Dear friends:

Yesterday, we went to see the new movie, "Amazing Grace," about the abolition of the slave trade, primarily through the Christian commitment and tireless efforts of William Wilberforce (1759-1833), British member of Parliament.  The movie was excellent. 

In 1785, Wilberforce underwent a dramatic spiritual encounter which he described as a conversion experience. He resolved to commit his future life and work wholly in the service of God, and one of the people he received advice from was John Newton (1725-1807).  Conscience-stricken after seeing the horrors of the slave trade, Wilberforce focused all his life and attention to undoing it. which he finally did. 

John Newton was a former English slave ship master who miraculously found Jesus, and eventually became an evangelical clergyman. He wrote the popular hymn, "Amazing Grace," after experiencing this amazing grace of God for himself. 

The movie included the famous quote that Newton actually made at age 82: "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour."  See http://www.joyfulheart.com/misc/newton.htm .

Doesn't that sum it all up?

Thank God for William Wilberforce, who was truly a force for good in the world, and for John Newton, who not only influenced Wilberforce but out of the depths of his soul gave us that great hymn.  They both glorified God in their lives.

In our own way, in our own lives, no matter how small and insignificant we may seem, may we too be available for God to use for His purposes.  His power working through us can accomplish the otherwise impossible.

Jim