Good Morning Manna Family,
 
The power of prayer and its outcomes are truly a mystery to me. It seems that some prayers are not answered and others are. Like some of you, tragedy has befallen my family over the years, which left me broken and crying out to God. What I have learned is a simple truth, which is that God ALWAYS hears our prayers. He answers them in ways that are beyond our understanding – sometimes He answers “not now,” sometimes “yes” or “no,” or in some cases in silence that can become deafening. However, He always hears them. Last night I heard Him shout loudly in answer to the many prayers for Dianne. It is with great joy that I write to you regarding a wonderful answer to prayer as well as a prayer for which we hopeful.
 
First, a praise report. Dianne’s surgery yesterday went as well as anyone could have anticipated. When Dianne was finally wheeled in for surgery at 3:40 p.m., after almost a two-hour delay, the surgeon found no presence of cancer and only needed to remove a two-centimeter lymphoid. The presence of more could have meant complications with pain and swelling in the years ahead. Dianne came through the surgery very strong and both surgeons, one to remove the tumor and one for reconstruction, could not have been more pleased with the results. We need to wait a few days for the final pathology report, but the preliminary report suggests an “all clear” finding. I cannot thank you enough for your continued commitment of prayer and love for Dianne and our family. The final leg of this journey is still before us, including radiation next month which will last 30 days, and then final reconstructive surgery in six months, but we are believing the toughest part of this process is behind us. Dianne has proven to be more than a fighter, with her gracious, loving positive spirit as she continues to take this all in stride. Again, from all of us in the Saber family, we love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
 
This week as our leadership team is working through the day-to-day evaluation of sales and cash management, we believe there may be a bright spot on the horizon. In addition to all of you out there street fighting for every sale – and trust me, compared to the Panera system at large, you are daily demonstrating a heart to win for your associates and guests -- we believe the CareAct announced by the US government might help us weather this storm in ways we could never have imagined. I would ask you to put forth the same heart of prayer toward this coming to fruition as you have for Dianne, your associates and your guests. We will know this week how Manna will be positioned in relation to the CareAct, which will dictate how healthy we will be over the next 90 days and, more importantly, how long we can weather this battle with an invisible enemy. So I would ask you to pray for God’s helping and merciful hand over Manna and the rest of the company. I would also ask you to lift up all of our people and their extended families each day. None of us can know all that is happening in each household in the Manna Family, but I am sure many are struggling with issues beyond their control, whether it be a sick loved one, someone who has lost their job, or just the ongoing stress of the unknown. Without mentioning names or issues, please lift each one up in prayer. The Lord will answer your prayers. He knows our every need. The Bible tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16  
 
Thank you again for your steadfastness in these difficult times and for your heart to care for others and exemplify all that Manna stands for day-by-day. God bless and keep you.  
 
In His Grace,
 
Paul Saber
 
President/CEO Manna Development Group
1 Peter 4:8-11
Every Guest Every Time
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​Dear Manna Family,
 
It is difficult in these days to focus on much other than the worry, concern and, ultimately, fear that seems to be plaguing so many. All of us can become preoccupied with our daily circumstances, and when it seems the media, Wall Street, and the politicians of our day have lost their way, those fears are only magnified. I know, as many of you do, how life can change in an instant and seemingly out of nowhere our world can be turned upside down. Whether it is the unexpected loss of a loved one, disease, or today’s Coronavirus crisis, life can overwhelm and even paralyze us.
 
I want to assure you again that the Manna Family is here for you. We are praying that you will know that all will be well in spite of the momentary afflictions that surround us. The Manna Family is a strong group of caring individuals, from Colorado to California to Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, and I want each of you to know that leadership is available, whatever your needs, even if it is just some time to sit down with you and calm your fears. Too often in the midst of the storms of life we lose sight of what we should be focusing on. Like the Apostle Peter, when Jesus asked him to get out of the boat and walk across the water to Him, we focus on the circumstances rather than keeping our eyes on Him.  
 
I have been in business since 1981 and during that time have witnessed several financial crises -- SARS , Bird Flu, H1N1, HIV/AIDS, and 9/11. And I, like some of you, have lost loved ones and sat at the bedside of ailing family members or friends. Somehow, by God’s grace, I came through it all, and you will too. Since that time, I met the most wonderful woman in the world, inherited a family and brother through marriage, had two amazing children, was blessed with a son through marriage, and formed several companies, none greater than the one I now have the privilege to lead.
 
Life has been full of mountain tops and valleys, and through it all, I would not have changed one thing because I know God has been and is in control. I have tried to live each day as though it were my last, knowing I could have been kinder, more helpful, less selfish and worried less, and praying if I woke up I would start afresh in the knowledge that God’s mercies are new each and every morning.
 
So, I encourage you today, in the midst of the fear and panic that grips so many, to find ways to help others, love more deeply, and worry less. Keep your eyes off the circumstances and remember that the Lord did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt stated in his first Inaugural Address to the nation in 1937 and in the midst of the Great Depression years, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
 
Jesus’ promise to His disciples, and to us is, “Peace I Ieave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).  This is the peace that is capable of resisting the pressures of fear. It is the peace that allows us to be calm and caring in the midst of whatever fears there may be in the world. It is the peace we need at this time, and I pray you will know this kind of peace.
 
Thank you for your efforts each day and your dedication to honor our core value, the Golden Rule. And please don’t forget to reach out to one of us in leadership if you have any extraordinary needs at this time. If you have time over the weekend, I would ask you to click on the link below and read the articles and scripture references, as I believe they will ease your minds. God bless each and every one of you.
 
https://billygraham.org/story/confronting-fear-in-the-face-of-coronavirus/
 
In His love and His care for each of us,
 
Paul
 
Paul Saber
President/CEO Manna Development Group
1 Peter 4:8-11
Every Guest Every Time