Newsletter   I   FEBRUARY 2004

O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO Some of the most beautiful songs that Christians sing have been written as a result of sorrow or because of affliction. This seems to have been the case in George Matheson’s beautiful hymn O Live That Will Not Let Me Go. Rev. George Matheson was born in Glasgow in 1842. George’s sight seemed threatened from the age two or younger. By the time he was 20 his sight was completely gone. In spite of his blindness, he had distinguished himself as a student at Edinburgh University. Rev. Matheson was honored with a doctorate. It is said that a young lady to whom he was engaged refused to marry him when she found that he had become totally blind. Later in the year 1882, he wrote,” Something had happened to me that was known only to myself and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. This hymn was the fruit of that suffering.” In the first verse we see God who loved us and gave Himself for us. He will not let us go. Even when we want to go our way, He holds fast. We need not face the pain and suffering, and sorrows of life alone. All that we have we owe to God. O the depths of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” O love, that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee: I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths it flow May richer, fuller be. We cannot know the pain one feels in living in a world of darkness like Dr. Matheson did because he could not see the beauty around him. In his heart he could trace the sunshine through the rain. He could believe God’s promise that there would be no more tears, no more sorrows or heartaches when we get home to Heaven. You, too, can trust Him in your every trial. He will not let you go alone if you cling to Him. O joy that seeks me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee: I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.                    --Adapted from Hymn Stories Joy is love’s consciousness. Peace is love’s confidence. Patience is love’s habit. Kindness is love’s vitality. Goodness is love’s activity Faithfulness is love’s quantity Meekness is love’s tone. Temperance is love’s victory.                     --G. C. Campbell Morgan

LETTER FROM THE ISF ASSISTANT Dear International Friend, Already another month of a new year has passed us by and many of us in the Pittsburgh area are anxiously waiting for spring to arrive. We have had our share of heavy snow along with the kind of snow, although not much in accumulation, that makes walking and driving very hazardous. We know many have been celebrating Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, so we wish you a very happy time with your friends and family. Here in the United States we will be celebrating the birthday of two of our greatest Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. President’s Day is on February 16th and you won’t forget it because most stores will advertise a President’s Day Sale. February 14th is the day we will once again celebrate Valentine’s Day. Over the years, it has become a time when everyone can join in the celebration by sharing a card or gift with someone who is special to you. It is a nice time during the cold winter to let someone know you appreciate and love them. We hope you can join us for our February ISF gathering. We want you to know that as an International you are loved and very important to us. We hope to share God’s love with you and want you to attend and bring your friends with you. Once again we will celebrate children’s birthdays with a cake and gift. This gathering will be on Friday, February 13th, 7:30 PM in the beautiful Ballroom of the William Pitt Union. The William Pitt Union is located in Oakland on the corner of Bigelow and Fifth Avenue. To get to the Ballroom, use the entrance on Fifth Avenue and then follow the signs. There will be an interesting lecture, a full course meal and the children’s activities in the Kurtzman room. We also hope to have some Chinese friends perform some music for us. Come and be a part of our big International family and invite your friends. It’s all free! We hope to see you on February 13th!                                                                                                       --Terry Tiberio, ISF Assistant

ISF JANUARY GATHERING (January 9, 2004)