"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” Titus 1:5
This text has has been a perspective change for me over this last month. We landed in the Middle East over 2 years ago with a conviction to see a church planted that would make disciples and serve believers throughout the city. It has been hard, but God has been faithful. We are slowly seeing the Gospel go forth and people mature, however as Jesus said, “The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few.” As I read this text I am reminded of the need to put into order what remains. I will never be able to fulfill all the needs throughout our city and church, and thanks be to God I don’t have to. Only God can bring the needed change and He will do it through His body, by His power for His Glory. This is a relief, God put us into a body of believers and we are all called to play our part in His great mission. Therefore, I have begun in new ways to delegate ministry while continuing to seek further Christ like maturity. Many times mission can become the focus rather than conforming into His image or visa versa, but both are needed. We have also started a process for eldership that I pray the Lord will use to appoint Godly men to serve His church. Please pray for wisdom and grace as we seek Godly order.
Over this last month we have begun several new relationships with other churches in our country that have local indigenous pastors and elders. It has been a huge blessing to meet these bothers and I am excited to see how we will work together. This next week we will begin a new series on doctrine led by one of the local Pastors. This will also provide a bit of a break for me to focus on putting things into order. There is a massive need in this country for simple Biblical resources that answer basic questions about the Christian faith. We hope to invest time and energy for such needs. We are also beginning a process to make a website that will answer many needed questions and serve many local believers throughout the country. Please pray for us as we seek to serve Christ and His Church by communicating deep truths in a simple way. This is no easy task and we are in need of the Holy Spirit to lead us.
Unity in the church is progressing and there is a new willingness to work together. My continual prayer has been that with can unify over the truths of scripture rather than divide over opinions. A few weeks ago we all gathered to baptize 3 new local believers. It was a joy and privilege to be a part of what God is doing. Last week I met with all the leaders and it started cold and awkward, but ended with tears, repentance and forgiveness. Please pray for a true revival in the hearts of God’s people.
We as a family are doing well, but we are tired. Please pray that God would keep us sharp, faithful, healthy, and in love with Him. Our language is continuing to progress and I started private lessons that have been a huge breakthrough. Thank you to all of you who faithfully keep us here and allow us to minister in this hard land. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you.