A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope,
encouragement and exhortation.
Daily
Encouragement on
Monday, February
11, 2019
On Saturday
afternoon we drove by this Amish farm on Elm Road near
Lititz, PA.
(Click
to enlarge)
"Given
A Trust, Proven Faithful"
Message
summary:
We've
all been given a
trust, let us prove
ourselves faithful!
Listen to our
message on your audio
player.
"Well
done, good and
faithful
servant"
(Matthew
25:21). "Now
it is required
that those who
have been given a
trust must prove
faithful" (1
Corinthians 4:2).
Wilma
and Jesse Dourte
Ten years
ago we met Jesse and
Wilma Dourte and developed
a special family
type of friendship
with them. Jesse
went home to be with
the Lord last month
and Saturday I had
the opportunity to
share the message at
his memorial
service, using a
sermon he had given
me years earlier
that he requested I
preach at his
service! He was 95
years old.
The Dourtes had retired from the pastoral ministry, having served churches for many years in our region of Pennsylvania and in the Midwest (central Kansas). Jesse and Wilma met in a Christian college, married and raised six children. In April they would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. We were blessed by their their mature perspective on life in general and serving the church in particular.
In a spoken tribute at the service, Warren Hoffman, a long-time pastor friend of Jesse noted:
The Dourtes had retired from the pastoral ministry, having served churches for many years in our region of Pennsylvania and in the Midwest (central Kansas). Jesse and Wilma met in a Christian college, married and raised six children. In April they would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. We were blessed by their their mature perspective on life in general and serving the church in particular.
In a spoken tribute at the service, Warren Hoffman, a long-time pastor friend of Jesse noted:
"Jesse
served in pastoral
ministry with strong
convictions,
unwavering faith,
flawless integrity,
earnest prayer, and
ready generosity. In
reflection on these
years, Jesse said:
'I always wanted to
make sure people had
a hope, not just a
superficial Sunday
belief. I wanted
their faith to
invade their whole
life'."
One thing that really stands out about Jesse and Wilma is their personal interest in others and their continued burden for lost souls. In a hospital visit two days before Jesse died he shared that he had been witnessing to the staff. He was raised in a God-fearing home and became a Christian as a little boy. After marrying he and his wife were full-time farmers and much of that time he also served as pastor in a bi-vocational role.
The
Dourte family in
the early 60's
A church
posted this
thought-provoking
statement on their
church sign: "Better
To Be Faithful
Than Famous".
Although there are
famous people who
are also faithful,
it occurred to me
how often those whom
so many recognize as
"famous" are
certainly not
faithful. Many
public figures are
famous to a sea of
strangers but may be
estranged from their
own family members.
Merely consider
famous names in
sports,
entertainment, and
politics. Sadly this
is also true for
some in ministry for
Christ.
As followers of Christ we've all been given a trust. The apostle Paul wrote, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). We are stewards of God's truth and it is required that we be faithful. This is fundamentally expressed spiritually but in reality spiritual faithfulness is expressed in practical ways as well.
Let us ask ourselves:
As followers of Christ we've all been given a trust. The apostle Paul wrote, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). We are stewards of God's truth and it is required that we be faithful. This is fundamentally expressed spiritually but in reality spiritual faithfulness is expressed in practical ways as well.
Let us ask ourselves:
-
Are we faithful to
our spouse and
family?
- Are
we faithful to our
church and
ministry
responsibilities?
- Are we faithful to our work related duties and financial commitments?
- Above all are we faithful to God and His call in our life?
May the
Lord help us all to
keep the commitments
we make. In fact the
greatest approbation
we will ever receive
is when we hear the
words from our Lord,
"Well
done, good and
faithful servant"
(Matthew 25:21).
