What an amazing three weeks it has been. I guess you can't really prepare for, or anticipate, exactly what the Lord has in store for you when you step out in faith. It has been such a help to be able to see what the next phase of the ministry looks like. We take so much for granted at home. I think you come out of Bible College thinking you are prepared for anything, and somehow, you think it will all be downhill from here. That is the farthest from the truth that it could possibly be!!! I have been amazed at all of the "behind the scenes work" that falls on a new pastor and his family. Dorm life hasn't got anything on the daily life in the ministry. All I have to say is..."Graduates, buckle up and hang on!!!" It definitely won't be slowing down any time soon.
I have loved watching the early stages of a new church plant. Truly it would be impossible if it was not started, and worked through, by faith. As a matter of fact, if there is one thing I have learned while being with the Davises, it is that you can't rest in the Lord's perfect will if you can't trust Him with your all. And believe me, they do!!! From the food they put in their mouth to the souls the Lord brings to the services, they ask in faith believing and waiting to see what He has in store.
If we don't get anything else out of this summer, I think that lesson has been invaluable. It is the key to being content with whatever God allows you to walk through. What a joy it is to know that the One who redeemed my soul cares for the tiny details of my daily life!
A few things to pray about....
1. One of the things that has greatly grieved my heart is the huge need for a youth outreach here in Hinton. Every day and night (sometimes till 3:00am or after!) the streets are filled with children from about the age of 8 to 18, that are just wandering around and getting into trouble. Most of them look very tough, but we have actually found them to be pretty open, and several have sounded interested in Bible clubs. Pray we will have an open door with them. But most importantly, pray that the Lord will provide the needed help to reach them through the church.
2. Right now there is hardly any outside help with the ministry within the church. All duties fall on Pastor Davis and his family. What a blessing it would be to have just one faithful family. They are very much still at the phase of helping people understand the importance of faithful attendance--something I think we take for granted at home. In a church of 500 when one family is not there, it is not a big deal. In a church of 20 when a family doesn't come...a fourth of the congregation is gone! Pray that God will put a desire in the hearts of the people to get involved in His work, and that they will take His Commission personally!!!
3. We have spent the past couple of weeks out with a few of the church members canvasing the area for contacts and trying to get the word out about Bible clubs. We have knocked nearly 1000 doors and still have about 6oo to go by the end of next week. Pray that God will bless our visits and give us good contacts! (most people here will tell you they just don't have time to squeeze God in to their busy schedules)
Thank you for your prayers and for taking the time to keep up with us! God has really challenged my heart, and we are just getting started!
It's only been three weeks! Wow, and you have the rest of the summer, there. :) I'm enjoying and eagerly looking forward to your updates. Most importantly I"m praying for you, your husband, and the Davis' as you all minister to the community.
ReplyDeleteYour comments about practicing/having faith were such an encouragement and your many exclamation points reflect your excitement for doing the Lords work (and a heart for the lost). In short - while you are all ministering to folks there in Canada, your words and testimony about the experience are ministering to those of us reading your blog and praying for you. Will continue to pray. Thank-you!!! ;)
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