The Lord Jesus said, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..."; and again "...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
I am grateful for those faithful Believers that live out that verse. They are witnesses to their neighbors, and they are the ones that support missions. They are an encouragement to me. May God bless them and may their tribe increase.
I have to wonder at how people can read those words from our Lord and Savior, and seem to think that Jesus was making a suggestion, and not a command. What makes me more confused is thinking that the reason that some faithful church goers think like that is because they got it from their pastor! It makes my head spin to think that a pastor, a minister of the Word, could delude himself into thinking that Jesus Christ was offering an elective response in the 28 words quoted above! I am thinking mainly of pastors and church leadership as I write this.
King Saul evidently deluded himself about obedience in 1 Samuel 15. He had a clear mandate from God to destroy the Amalekites and their livestock. He partially obeyed the directive and in verse 22 received the scathing rebuke, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice..." The Lord was not pleased with partial obedience. King Saul was rejected as king because of his selective obedience.
So, I wonder as I look around at churches that are 20+ years old, and ask, "How are they measuring up to the Lord Jesus command; what is that church's commitment to missions?"
If I look at the budget of the church, what percentile is dedicated to missions, and what percentile is committed to serving the interests of the church? The answer tells much about the focus of the church.
Then, I look at the evangelistic outreaches that the church supports. Some churches have a special bulletin board, or a wall dedicated to showing where the missionaries are that they support. Usually, those bulletin boards show the obedience to the command to "go to the ends of the earth." Look for the local obedience to serving Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, and you hear only silence. Why?
Maybe it is a cultural thing. Maybe the North-American Christian has been led to believe that putting money in the offering plate satisfies our Lord's command. In part, it does, but we are still stuck with the rest of the command, to reach out to our Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria.
Jerusalem, for the first century Believers, was mostly dealing with the same culture. It was for some, the place of their greatest failure, too. The disciples fled from Jesus in the garden. Peter denied the Lord. Being a witness for Christ to family, friends, co-workers can be a hard mission field. It was for the early church, and it is for us today.
Judea was still much of the same culture, but a little further away, and easier to forget. It took more effort to do outreach there. There might be more cultural variation, poor roads, more hardships to endure, in Judea.
Samaria was the location of the half breeds. They were openly despised by the Jewish people and called "dogs". The culture was different, and they were a poorer community. Yet, the Lord Jesus sends the early church to minister to the place of greatest defeat, some hardships, and even to confront racism and poverty.
How does the local church really measure up to obeying our command to show the love of Jesus in their own Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria? Back east, the churches have Hispanic communities, or ethnic Afro-American communities. Out here in the West, we have Indian people in our "Judea and Samaria".
I wonder when church leaders face the Bema Seat of judgment, and they are asked about how they attempted to fulfill our Lord's command, what will the response be? "Lord, we raised money for mission projects in Africa, South America, Mexico, etc..." and the long list of "to the ends of the earth" is proclaimed. But when it comes to building relationships with different cultures that were right next door, the pastor will have to drop his eyes in shame, for he did not lead the church to fulfill the whole command of the Lord.
Maybe it is too ugly to say it out loud, but I wonder if the reason why some Christian radio stations do not have cross-cultural programming is because those minority communities don't have the money?
Is it possible that pastors, elders, and deacons do not reach out to the minorities in their "Samaria" because "those people" are needy and would be a drain on the budget? Perhaps others don't reach out because they know that if the minorities in their "Samaria" started coming to their church, then that might mean a change in the church? That would mean different music, (and we all know how churches can fight about their preferences in music, don't we? )
Fulfilling the commands of our Lord meant that the people of the early church were to connect with their neighbors, those across town, and the ethnic minorities around them, and to reach out to the distant lands as they were able. I think it is the same for us today. Instead of thinking of ministry as a "program", we need to be willing to do the sometimes hard work of divesting ourselves of our cultural preferences and for the love of Christ, try to put on the culture of our neighbors. Evangelism has always been carried by the same means, relationships. Perhaps our North-American culture has numbed our consciences to believe that we are pleasing the Lord with a little program for the community, or money in the offering plate.