Indeed, it's far
more desirable to be
faithful than to be
famous. We've all
been given a trust,
let us prove
ourselves faithful!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father,
You've given
us so many
venues in
which we have
opportunity to
prove
ourselves
faithful. In
our
relationships,
our work, our
ministries and
the
marketplace we
want to be
faithful in
the
responsibilities
entrusted to
us. When
tempted to
compromise,
due to
seemingly
insurmountable
pressures we
face, help us
to remember
that
faithfulness
to You is the
greatest
reward. To
hear You say,
"Well done,
good and
faithful
servant" are
the most
joyous words
of affirmation
we will ever
receive! Keep
us faithful,
Lord Jesus,
for it is in
Your name that
we pray. Amen.
That's why we are especially blessed by longstanding faithfulness of believers like Jesse and Wilma Dourte. Our children, young people, young adults, really all ages need to be regularly impacted by these kinds of people. It's why we strongly believe in the intergenerational church.
It's not uncommon for many churches to entirely segregate their congregation by age, and when doing so, there can be an important spiritual dynamic missing. The blending of generations brings about a needed balance in our worship services, and a mutual respect for each generation. Older believers are strengthened and encouraged as they visibly see how God is calling and shaping a young life committed to Christ. And the young ones can visibly witness how God beautifully refines those, who though thoroughly tested through the years by the enemy's arson, remain faithful and victorious in their spiritual journey.
Certainly classes suited for younger ages, where they can be taught the Bible at a level they understand, is appropriate and beneficial. We are speaking of churches that rarely bring children into the worship service at all. Some churches even keep the teens separate in a youth service on Sunday mornings as well as mid-week. We believe it's healthy to see a congregation with families sitting together and people representing various seasons of life, whether it be grandparents, parents, single adults, teens or youth.
Brooksyne's note regarding the Dourte family: Early on in our time with the Dourtes we learned alot about their grown children and extended family, even before we met each one of them. In talking about the past Wilma shared how difficult it was to milk the cows and get the farm chores done before taking on their pastoral duties on a Sunday morning. In fact she stated that they could not have done it without the help of their children. As I recall, as the children got older, they voluntarily took on all the farm chores on Sunday mornings. With a grateful smile she offered, "Our children never really complained. They just knew what had to be done and they did it."
Wilma endures a hearing impediment, but with the assistance of hearing aids she seeks to overcome. I've known people who completely withdraw from others after their hearing is impaired due to their inability to hear well which greatly affects their communication skills. Yet Wilma joyfully interacts with people realizing that, in those instances where she might not fully hear or understand clearly, the awkward moments will pass and she is not hesitant to let you know she does not understand. Her genuine love and interest in the person speaks even louder than words can convey. Both Jesse and Wilma demonstrated to us the sweet grace of faithfulness and regularly dispensed godly wisdom to us. We will especially miss Jesse's sage wisdom and even his eagerness to get together. When time had lapsed more than he wanted between our get-togethers, he'd call me and say something to the effect, "I have some fish here, Wilma already prepared a bowl of vanilla pudding, so if you can just prepare the vegetables we can come over and have dinner with you." I always hung up and announced to Stephen "Company's coming!" I made the announcement with a smile on my face knowing that Jesse wouldn't just invite himself over empty-handed, but made sure he would contribute a good portion to the meal.
Jesse and Wilma loved people. Here they visit with some Amish children. At the service Saturday I met two young Amish men whom Jesse had taught chair caning in the last several years of his life.
Jesse
and Wilma
attended the
same church
with two other
retired
pastors.
