Mark & Lea Mallett
OVER the past several days, since we publicly appealed to you for financial help in our ministry of evangelization, there has been a touching outpouring of love, affection, and help from so many. We simply want to say how blessed and moved we are by your support on so many levels. From the ones who gave five dollars to those who gave five hundred or more, we are deeply grateful—you are helping to keep the wolf from the door. And to all of you who took a moment to send words of encouragement and who are praying for us, we cannot thank you enough.
My family and I are beginning the process of relocating to another province over the next 10 days. As such, my time is limited at the computer—which is frustrating, since the Lord continues to drop words into my heart. And so, I will simply let them incubate until I can find another moment to write you. God’s timing right now, is everything.
In the meantime, to those of you who wrote who are experiencing similar crushing trials… I believe the Lord is speaking a word of encouragement to us:
Beloved, do not be afraid. I am pruning you. It may feel as though the axe lies at the root—but I will never cut you off! No, I am pruning back those dead branches which cling to your heart, which prevent you from growing to your full potential in Me. You recognize the days, you see the signs of the times. Yes, I am preparing you. Trust in Me. When all seems hopeless, I who am Hope, am nearest. You will see and understand this pruning as you submit to it. As the Shears of Purification apply their painful pressure, at once the dead weight begins to fall, and the process of new life begins. I tell you again, do not be afraid, nor ever believe the Adversary’s lie that I have abandoned you. I will never leave you My beloved lambs! I will be with you unto the end of the age! Do not fret nor be saddened at what seems like a loss… what you gain, when you lose your life, is eternal life in Me. When you understand this, you will discover that this pruning is cause for joy!
Blessed be God forever and ever!
Last, I want to clarify two things. One is that, if we were to discontinue our email service, I would still continue to post meditations on my website, which is essentially free. I would not cease to preach the Gospel! However, I am pleased to say that three readers stepped forward to pledge monthly assistance to pay for the email service, which is now reaching several thousand readers across the world. So all shall remain as it is for now.
Second, I would never consider abandoning my Catholic faith for a mega-church and six figure salary. The Catholic Church is not another "choice." It is the Church of Jesus Christ built upon Peter, the Rock. It is the living symbol and sacrament of the presence of Christ on earth through His Body. It is the presence of the Kingdom of God, the earthly temple of the Holy Spirit, and the portal to Salvation, constructed by Jesus Himself. To abandon her would be to abandon Christ. I would sooner beg for my bread than miss the daily Eucharistic Banquet. I would sooner go bankrupt than abandon the riches which the Father lavishes upon me in the Confessional. In all her current brokenness and poverty, I love the Catholic Church. It is home away from Home.
But I am a poor man, like Peter, all too ready to deny my Lord through my everyday weaknesses. And so, I count on your prayers that I too may not flee "for fear of the wolves."
I believe Jesus has more to say yet through this "little courier." God willing, I will write you again soon.
In the meantime, we are planning a concert tour to the West Coast of Canada and the United States for November. If your parish would be interested in hosting a concert, please contact [email protected] or visit: Book A Concert.
I carry each of you in my heart and prayers.
Brothers, I should like you to know of the grace of God conferred… In the midst of severe trial [your] overflowing joy and deep poverty have produced an abundant generosity. (2 Cor 8:1-2)
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Cor 9:10)
…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2)
Have you heard Mark’s music yet?
