Celebrating Labor Day & The Legacy of Pearl Goode

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being, according to the US. Dept. of Labor. But, for followers of Jesus, work is more than just building a strong nation.

In the book of Genesis, even before sin was in the world, God said about Adam and the rest of humanity in Genesis 1:26,
“And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

We see work is not a result of sin, but God’s desire for humanity. The New Testament writers shared this sentiment as Paul wrote in Colossians 3:23-24,

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord and you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”

As we celebrate this Labor Day across America, let us remember that not only does our work help society flourish, it can also be an act of worship when we work hard in obedience to God and for His glory.
===

Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
===

Pearl Goode was a recent widow and retired nurse in her 60s from nearby Pasadena when she joined hundreds of intercessors in the prayer tent at the Los Angeles Billy Graham Crusade in 1949. In those weeks of passionate, evangelistic prayer, she found her calling.

Pearl devoted the rest of her life interceding for Billy Graham. 

In the beginning she traveled, at her own expense, to anywhere in North America where Billy Graham spoke. She rented hotel rooms near the crusades and prayed incessantly for people to be saved. Eventually the Graham organization learned about Pearl Goode’s intercessory ministry, and they assumed the responsibility for her expenses and travel. Her prayer ministry meant so much to Graham’s evangelistic success that they wanted her at every Crusade.

In Fred Hartley’s book, Everything by Prayer, he describes Pearl Goode’s funeral. Ruth Graham, the evangelist’s wife, attended the service. At an appropriate time, Mrs. Graham rose to speak concerning Mrs. Goode, “Here lie the mortal remains of much of the secret of Bill’s ministry.” 

Read the full piece 3 intercessors who moved the evangelistic needle at Baptist Press.

You can read the full piece and learn more about our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.