Getting started....

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways” 1 Corinthians 13:11

This verse found after the oh-so famous love passage is often overlooked, but God used it as a spring board for a great discussion with our young men of the youth group tonight. Well, let me rephrase, with the young men who comprise the youth group. We have a rambunctious, athletic group of boys ages 9 – 13 (approximately, with I think one or two guys who snuck in on either end.) It was a productive night as we contrasted childish speech, thoughts and actions with those of men. My prayer is to use tonight as a launching point to help them step up and live out the faith they profess. Not just for the sake of “giving the right answer” but because the concept resonates with their spirit.

I had a wonderful conversation with one of the saints today as I stopped by her place of work randomly to grab some vittles when she said, “Pastor, do you know why you’re here? Because I prayed that you would come!” I said, “Oh, I thought I was just hungry! (smile)” But I do believe that we had a divine appointment as she shared her life of hope deferred as her husband works abroad, her children live with her mother in the US, and she is unsure as to what her next step should be. Being able to minister to people at their point of need is confirmation that I KNOW, that I know that I know that God has me at the right place at the right time with the right people of God.

I am learning to take everything one step at a time. On my mind I am continually thinking about: preparing messages, finding a music minister for our people, thinking about a long-term location for us to meet (although God has greatly provided for our needs thus far), and how to connect more men into the body of believers.

Since I have been here I have baptized one sister in the Lord, and God willing on Sunday I will baptize two more. I have heard accents from around the world and been face-to-face with people saying, “I know Jesus is calling me but I’m just not ready”. Yes, pretty much that phrase verbatim.

This land is ripe for harvest, I pray to You, the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into these fields of TCI, I pray for your Spirit to lead me as I seek to lead these souls to the life that you offer now and in the future, Jesus claim more people for your glory… and be glorified!