Some smaller churches do not have the means to reach out beyond their local area. That isn't the heart of the matter, is it? Isn't the real matter, "to whom much given, much is required." What do we do with the spiritual gifts and resourced that He has given us to use in His name? Are leaders in churches responsive to the Great Commission in part, or in the whole?
"...It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Cor. 4:2.
(Well, I beg the pardon of some that might be offended because I openly shared my thoughts. This is a blog-site after all, and not a doctoral dissertation. I know many pastors and church leaders that are truly reaching out to their "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and beyond." They are doing the best they know how, with what God has given them to use. Yet, I know of other churches that seem to exist to serve themselves, the honor of their name, and comfort zone.
May God help us all to offer obedience and not just sacrifice to the honor of His Name.)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Exercise and St. Benedict
I have times of great productivity. I am reading, teaching, participating in meetings, writing, and generally doing well. Then there are the times of silence, and they are usually at the end of winter. I don’t know, maybe my mind reaches a saturation point of activity and then “locks up”, like my computer does. I just know that there are times of silence that come into my life. There will be times when I can’t read much. Developing lesson plans for teaching or writing sermons is hard. It is like trying to read when you have the flu and have taken night time cold medicine. Why bother…it is so frustrating.
I shared my frustration with the silence with a brother in the Lord. He asked if I had a regular exercise program. I said that I get plenty of exercise with the arrival of spring, summer and fall. My friend said that he has struggled with depression in the past and to keep it away, he is careful to maintain an exercise program.
I had a witness inside that he was right. My older brother once said the same thing a couple of years ago,but I didn't want to hear it then. I don’t like jogging. I don’t like going to a gym. I work plenty when I am hunting, or paddling, and actually doing something. Jogging is working up a sweat without going anywhere or getting anything done. Well, that is how I thought, anyway.
I am trying to follow my friend’s advice and get a cardiovascular work out (whether I like it or not.) I am beginning to see that jogging is working up a sweat because it is good for me. I may not have a tangible thing to show for the effort, but it does have benefits. It is supposed to increase my energy level, and help me sleep better. (I thought coffee did that in the morning, and no coffee after 6pm let me sleep.) :)
But what if the exercise wears me out to soon? Ever go to the auto parts store and ask for a thingy for a 1976 Plymouth, and the clerk looks from the computer at you and around the store, to see if Candid Camera was putting a joke on him. He looks back at you and his look changes to one of amazement, that into his life should walk a person and that might really expect that a parts store would have parts that go back 30+ years. Mustering up his kindest voice, and a look of pity, the parts clerk says slowly, just incase you are not only dumb but also hard of hearing, too, “Better go to the junk yard and see if they can help you…we don’t store parts that far back.”
Well, I only have so much cartilage, and when that wears out, it is gone! I am an older model than the 1976 Plymouth, and the parts store can’t replace things that wear out. Didn’t St. Benedict preach “everything in moderation”? So, having a moderate approach to exercise would be good, right?
So, if St. Benedict were to inquire, “How is no exercise in the winter being moderate?” how would I respond?
Okay, “busted.” My brother was right, and my friend was right, and so was St. Benedict.
I guess I will have to include exercise into my life and worry about the parts wearing out later. I sure a glad Spring bear hunting is coming soon. :)
I shared my frustration with the silence with a brother in the Lord. He asked if I had a regular exercise program. I said that I get plenty of exercise with the arrival of spring, summer and fall. My friend said that he has struggled with depression in the past and to keep it away, he is careful to maintain an exercise program.
I had a witness inside that he was right. My older brother once said the same thing a couple of years ago,but I didn't want to hear it then. I don’t like jogging. I don’t like going to a gym. I work plenty when I am hunting, or paddling, and actually doing something. Jogging is working up a sweat without going anywhere or getting anything done. Well, that is how I thought, anyway.
