so touched by their hearts. The more I get to know them, the more I admire them and praise God for their lives and the privilege to work with them each day.

Every morning the office staff and anyone else who is available, meets for devotions. Everyone takes turns reading scripture and a short devotional. The person who reads will then share his or her reflections and then we all get a chance to share our thoughts and we conclude with a time for prayer requests and thanksgivings and then have at time of prayer together. I am amazed at how easily they share their hearts and how beautifully they express themselves. They are real. They are transparent. This is one of the best devotional groups I've been a part of and I have already learned so much from them and from their example. They love the Lord and they know His word. I have noticed that they take God's word seriously and always look at it as their challenge to continue running the race with perseverance. They realize that God is speaking to them on that particular day, on that particular verse. I am so impressed and inspired.....They take Him at His word.  I want to live in that simple truth that God is real. He speaks to us and instructs us through His living Word and that He is always actively speaking into our lives.

I am impressed with the rest of the staff here as well. I see the joy in their hearts when they sing with the children and at chapel and for special ceremonies. Hearing the staff sing is definitely a highlight for me as they sing with such enthusiasm and with such beautiful harmony! 

The times I have heard them share their hearts I see that they too love the Lord and His Word. I spoke with a weekend housemother regarding having a church service on Sunday's for them on campus since they can't get to church on a regular basis. She said to me, "I praise God for the hearing and instruction of His word, even if it's for 5 minutes, it's what I need so badly."

They desire the teaching of the Word, praise God for that! It is a joy to see how Ron's position as Chaplain has filled this need and how he is such a wonderful fit here.  The staff have regularly come to him to ask for prayer, to share and to seek guidance in the Word. Prior to our coming, the staff had been asking for a pastor and spiritual leadership and they have welcomed Ron in his position as Pastor so freely and with much acceptance. This is such an affirmation from God in His call for us to come here.

Beautiful Gate has a beautiful staff!  I am blessed to be a partner with them in this journey to serve and to grow together. 

~Karen