Reflections on Sunday 24 May 2009

We were challenged today in ways I don't think have ever happened in the ten years I have been here. I put slides in the announcement ppt of each child sponsored by New Hope family members. There were also slides with the stats on what Compassion and World Vision are doing around the world.

But that was just the beginning.

First the Soles4Souls skit laid out the timing for their "Barefoot" challenge. Basically it means people who participate leave the sanctuary barefoot on that Sunday, leaving their shoes to be shipped to people who need them more.

Then John Anderson got up and shared from his heart about what God has been doing in his life. He was brutally honest about where he was and what he thought before God laid a hold of his heart. And he laid out a clear challenge to us - eat only beans and rice for five days, and give the money you would have spent on food that week to Amazima Ministries for their work among the orphans and poor in Uganda.

We then worshipped using the same songs as last week with one exception. We added "God of This City", a powerful call to serve and see heaven rain down onto earth.

The message was from the parable of the talents, and I tried to help everyone see that we are here to play our part in God's Kingdom ministries. That we have no right to take what he has given and hoard it for our own selfish uses. That we need to take risks and follow Jesus.

I'll try to get the audio up later today.

That night we had a family meeting to share what we think God is telling us about where He is working and how we can join Him there. It was pretty cool to hear what God had been doing in the various small groups. We'll see what comes out of the discussion.