I am trying to follow my friend’s advice and get a cardiovascular work out (whether I like it or not.) I am beginning to see that jogging is working up a sweat because it is good for me. I may not have a tangible thing to show for the effort, but it does have benefits. It is supposed to increase my energy level, and help me sleep better. (I thought coffee did that in the morning, and no coffee after 6pm let me sleep.) :)
But what if the exercise wears me out to soon? Ever go to the auto parts store and ask for a thingy for a 1976 Plymouth, and the clerk looks from the computer at you and around the store, to see if Candid Camera was putting a joke on him. He looks back at you and his look changes to one of amazement, that into his life should walk a person and that might really expect that a parts store would have parts that go back 30+ years. Mustering up his kindest voice, and a look of pity, the parts clerk says slowly, just incase you are not only dumb but also hard of hearing, too, “Better go to the junk yard and see if they can help you…we don’t store parts that far back.”
Well, I only have so much cartilage, and when that wears out, it is gone! I am an older model than the 1976 Plymouth, and the parts store can’t replace things that wear out. Didn’t St. Benedict preach “everything in moderation”? So, having a moderate approach to exercise would be good, right?
So, if St. Benedict were to inquire, “How is no exercise in the winter being moderate?” how would I respond?
Okay, “busted.” My brother was right, and my friend was right, and so was St. Benedict.
I guess I will have to include exercise into my life and worry about the parts wearing out later. I sure a glad Spring bear hunting is coming soon. :)
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Spring, a beautiful thing......ouch
Spring is a wonderful time. The birds are the first to announce the end of Winter. The robin and the red-winged-blackbird break the snowy silence which gripped the land for months. I love the tiny chickadee and its high pitched song.
Our elevation is 1100 feet above sea level. The snow is gone. A couple hundred feet higher, and the snow defies the sun and clings to the earth. There have been a couple of sightings of black bears at our elevation already, though I haven't seen one as yet.
I have returned to training with the atlatl and archery. I shot 39 arrows from my 70 pound recurve on the 140 yards course. I wanted to shoot 50, but my muscles weren't ready for it. Looking forward to shooting my heavy bows in the weeks ahead. I am back to 40 throws of the atlatl and spear per day.
We have been asked to bring archery, atlatl and canoeing to the Shuswap Gathering in August. That will be a big affair, with people from all over the Shuswap territory and 17 communities coming together for a "family reunion." I am planning to build atlatl teams from the local Shuswap communities in the months ahead. It will make for more excitement and comptetive fun to see 3-4 communities involved in an ancient traditional game.
With all this activity, my winterized lazy body is being put back to work. My back is well now. thanks for the prayers. Now, if only I can warm up to the new activity level with moderation....ouch.
Our elevation is 1100 feet above sea level. The snow is gone. A couple hundred feet higher, and the snow defies the sun and clings to the earth. There have been a couple of sightings of black bears at our elevation already, though I haven't seen one as yet.
I have returned to training with the atlatl and archery. I shot 39 arrows from my 70 pound recurve on the 140 yards course. I wanted to shoot 50, but my muscles weren't ready for it. Looking forward to shooting my heavy bows in the weeks ahead. I am back to 40 throws of the atlatl and spear per day.
We have been asked to bring archery, atlatl and canoeing to the Shuswap Gathering in August. That will be a big affair, with people from all over the Shuswap territory and 17 communities coming together for a "family reunion." I am planning to build atlatl teams from the local Shuswap communities in the months ahead. It will make for more excitement and comptetive fun to see 3-4 communities involved in an ancient traditional game.
