Just when you think there is nothing new to try or do, God drops a new, creative idea into our hearts. In this past week, we were able to make two of those new ideas come to life.
We were asked to head up a round table of District pastors and their wives for a marriage and ministry discussion. We got to share our journey… Our failures and successes, our wins and losses. The culture is completely different here but the highs and lows of being a ministry couple remain the same. A few of the pastors who attended are considering leaving the ministry. They are discouraged and feel that they are not effective in leading the church. Our hope is that what we were able to share will encourage these men and their wives to carry on and push through the problems. The greatest attack of the devil against the pastor and his wife is discouragement. The key is to stay focused on the calling and not the pressures. If we had focused on the difficulties, we would have quit the ministry 35 years ago!
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Sharing with Ministry Couples
The other new idea was offering a conference at a Christian campground. Delegates checked in for three days of worship, Bible teaching and fellowship. Pastors and church leaders arrived from 5 cities. Our oldest attendee was a 91 year old pastor who is still active in ministry. The three days of teaching included The Revelation Judgements, Heaven and The Call of God.
Three days of teaching
Delegates enjoyed three meals a day
One Pastor said, “We have known these scriptures from childhood but we have never been taught them to this depth.” A young woman shared how good the sessions were to help her understand. She was especially blessed by the teaching on Heaven. It was very hard for her to understand Revelation but she felt the teaching was communicated in a simple way yet deeply meaningful.
“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure”. Psalm 119:162
I am reminded of the message Sal gave the last Sunday he preached at our church before he retired. Just Say Yes To Jesus was the title. It’s not complicated….And so when God plants an idea in our heads, all we need to do is say yes, and he will do the rest.
Little Village Update: Construction materials have been purchased and building has begun on a small tutoring center (
land was donated by a local woman, Praise God!). It is the second Lighthouse Tutoring Program to be raised up in a year’s time. This is truly the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful in our sight. Also construction a on a small home for Kumar and his children will begin soon. They will have a safe roof over their heads before the monsoon season hits. Thank you to all who prayed and supported this project. Pray that these acts of kindness and generosity will reveal the love of Jesus to this village in a mighty way.
Raising up a Lighthouse Tutoring Center.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:5