Yesterday, at Grace, we consecrated 14 students and adults to go to Venezeula to share the Word of Christ with the people there. We did this in an orderly way, by publicly consecrating them with the laying on of hands during both worship services.
Now, to be honest, I was surprised by the response - because if the Number One fear people have is "public speaking" probably right behind that one is "public praying" ... and the response was beautiful, energetic and with great volume. I think that the "pray-ers" outnumbered the missionaries 3-to-1. Which is good. Very good.
Short term missions is a wonderful laboratory of faith. By faith, you must raise funds, prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually - spending much time alone in prayer, seeking the Lord what Words he should have you speak. By faith, it requires the building of competency: Biblical knowledge, team unity and skills to work with your Host Church and Country.
There's more than just the cost of raising funds - that's the easy part, really. Raising the other "capitol" - that's something the Lord must work in you.
And really, that's what's more important: not the work they do (or what YOU do) for God, but what we submit ourselves for Christ's sake as He works IN US.
Recently, my good friend Pastor Lonnie Owen said quoted an author:
I think that I'll try and do the same.
If you're reading this, please pray for our Missionaries to Venezuela - May the Lord grant a great Harvest of souls and fruit!
Now, to be honest, I was surprised by the response - because if the Number One fear people have is "public speaking" probably right behind that one is "public praying" ... and the response was beautiful, energetic and with great volume. I think that the "pray-ers" outnumbered the missionaries 3-to-1. Which is good. Very good.
Short term missions is a wonderful laboratory of faith. By faith, you must raise funds, prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually - spending much time alone in prayer, seeking the Lord what Words he should have you speak. By faith, it requires the building of competency: Biblical knowledge, team unity and skills to work with your Host Church and Country.
There's more than just the cost of raising funds - that's the easy part, really. Raising the other "capitol" - that's something the Lord must work in you.
And really, that's what's more important: not the work they do (or what YOU do) for God, but what we submit ourselves for Christ's sake as He works IN US.
Recently, my good friend Pastor Lonnie Owen said quoted an author:
- “Fundamentally we are kingdom people, which means that Jesus is Lord in our hearts, homes and workplaces; our attitudes, thoughts and desires; our relationships and moral decisions; our political convictions and social conscience. In every area of our interior life, personal relationships or social involvement, we seek to know and live the mind and will of God.” Greg Ogden “Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time.”
I think that I'll try and do the same.
If you're reading this, please pray for our Missionaries to Venezuela - May the Lord grant a great Harvest of souls and fruit!
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