With all this activity, my winterized lazy body is being put back to work. My back is well now. thanks for the prayers. Now, if only I can warm up to the new activity level with moderation....ouch.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
A Pain in the Back
Monday was a beautiful day. I almost feel bad to mention it, as I am aware that weather in other areas may not be very nice. For us in the interior of British Columbia, we greet the month of February with anticipation. February comes quietly with change. It sneaks up on Winter, and by the end of the month, has moved in and solidly established the rule of early Spring. The knee deep snow in the garden is melted down to about 6 inches, now. Temperatures may get down to freezing at night, but up to +6 C (45+F) in the day. Monday was one of those days. I had a lot of projects to do. One of them being getting the canopy back on the back of the truck.
Last week, a Christian friend here built a metal rack to fit the Sierra 3/4 ton pickup truck. It is custom designed and able to expand at the sides to be able to accept two canoes on top. What a blessing that rack will be when it comes to four person canoe excursions in the rugged outback. The canopy was removed to fit the rack, and Monday was the day to replace the canopy.
Jannie came outside to help move the heavy fiberglass canopy. I counted to three and lifted. My side was coming up, but I sensed Jannie's side was not moving. Concerned that my side would dump more weight on her side and make it even harder to lift, I lowered my side a bit, by bending over. I felt something "give", like the canopy dropped four inches suddenly, and I knew I had to shed the weight fast. Down came the canopy. Very slowly, up came Howard.
I knew I was in trouble and went indoors straight away, and put ice on my back. Later that day, I went to the chiropractor for an "adjustment". The back improved a little bit, and has dominated my affairs ever since. I have things to do, and I discovered that most of them involve my back muscles. I don't like sitting, but am resigned to do so.
I worked up notes for next Sunday's Bible Study, beaded a peace pipe, studied, and prayed. It is Thursday, and I have another chiropractor appointment in an hour. I hope to see some relief soon. It takes me 20 minutes to get out of bed in the morning.
Of course there is a silver lining here, too. My groans are strategically calculated to ellicit sympathy from my dear wife. "Wish I could help with doing the dishes, dear," I say, and groan. Like the saintly woman Jannie is, she responds, "Oh, you poor thing...no, no dishes for you. Can I get you anything?"
The Good Book says that the human heart is deceitful above all else and desperately wicked... (funny how an idea can just pop into your head, eh? Oh well....)
Well, (groan...) I have to hobble up the stairs and to the car. Got that chiropractors visit to make.
"Hey Jannie," I groan as I creep up the stairs, "want me to get the car started?"
"Oh you poor thing," she replies, "You just stay warm, and I'll do it."
Yep, the Good Book is right...(heh heh he...groan....)
Last week, a Christian friend here built a metal rack to fit the Sierra 3/4 ton pickup truck. It is custom designed and able to expand at the sides to be able to accept two canoes on top. What a blessing that rack will be when it comes to four person canoe excursions in the rugged outback. The canopy was removed to fit the rack, and Monday was the day to replace the canopy.
Jannie came outside to help move the heavy fiberglass canopy. I counted to three and lifted. My side was coming up, but I sensed Jannie's side was not moving. Concerned that my side would dump more weight on her side and make it even harder to lift, I lowered my side a bit, by bending over. I felt something "give", like the canopy dropped four inches suddenly, and I knew I had to shed the weight fast. Down came the canopy. Very slowly, up came Howard.
I knew I was in trouble and went indoors straight away, and put ice on my back. Later that day, I went to the chiropractor for an "adjustment". The back improved a little bit, and has dominated my affairs ever since. I have things to do, and I discovered that most of them involve my back muscles. I don't like sitting, but am resigned to do so.
I worked up notes for next Sunday's Bible Study, beaded a peace pipe, studied, and prayed. It is Thursday, and I have another chiropractor appointment in an hour. I hope to see some relief soon. It takes me 20 minutes to get out of bed in the morning.
Of course there is a silver lining here, too. My groans are strategically calculated to ellicit sympathy from my dear wife. "Wish I could help with doing the dishes, dear," I say, and groan. Like the saintly woman Jannie is, she responds, "Oh, you poor thing...no, no dishes for you. Can I get you anything?"