Left to right: Jerel (now with the Lord) and Fran Book; Jim (now with the Lord) and Eva Ketner; Pastor John Keefer and his wife Faithe on the right. The Keefers lived across the street from the Dourtes and drove them to church weekly after Wilma was no longer allowed to drive which happened only about two years ago. The Keefers were a caring and attentive pastoral couple to the Dourtes as they often expressed to us.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily
prayer:
Father,
You've given
us so many
venues in
which we have
opportunity to
prove
ourselves
faithful. In
our
relationships,
our work, our
ministries and
the
marketplace we
want to be
faithful in
the
responsibilities
entrusted to
us. When
tempted to
compromise,
due to
seemingly
insurmountable
pressures we
face, help us
to remember
that
faithfulness
to You is the
greatest
reward. To
hear You say,
"Well done,
good and
faithful
servant" are
the most
joyous words
of affirmation
we will ever
receive! Keep
us faithful,
Lord Jesus,
for it is in
Your name that
we pray. Amen.That's why we are especially blessed by longstanding faithfulness of believers like Jesse and Wilma Dourte. Our children, young people, young adults, really all ages need to be regularly impacted by these kinds of people. It's why we strongly believe in the intergenerational church.
It's not uncommon for many churches to entirely segregate their congregation by age, and when doing so, there can be an important spiritual dynamic missing. The blending of generations brings about a needed balance in our worship services, and a mutual respect for each generation. Older believers are strengthened and encouraged as they visibly see how God is calling and shaping a young life committed to Christ. And the young ones can visibly witness how God beautifully refines those, who though thoroughly tested through the years by the enemy's arson, remain faithful and victorious in their spiritual journey.
Certainly classes suited for younger ages, where they can be taught the Bible at a level they understand, is appropriate and beneficial. We are speaking of churches that rarely bring children into the worship service at all. Some churches even keep the teens separate in a youth service on Sunday mornings as well as mid-week. We believe it's healthy to see a congregation with families sitting together and people representing various seasons of life, whether it be grandparents, parents, single adults, teens or youth.
Brooksyne's note regarding the Dourte family: Early on in our time with the Dourtes we learned alot about their grown children and extended family, even before we met each one of them. In talking about the past Wilma shared how difficult it was to milk the cows and get the farm chores done before taking on their pastoral duties on a Sunday morning. In fact she stated that they could not have done it without the help of their children. As I recall, as the children got older, they voluntarily took on all the farm chores on Sunday mornings. With a grateful smile she offered, "Our children never really complained. They just knew what had to be done and they did it."
Wilma endures a hearing impediment, but with the assistance of hearing aids she seeks to overcome. I've known people who completely withdraw from others after their hearing is impaired due to their inability to hear well which greatly affects their communication skills. Yet Wilma joyfully interacts with people realizing that, in those instances where she might not fully hear or understand clearly, the awkward moments will pass and she is not hesitant to let you know she does not understand. Her genuine love and interest in the person speaks even louder than words can convey. Both Jesse and Wilma demonstrated to us the sweet grace of faithfulness and regularly dispensed godly wisdom to us. We will especially miss Jesse's sage wisdom and even his eagerness to get together. When time had lapsed more than he wanted between our get-togethers, he'd call me and say something to the effect, "I have some fish here, Wilma already prepared a bowl of vanilla pudding, so if you can just prepare the vegetables we can come over and have dinner with you." I always hung up and announced to Stephen "Company's coming!" I made the announcement with a smile on my face knowing that Jesse wouldn't just invite himself over empty-handed, but made sure he would contribute a good portion to the meal.
Here
is a photo of
Jesse and
Wilma and
their children
taken about
ten years ago
at a
grandchild's
wedding. They
also have many
grandchildren
and
great-grandchildren,
including one
born since
Jesse died!
The Lord
gifted each
family member
with musical
skills.
Wilma and Jesse busy at work! These two dear friends, like parents to us in some ways, insisted on helping me process our pumpkins and butternut squash each year. In fact they looked forward to it every winter and warned us they would be very disappointed not to be a part of the toilsome job. Jesse was 94 last January and I believe Wilma was 93 when they once again sliced, peeled and cut the pumpkins and squash. We fed them lunch and dug right in, or should I say, cut right into the intense labor of cutting, peeling, and steaming the vegetables. Wilma must have been on her feet more than four hours and wanted to stay longer to clean-up though I drew the line there. They were remarkable in their health and strength for their age. Update: Wilma had a fall several months back and is presently wearing a neck brace. Since her injury she and Jesse began living with Maxine and Luther, their oldest daughter and her husband. Wilma will continue to stay with them, now that Jesse is gone. She is so grateful for their love and care as expressed many times to me.
