Flowers for the Living

Flowers for the Living are those gifts of friendship, joy, gratitude, encouragement, and sharing given in appreciation of a life lived well, especially by one of God’s own children.  As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I thank God for you…whenever I think of you.  My constant prayers for you are a real joy, for they bring back to mind how we have worked together for the gospel from the first.” 

Paul sent his flowers via a letter.  Today the medium is most often an Email or a phone call.  As Van himself has preached and encouraged others, “How much better if he who’s given his life for the kingdom enjoyed the flowers of our sharing in those labors while he lived.”  Isn’t this true for all of us, and especially those who have labored for the Lord, left a heritage of faithful stewardship of the ministry they’ve been given, and supported the work of the church.  So, even as you consider Van’s ministry continuing today past the age of 90, won’t you consider sending your own Flowers for the Living to him at his Email address, van@vanmarnold.org.  He will be refreshed, his own soul revived, new energy released to continue his ministry unto the Lord and unto each one of us.  Feel free to do so more than once.   Fresh flowers call us all to a vision of the new life we have in Christ and in sharing them with Van, you too may discover how the Lord will multiply your own giving.