"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1:27
One year ago, I was still trying to fully digest what the Lord was calling us to with this work in Byron. There were so many unknown factors. I did not see us in the high school with a Sunday attendance of 175 adults and children (last week's attendance, 51 kids/workers, are you kidding me?!). I did not see all of the awesome servants that come out each week and make it happen. I did not see a Christmas tree or a cross on the corner lot downtown, and I certainly did not see a co-sponsored vacation Bible school with another local church.
And shame on me. Lord, please forgive me for ever having put you in a box, where what I can see is what I think You are doing. Please Lord, forgive me.
We knew a year ago, that in 2018 we wanted to go after hosting a vacation Bible school for the kids in the community. We didn't have any idea what that meant, but we wanted to try what we felt would honor God and reach people for Him. Then literally like a month ago this opportunity to work with the Byron Baptist Church came about. And I have to tell you, I am pumped about it!
I am pumped because instead of the world seeing two churches shaking fists at one another across the street in a small rural town, they will see two bodies of people becoming one. They will see people transformed by Jesus Christ caring for their children and teaching them the good things of the Lord.
It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of people. But I believe that the Lord will take delight in these two parts of his body acting as one, standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. Do not miss out on this awesome opportunity! The info meeting is on April 14th at the Byron Baptist Church at 10am.
We'll have more details coming after Easter, which is the main focus right now. Be in prayer! Be involved! Be inviting! I'll see you Sunday!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)