So this past weekend our team found out that we had been given the go ahead to pass out pamphlets for “One Hope” in a public school near our church. It’s essentially gospel pamphlets for different age groups of kids. Everyone seemed super excited and Melvin (our pastor and host) was the most enthusiastic. I had mixed feelings.
My main points of contention included the fact that the previous week at the school was SO FUN. I felt like I didn’t want to miss out on growing those relationships (not to mention that we’d told those kids we’d be back for the next week). Those relationships are more impactful than just handing out stuff for people to read. It seemed so impersonal to me.
Looking back I think there was another reason I was hesitant. Melvin had told us that this was in an area that was controlled by a different gang. There have been multiple times in our own area where Melvin has influence. So there’s some sense of control or safety. Venturing out to this new area was scary. That loss of control was scary. And looking back I think that fear had a grip on my attitude.
After a couple solid days of internally wrestling with my attitude about this ministry the Lord gave me a peace about it. Monday morning during my quiet time I was comforted with:
“I opened a door that shouldn’t be open. now you have to go through it and trust me. Opening their ears and having the teachers allow you to talk is my job. I’ll give you the words. ‘Those people need God too.’ Isn’t that what you said back home? It’s time. Go boldly. I will protect you. I am sending you, do as I say. I am with you and will rescue you.”
He gave me the verse Jeremiah 1:17-19
Part of me still feels that the personal relationship is more impactful but the Lord can use anything. Especially when he’s the one providing opportunities. God opened the door for one hope. A door that is normally closed. A door that Pastor Melvin was ecstatic that it has been opened. Once we got to the school teachers still have the authority to allow us into their classroom or not. We were not turned away once. NOT ONCE! There were classes in the middle of exams. There were classes that were not even in session that came together to hear what we had to say. One teacher gathered all of the students on break to talk to us. We saw students reading the pamphlets as we handed them out and then again during their recess.
I think the lesson is that sometimes we think our plans are best but that’s just pride. Sometimes were afraid of what the Lord has told us to do but that’s a lack of trust in the one who has all control. We think our idea of ministry is the best ministry but really the best opportunity is whatever the Lord sets before you.
Walk through the open doors joyfully. God’s got pretty cool things on the other side.
Dad I’m fine 😉
Sent from my iPad
