As we approach the end of the summer (goodbye, 100 degree heat!) and look forward to fall (hello, school and football!), I am very grateful and glad to hear so many stories from all of you of God’s providence this summer. Again and again I have heard reports from your experiences at Vacation Bible School that thrill my heart, especially as I hear of so many children who have recognized Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God alone has done this. It is not by our persuasion or giftedness that children come to Christ, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. And for those who are afraid to serve, afraid to love, afraid to be used for His glory, I would remind you that the work of God does not rely on your spectacular ministry skills. All He requires is your willingness.
It was a willing army who marched with Gideon, not with weapons of war, but with trumpets and jars. And they became witnesses of God’s glory as He routed the enemy. Years later, it was a willing boy that gave up his lunch of fish and bread. And Jesus turned that into a miracle meal that fed 5000 men, plus women and children. It was willing disciples who fearfully met in an upstairs room to pray. The Holy Spirit led them out into the street to share the gospel, and 3000 people were added to the church that day. It was willing men and women who painted sets, who prayed, who showed up to teach children this summer at VBS. And God showed them His great love and drew many to Himself. Soon our churches will baptize some of those children as new followers of Christ, and I hope you will remind them that God works through our willingness.
Andrea Wilson is one great example of God working through a willing heart this summer. She came to serve as a summer collegiate missionary with CCBA in June and has been running ever since. Her primary role was to support our work in church planting, but perhaps her greatest joy was the opportunity to witness God working in the hearts of children in Vacation Bible School. She leaves for college in Hannibal, Missouri next week and will be married to Josh this December and I know you are glad she was willing to share a season of her life with us this summer. She wanted to share this note with you:
“Thanks for making it possible for me to be here this summer. I don't even know how to describe my experiences. These experiences changed my life. I learned that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine. I look back and am shocked by how clearly God protected me and provided for me. The food, donations and support from all of you and the provision from God just blows my mind. It's a humbling experience to live on trust, but it's one of the best experiences of my young life. I got to watch in awe as 7 children committed to Christ at various VBS's this summer. I'm grateful for God's grace in letting me be a part of it, because somewhere in the middle of leading them in the salvation prayer I realized just how incredible my salvation really is. He died for me? He loves me? Why? What did I do to deserve that grace? This whole summer was worth the lesson of just how fantastically powerful, merciful, and gracious my Savior is. Thanks for EVERYTHING you did for me - you showed me Christ. Thanks for taking the chance on me. And thanks for giving me the chance.”
Andrea, thank you for your willingness to serve. Churches, thank you for your willingness to follow Christ in His mission. God is working mightily through you.
One last note – I got word this week that First Southern Baptist Church in Cairo voted Sunday to agree to our request to put showers and bunk facilities in their building to facilitate future mission work in Cairo. With an affordable place to house groups there, we can bring many willing hearts to serve that hurting city. Thank you, Pastor Tom, and First SBC, for your willingness to be a center for God’s work of redemption there. Many of our churches have already expressed a desire to come alongside you and help.
I look forward to seeing what God is willing to do through our willingness in the days ahead. I am certain it will be more than we could ask or imagine.
Joy to you all,
Roger
|
