“Matt, are you coming to breakfast? It’s 7:30!” said Kelton in a soft voice.
“Ya”, I answered back, “just give me a minute.”
As I walked into the main room, I could smell the tea and to my excitement, there were fries or “chips” on the table. This was new to me, fries for breakfast? Why didn’t think of that? Anyhoo…..
Today was Monday and even though we were expected the day before (Sunday), we still had a church full of people waiting on us. This “conference” that Duncan was talking about was just that; a conference!
The Lord had been working in my heart once again and this time it was a lot of different things than usual. First off, my frustration of “being” had taken a big toll on me. For about 2 months I had been going through a time of frustration and misunderstanding. Sure we had been doing ministry but when we did it was short, not really involved, and to me almost seemed pointless. What I meant was that we would go for 2 or 3 hours and help out at feeding programs, youth group meetings, and church events. It seemed like part time work. I had come to get my hands dirty, I wanted to make friends, lasting relationships, I wanted my heart to be moved, and of course my world rocked. I just could not understand how any of this would happen with out first being with the people. Yes I understand that people need to “be” before you can “do”; but for me in order to “be” I needed a place where I can “do” and get involved with actual lives.
With that my heart was racing all morning as I prepared my sermon. This was my chance to share with the nations. This was 2 months of sitting, working through “faith stuff” and now I could put things into action. I was ready.
That morning I preached on “Following Jesus” and what that looked like (at least from my understanding and experience). Man can I talk when I get on a roll. I knew it wasn’t my words it was the Lord. I had few notes written and I was speaking from the heart. I of course had an interpreter and even with him, I was up there for almost 2 hours; I’m a wind bag I know. But the point was that these past 2 months were preparation for me in this moment. It was a divine work that had prepared me in what I was saying.
After the 2 services (it was an all day affair), I met some of the pastors who attended to listen to my team teach, preach, testify, and sing. They came from all over the place. The most interesting was a gentleman who had biked over 40 kms just to hear us “white people” preach. To my understanding they had had a good time learning and were encouraged. I had many “Amens” and “Hallelujahs” shouted during my teaching. And so this was the first day and many more wonderful opportunities to teach soon followed……
End of Part – 2.
