As I reflect on our church meeting last Sunday evening I am caused to rejoice in humility.

 

I rejoice at the great number of mission and mercy ministries embraced by this church.  From Romania to Pennsylvania to the South Pacific this church is seeking to fulfill the Great Commission not only by sending checks, but by praying and going and loving and encouraging.  Two trips are scheduled for 2010: a spring construction trip (see Jerry Chandler) and an autumn medical/dental trip (see Sandy Bennett).  Both will need volunteers and funding.

 

God is also reaching out through the church's ministries of mercy, including Faith Support Ministry and Keep the Faith Foundation.  Both these ministries minister to the physical needs of adults and children with cancer.  But even more importantly they reach out to the spiritual needs of those families, sharing Christ and the hope of His Gospel.  How we all were moved Sunday evening by the reports and video.

 

Any or all of these mercy missions would be worthy of our Todah (the special offering of thanks we have been encouraged to give before Christmas).

 

All of this fills my heart with joy and also humbles me.  While I am happy to serve Christ as pastor of this church, it is the church that is doing the ministry.  It is the church that is keeping the lawn, praying over missionaries, taking medical care to the hurting, wrapping cancer patients in blankets, sharing the Gospel, being the body of Christ.  It is only by God's mercy that I am privileged to serve as pastor in such a church.

 

The church meeting was long.  But I needed it.  I needed the reminder of all the good God is doing through His children at Faith.  I humbly rejoice and give all the glory to Christ our Savior Who is the Head of this His church.

 

-Brent