Earlier this week I was reading an article about 32 people who obeyed God’s call to missions and were appointed as missionaries last month by our Southern Baptist International Mission Board. During the “Sending Celebration” each of them shared their story. They described when and how God spoke to them. They mentioned specific times when God began influencing them and preparing their hearts for a life of service and obedience.
Something profound struck me while reading their stories. Here is what some of them said:
- Amy first felt God giving her a heart for the lost world while she was a preschooler in Mission Friends.
- Candace learned about missions in Vacation Bible School.
- Kevin was touched by God while working a church summer camp.
- Lucy was first exposed to missions while attending weekly GA (Girls in Action) meetings at her church.
- Sean was overwhelmed by God during a Sunday morning worship service when he was in high school.
- Elizabeth felt God tugging on her heart while on a mission trip in college.
Each of their stories flows from a heart of obedience. Their hearts were shaped while they were children, teenagers and young adults.
What struck me when I read their stories was how God used the ongoing ministries of local churches to speak to them…to shape them…to call them to service.
We often think it takes super special events and programs for God to work in people’s lives. The truth is – God uses the faithful and consistent ministry of His local churches – like our church – to shape His people. All the ministries mentioned by those new missionaries are ministries we have at FBC.
I was also struck by the fact that every time Monieca and I give to our church we are supporting those ministries that God uses to shape a future generation of servants. That also happens when you give.
I’m encouraging you to make a special end of the year donation to our church and its ministries. You can do so by clicking this link to our giving page and choosing “General Fund” when prompted.
Let’s keeping serving and giving so that lives can be changed.
Pastor Steve Hogg
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