The Good Book says that the human heart is deceitful above all else and desperately wicked... (funny how an idea can just pop into your head, eh? Oh well....)
Well, (groan...) I have to hobble up the stairs and to the car. Got that chiropractors visit to make.
"Hey Jannie," I groan as I creep up the stairs, "want me to get the car started?"
"Oh you poor thing," she replies, "You just stay warm, and I'll do it."
Yep, the Good Book is right...(heh heh he...groan....)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Anwered Prayer
In my last entry, I asked for prayer for Dawn. So, what happened?
Well, first of all, we received several emails from ministry partners. They said that they would pray and some would pray and fast for Dawn. I tell you, that was a big encouragement to me!
We had less than 24 hours before the scheduled Bible Study, if it was going to happen. We tried to reach Dawn at school, but she didn't go to school that day. We tried her home phone, no answer. We stopped by her house. She wasn't home. We called her cell number. No answer. We basically tried all day to reach her, and failed. We finally resigned ourselves to the probability that she would not be coming to the Bible Study, again.
An hour before the scheduled start time, Dawn called! Yes, she would be coming over for supper and the study time!!
During the Bible Study, Dawn mentioned that several Jehovah's Witness friends had tried to discourage her from meeting with us. She told them that they have their beliefs and she has hers, and she would go ahead with the planned meeting.
I've said it before, but it is worth saying again. It is the prayers of God's people that get the work done. Though prayer warriors are thousands of miles away and in different time zones, we are partners in this evangelistic outreach. An illustration may present a mental picture of what I see happening.
The Inuit People in the Arctic, have an activity called the blanket toss. A big walrus skin is spread out and men go shoulder to shoulder around the skin, picking up the skin and stretching it tight. A smaller member of the group would climb up onto the skin and begin to jump. The people at the edges felt the rhythm and in unison pulled the skin harder, launching the jumper very high into the air. As the jumper was high in the air, he would look far out over the ice flow, looking for wild game. I feel like am the jumper, and the prayers of ministry partners are launching me up to be able to report what God is doing.
Our next scheduled meeting with Dawn is Wednesday evening. Thanks to everybody "pulling the blanket" in prayer. Looking forward to reporting what God is doing. ~Tsi7
Well, first of all, we received several emails from ministry partners. They said that they would pray and some would pray and fast for Dawn. I tell you, that was a big encouragement to me!
We had less than 24 hours before the scheduled Bible Study, if it was going to happen. We tried to reach Dawn at school, but she didn't go to school that day. We tried her home phone, no answer. We stopped by her house. She wasn't home. We called her cell number. No answer. We basically tried all day to reach her, and failed. We finally resigned ourselves to the probability that she would not be coming to the Bible Study, again.
An hour before the scheduled start time, Dawn called! Yes, she would be coming over for supper and the study time!!
During the Bible Study, Dawn mentioned that several Jehovah's Witness friends had tried to discourage her from meeting with us. She told them that they have their beliefs and she has hers, and she would go ahead with the planned meeting.
I've said it before, but it is worth saying again. It is the prayers of God's people that get the work done. Though prayer warriors are thousands of miles away and in different time zones, we are partners in this evangelistic outreach. An illustration may present a mental picture of what I see happening.
The Inuit People in the Arctic, have an activity called the blanket toss. A big walrus skin is spread out and men go shoulder to shoulder around the skin, picking up the skin and stretching it tight. A smaller member of the group would climb up onto the skin and begin to jump. The people at the edges felt the rhythm and in unison pulled the skin harder, launching the jumper very high into the air. As the jumper was high in the air, he would look far out over the ice flow, looking for wild game. I feel like am the jumper, and the prayers of ministry partners are launching me up to be able to report what God is doing.