Wilma and Jesse busy at work! These two dear friends, like parents to us in some ways, insisted on helping me process our pumpkins and butternut squash each year. In fact they looked forward to it every winter and warned us they would be very disappointed not to be a part of the toilsome job. Jesse was 94 last January and I believe Wilma was 93 when they once again sliced, peeled and cut the pumpkins and squash. We fed them lunch and dug right in, or should I say, cut right into the intense labor of cutting, peeling, and steaming the vegetables. Wilma must have been on her feet more than four hours and wanted to stay longer to clean-up though I drew the line there. They were remarkable in their health and strength for their age. Update: Wilma had a fall several months back and is presently wearing a neck brace. Since her injury she and Jesse began living with Maxine and Luther, their oldest daughter and her husband. Wilma will continue to stay with them, now that Jesse is gone. She is so grateful for their love and care as expressed many times to me.
Jesse and Wilma loved people. Here they visit with some Amish children. At the service Saturday I met two young Amish men whom Jesse had taught chair caning in the last several years of his life.
Left to right: Jerel (now with the Lord) and Fran Book; Jim (now with the Lord) and Eva Ketner; Pastor John Keefer and his wife Faithe on the right. The Keefers lived across the street from the Dourtes and drove them to church weekly after Wilma was no longer allowed to drive which happened only about two years ago. The Keefers were a caring and attentive pastoral couple to the Dourtes as they often expressed to us.
Today's
Suggested
Music
and Supplemental
Resources
"Find Us Faithful" Video Steve Green Pastor and Wilma have "lined the way" for many. I encourage you to prayerfully listen to this song as a reminder of those who have gone before us faithfully serving Christ and, as a song of personal aspiration, that those behind us might indeed find us faithful! This version has the lyrics.
"A
Winning
Combination"
An article
written about
the Dourte
family in 1964
for a church
magazine,
"Evangelical
Visitor". They
had met
Pennsylvania
Governor
William
Scranton in
Harrisburg,
the state
capital, where
he commended
the Dourte
family.
At the end of the long
lane leading back to the Amish
farm, shown in our lead picture,
was a produce stand selling
Shoo-fly pies using the honor
system.
Of course we bought a
shoo-fly pie!
Send a message to Stephen & Brooksyne
To receive the "Daily Encouragement" each Monday-Friday through email see this page to subscribe to our email list. You can also subscribe to the Wordpress rss feed or through a Wordpress email subscription. (See the email subscription on the right side after opening this page.)
We realize there are many fine
ministries and causes requesting support
but if the Lord would lead you we surely need
and appreciate the financial support from our
readers and listeners.Our ministry labor is comprised of approximately half our time to Daily Encouragement and the other half to our chaplaincy ministry to companies for which we receive compensation. Each of these ministries essentially is the same as a part-time job (20+ hours weekly) for each of us. Our goal for many years is that each would provide half of our ministry expenses and income.
If you would consider making a donation to our ministry see here for more information.
Please Note:
We also provide this easy option due to the
convenience, for international supporters, and
for those who may not be concerned regarding
receiving an official tax deductible receipt. Click here
to send an offering using PayPal. This
will open to a page that states "Brooksyne
Weber"Permissions: Please feel free to pass on, reproduce and distribute any material on Daily Encouragement Net, in part or in whole, in any format, provided that you do not alter the wording in any way or charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. It is our desire to spread this material, not protect or restrict it. We do request that you keep the contact, copyright and subscription information intact.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."
© Copyright 2019 Stephen
C. & Brooksyne Weber - All Rights Reserved
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA
Daily Encouragement Net - 495 Kraybill Church Road - Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA