I returned on Wednesday from a missions conference in Galesville, WI (South of Eau Claire). Before that, I was in Owatonna, MN. Before that, I was in Marshall, WI. Now, I'm heading into a weekend when I will celebrate my Lord's death and His resurrection 2,000 years ago. In this week of remembering Christ's work and in this month of visiting various churches, I think of Christ's prayer right before He went to the cross:
"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:20-21).
Perhaps the connection between Christ's words and my Midwestern travels is unclear. Let me explain.
Spiritual Encouragement
Many have asked, "How is your deputation for Ukraine going?" It has been very different than I expected. Usually, I dislike travel and preaching at unfamiliar places, and I'm usually not great at first impressions. So this time of visiting churches to share my ministry desires in Ukraine sounded difficult. Of course, some things have been difficult, but on the whole, I have found such a great spiritual encouragement from the churches and individuals that I have had opportunity to meet.
At Marshall Baptist, I was encouraged by men and women who have faithfully continued in serving Christ for many years and by other young people who are taking missions trips, serving in the church, and contributing to the body. In the same way, at First Baptist Church of Blooming Prairie in Owatonna, I met people who seemed genuinely excited about the work God is doing in Odesa, and I even talked with a former missionary to Romania who knew of many of the same people and ministries that I served in when I was in Timișoara. This past weekend at Berean Baptist in Galesville, I was blessed to get to know different families in the church who were excited about and involved in ministry. The church has a love for missions and for their missionaries. In short, at each church that I've been to, I have seen real Christians (at different stages of growth) doing real ministry with a real burden for the mission of God to the world.
Before his crucifixion, Christ prayed for all believers that we would be one in Him. Even though I am part of a different local church than those I have been visiting, I have found spiritual encouragement and fellowship from other Christians who are part of the family of God. Fellowshipping with these Christians has not been a waste of time; it is an opportunity for me to connect with people who are praying for me (and people for whom I can pray).
Spiritual Growth
One of my former teachers at Maranatha advised me to both enjoy this time of visiting churches and to grow during this time. As the Holy Spirit always does, He has challenged me personally during this last month.
For one, the Holy Spirit reminds me of the need for patience and discipline. I need patience as I pray daily and wait until I can go and work in Odesa. I need discipline to work in the place where I am and do it in the strength of the Spirit - not my own strength.
Through many of the churches I have visited, the Holy Spirit also reminds me that being a witness for Christ is not something God wants me to do just in Ukraine. It is something that I have opportunity to do now, all around me. Strong Christians in churches all around are structuring their lives in order to tell those around them the gospel. Should I do less? Please pray that God would both open up opportunities and give me boldness.
Jesus prayed for me with that same purpose. And his desire was "that the world may believe that thou [God the Father] hast send me [Jesus the Son]." As we remember Christ's work on the cross and His victory from the grave, may we not forget the work that He sends us out to do and the unity we should have in that work.
Thank you for your continued prayers. Have a wonderful Resurrection Sunday!
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