Our next scheduled meeting with Dawn is Wednesday evening. Thanks to everybody "pulling the blanket" in prayer. Looking forward to reporting what God is doing. ~Tsi7
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Update on our new Bible Study
Three weeks ago, I wrote: With a victory comes an attack. Now that the enemy of our souls knows what God is doing, there will be opposition. I ask that you stand in the gap and pray for not only this friend, but for others which God is surely calling to Himself.
Jannie had one good meeting with Dawn, and to no surprise, the enemy of our souls responded with an attack. Dawn was spiritually hungry, but she was also divorced, with no man in her life. Right after that good meeting with Jannie, a boyfriend suddenly enters Dawn's life. She is distracted and busy with him, and hasn't had time to meet again. Two weeks have passed without a followup Bible Study.
I frown a bit and shake my head, like a farmer plowing the field because he discovered there are a lot of big rocks to remove before planting can begin. God has wired me to be patient and to turn rocky fields over to prayer. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tell me that the weapons God has given us to use are mighty, capable of reducing a strong bunker to rubble!
Please keep praying for Dawn. (I wonder if some might be willing to fast and pray for her salvation; not only hers, but also for her boyfriend, and family?) We are looking to God for a break-through. If we are faithful, I believe we will see it someday. :) ~Tsi7
Jannie had one good meeting with Dawn, and to no surprise, the enemy of our souls responded with an attack. Dawn was spiritually hungry, but she was also divorced, with no man in her life. Right after that good meeting with Jannie, a boyfriend suddenly enters Dawn's life. She is distracted and busy with him, and hasn't had time to meet again. Two weeks have passed without a followup Bible Study.
I frown a bit and shake my head, like a farmer plowing the field because he discovered there are a lot of big rocks to remove before planting can begin. God has wired me to be patient and to turn rocky fields over to prayer. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tell me that the weapons God has given us to use are mighty, capable of reducing a strong bunker to rubble!
Please keep praying for Dawn. (I wonder if some might be willing to fast and pray for her salvation; not only hers, but also for her boyfriend, and family?) We are looking to God for a break-through. If we are faithful, I believe we will see it someday. :) ~Tsi7
Monday, February 05, 2007
A Different Sunday
A friend of mine pastors a small church in a community some 40 minutes away. I had never been to his church, and decided to visit it on Sunday. I called him on Saturday to confirm the time for the morning service, and told him we would see him the next day.
We were getting ready to go, and a Native lady we know wanted to join us to the church, so we said we would pick her up on the way. Five minutes before we left, a guest of a neighbor, visiting from South Africa, called and said that he wanted to go to church. Would we be willing to take him with us? Of course, we said, "Sure."
We picked up our new friend from South Africa, and then picked up our other ride and were on our way to church. Usually, small talk occupies such initial meetings; but the lady asked about the meaning of the Communion Service. I went into a 20 minute rambling teaching session off the cuff about the meaning of the Communion Service, and soon, we were at the church.
The church was located in a ranching area of British Columbia. We were met by friendly handshakes, and warm smiles. We were 25 minutes early, and as I looked around, I noticed the absence of my friend, the pastor.
I asked where he was and frowns of concern appeared on the foreheads of the people before me. "He isn't here," they said, "he went to the hospital this morning." My friend either had a minor stroke, or some nasty virus that could cause numbness to half his face. Whatever the problem, he wasn't there, and the church was filling up with the faithful.
I joined the church leadership for prayer for the pastor and God's blessing for the worship service. After the prayer, I stepped out on a limb and offered to preach, if they didn't have any other plans for the message. The elder asked, "Do you have a word from the Lord?" I said, "Yes." The elder responded, "Then we would be glad to have you fill the pulpit for our pastor. It would seem to us that you have been directed here today for such a time as this."
The singing was what I would expect for a "Cowboy Church". There were gospel songs 50 years old, and Gaither songs. The people loved to sing and the church was rich with voices praising God.
When it came time to preach, I stepped up to the pulpit and asked, "Who here can recite from memory 2 Corinthians 5:7 ?" The faces of aged saints with white hair tightened as they gripped the challenge and searched their memory.
