text of forwarded message follows:
>From: Hand In Hand <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Keep "soldiering on" Beloved Saints!!!!
>
>Audiovisual Aids
>by Joni Eareckson Tada
>"For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so 
>also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it 
>is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for 
>your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same 
>sufferings we suffer."   2 Corinthians 1:5-6
>
>God uses people as audiovisual aids to strengthen others. But wait: 
>Does it mean that the inspiring person is nothing more than an 
>object lesson from which others can learn? Is that person's example 
>only for everybody else's benefit? If so, it makes God seem 
>utilitarian (and we can't have that!).
>
>When I think of audiovisual aids, I remember the time Bonnie Rennie, 
>a blind woman, read aloud from her Braille Bible when I spoke at a 
>church. We all sat there near tears, listening to Bonnie's strong 
>voice as she "read," moving her fingers across the Braille pages. I 
>was inspired.
>
>Here's the neat part: Whatever others gain from watching Bonnie gets 
>credited to her account. That's what the apostle Paul meant when he 
>said, "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in 
>the faith, so that... your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on 
>account of me" (Phil. 1:25b). When other Christians gain strength 
>from Bonnie's example, their joy in Christ overflows... on account 
>of Bonnie. And it's all being credited on her spiritual ledger.
>
>When Bonnie and others like her hang in there through God's grace, 
>it does something for the rest of us Christians. It strengthens us. 
>The body is better and brighter. And how wonderful that God credits 
>it all to the account of those who suffer. Truly, one day the last 
>shall be first!
>
>This is good news for you if you think your life doesn't matter or 
>you aren't making much of a contribution to the Body. The way you 
>live your life does make a difference -- to the Church as a whole 
>and to you in particular.
>
>God of all comfort, how marvelous to be reminded that You use my 
>sufferings not only in my life but also in the Body of believers. 
>Thank You for blessing others and myself in one fell swoop.
>
>Blessings,
>Joni and Friends
text of forwarded message ends:

John