Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
— Lamentations 3:22-23

Former Asian Access chairman Ron McMahon shared the classic hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness with the Asian Access board last week during our recent board meetings.

Ron reminded us how fitting this hymn was to the life of Asian Access and to our own lives as well. Some of you may know that Ron faced a devastating stroke a decade ago that has been a challenge in his own life. Yet, in spite of his struggles, he reminds us how God’s faithfulness carries us through the storms and trials of life.

How fitting for all of us during this COVID ordeal too! As you’ll see in this picture, Ron, through his own pain and trial, is praying for another Asian Access director from South Asia whose wife is facing the challenge of her life: debilitating ALS and cancer. They are just two of the myriad Asian Access friends and alumni who are facing challenges during COVID. So many lives lost, so many suffering coupled with the financial challenges that have faced so many. Some of our alumni and their church members can’t even afford to buy food for their families. Others have been in prison for months, tortured during their nation's military coup.

Yet, in the midst of the darkest of days as Jeremiah reminds us in this passage: Israel’s lowest moment during the exile, that God’s faithful love never fails. His compassion walks with us through the hardest times.

If you are facing a challenging season, I pray Ron’s wisdom in sharing this hymn touches your spirit:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness,
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a popular Adventist Christian hymn written by Thomas Chisholm (1866–1960) with music composed by William M. Runyan (1870–1957).

May the Lord’s faithfulness encourage you today,

Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, Asian Access

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