Page 12 - PT-Spring-2021

Brother David Jardine

Preparation

is everything

resident Abraham Lincoln was a man who lines for a play or film. He took this so seriously that when
understood the importance of preparation. he went on the stage or a film set he said that he knew his
PHe became famous as one of the greatest lines as well as he knew his own name. This allowed him to
of all Presidents of the United States, but it was relax into the part.
In the spiritual life preparation is of vital importance as
lessons learned as a young man that stood him well. Indeed, I would go so far as to say that if I could do Photo Credit: istockphoto.com/Михаил Руденко
in good stead for the rest of his life. my ministry all over again I would run about a bit less and
He was born in a log cabin in the backwoods spend more time in prayer. Just recently I discovered again
of Kentucky, and because he was brought up in how powerful this can be.
poor circumstances he had to learn how to look I am working in Belfast for a ministry called Equipping for
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after himself, and to be resourceful. One of the Life , encouraging Church people to give their services free
of charge to serve those who are living in disadvantaged
jobs that he enjoyed most was cutting down trees circumstances. We began on the Shankill Road in Belfast,
– and Lincoln became famous for his strength and the place where we are getting most opportunities is in
and skill in using an axe. And that is where he primary schools.
learnt the importance of preparation. We have 150 Volunteer Tutors going in to the ten
schools on the Shankill, taking children for reading.
There is a story told about this. Details vary according Obviously we have not been able to be face-to-face with
to which version of the story you hear, but the principle children since March last year.
always remains the same. Lincoln was asked one time how But I have been encouraging the Volunteer Tutors to
he would spend the money if he was given 100 dollars to use this time of restriction to prepare for when we are able
cut down a number of trees. His reply was that he would to go back into schools again – by preparing ourselves
spend 90 dollars on sharpening the axe. spiritually, which is a very important dimension of this
ministry. Also, planning and preparing to take Equipping for
In every step Life to every part of Northern Ireland.
The power of preparation is true in every area of life. And
It was a theme that came through very strongly when I Praying in preparation
read Michael Caine’s autobiography. What struck me Just recently I sent a letter to the Head Teachers in the ten
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particularly was how meticulous he was in preparation, even schools in the Greater Shankill area. I explained to them
in small things. that we are planning for when we can, hopefully, go back
If he was making a journey he always packed his case the into the classroom in September, and made three or four
night before. He was also very professional in learning his practical suggestions as to how we could give extra help.

12 The Plain Truth Spring 2021 Find us online at www.plain-truth.org.uk