"I know you know it, you live it every day...let me start it for you, 'for we walk by faith not by sight.'," I said. I had only gotten four words into the verse when you could hear voices joining in, quoting the verse aloud.
I then declared that the following sermon was going to be "walking by faith", too. I didn't have any notes nor any outline. We prayed and asked God for help, and got started.
The sermon went well, actually. Not because I thought so, especially, but because my dear wife, who can be trusted to speak the truth, said so, too. Oh, and guess what? There was a Communion Service that morning, too. Since our Native friend had had a teaching about it prior to the service, she was ready and prepared to participate. (talk about God leading and directing our steps...!)
In the evening, we had sixteen people show up for the Bible Study held in our home. The house never had so many voices lifted up in praise and worship. (I don't know what we are going to do if this group continues to grow.)
So, yesterday was a different Sunday than most. I thought it was kind of funny to note that at the end, I wasn't exhausted, really. Oh, and some of you are still wondering about the ill pastor. He called and said the doctors didn't think it was a stroke, but some virus. He has medication to take and was sent home. Praise the Lord.
We were getting ready to go, and a Native lady we know wanted to join us to the church, so we said we would pick her up on the way. Five minutes before we left, a guest of a neighbor, visiting from South Africa, called and said that he wanted to go to church. Would we be willing to take him with us? Of course, we said, "Sure."
We picked up our new friend from South Africa, and then picked up our other ride and were on our way to church. Usually, small talk occupies such initial meetings; but the lady asked about the meaning of the Communion Service. I went into a 20 minute rambling teaching session off the cuff about the meaning of the Communion Service, and soon, we were at the church.
The church was located in a ranching area of British Columbia. We were met by friendly handshakes, and warm smiles. We were 25 minutes early, and as I looked around, I noticed the absence of my friend, the pastor.
I asked where he was and frowns of concern appeared on the foreheads of the people before me. "He isn't here," they said, "he went to the hospital this morning." My friend either had a minor stroke, or some nasty virus that could cause numbness to half his face. Whatever the problem, he wasn't there, and the church was filling up with the faithful.
I joined the church leadership for prayer for the pastor and God's blessing for the worship service. After the prayer, I stepped out on a limb and offered to preach, if they didn't have any other plans for the message. The elder asked, "Do you have a word from the Lord?" I said, "Yes." The elder responded, "Then we would be glad to have you fill the pulpit for our pastor. It would seem to us that you have been directed here today for such a time as this."
The singing was what I would expect for a "Cowboy Church". There were gospel songs 50 years old, and Gaither songs. The people loved to sing and the church was rich with voices praising God.
When it came time to preach, I stepped up to the pulpit and asked, "Who here can recite from memory 2 Corinthians 5:7 ?" The faces of aged saints with white hair tightened as they gripped the challenge and searched their memory.
"I know you know it, you live it every day...let me start it for you, 'for we walk by faith not by sight.'," I said. I had only gotten four words into the verse when you could hear voices joining in, quoting the verse aloud.
I then declared that the following sermon was going to be "walking by faith", too. I didn't have any notes nor any outline. We prayed and asked God for help, and got started.
The sermon went well, actually. Not because I thought so, especially, but because my dear wife, who can be trusted to speak the truth, said so, too. Oh, and guess what? There was a Communion Service that morning, too. Since our Native friend had had a teaching about it prior to the service, she was ready and prepared to participate. (talk about God leading and directing our steps...!)
In the evening, we had sixteen people show up for the Bible Study held in our home. The house never had so many voices lifted up in praise and worship. (I don't know what we are going to do if this group continues to grow.)
So, yesterday was a different Sunday than most. I thought it was kind of funny to note that at the end, I wasn't exhausted, really. Oh, and some of you are still wondering about the ill pastor. He called and said the doctors didn't think it was a stroke, but some virus. He has medication to take and was sent home. Praise the Lord.
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