This is the fourth week I've been on the road - not four weeks in a row, but 3 days each week for 4 weeks! I's wonderful and challenging - I miss my wife and children as I travel and at the same time I see GOD at work and sense I'm doing what GOD has called me to do. I am writing from Danville, VA today on the last day of a 3 day revival.
The twist is that after the worship and preaching we've often broken into small groups to share along the lines of the intersection of the Scriptures and our lives. People have grown closer to one another and to the LORD as they've listened to, and prayed for one another. This is often a missing ingredient in our Bible Studies, Sunday Schools and Small Groups. Do you have a safe place to share your struggles as well as your hopes, joys and dreams? Do you have a place where people will with love call you to actually live the teachings of Christ? And where you call others to the same?
GOD has blessed the revivals in some great ways. I've seen people start believing what GOD thinks of them rather than the negative self image they have been carrying for years. These are Christians who know they are saved by grace; by that I mean, they've already been rescued from their selfishness and given the gift of new life in Jesus. However, they have a inner-voice that tells them things like: "You weren't worth saving", "You need to prove you were worth saving", and "You're a constant disappointment to GOD". This isn't GOD speaking at all - it's either their own minds still working on an earthly point system or it's the voice of the enemy, robbing them of their true identity in Christ. It keeps them defeated and depressed. Yes, this is a pervasive and heartbreaking form of identity theft!
I've been opening the revivals with this verse . . .
Psalm 85:6-7 (NIV1984)
6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.
In asking GOD to revive us there is the assumption that we've been already been 'vived' at some point previous to this one! Some have, some have not. It is a work of GOD though, we can schedule revivals and do the planning, but unless we seek GOD and allow GOD to move and lead while we follow in obedience, we cannot expect much.
I'm passionate about these gatherings for two main reasons: 1) I'm convinced so many of us aren't experiencing fullness in Christ. GOD has more - and I don't mean by this a Rolls Royce, but more of a closeness with Christ, more service with purpose, more significance in belonging to our ABBA, more lifting up of the poor and oppressed, more effectiveness in leading others to experience the Living GOD and more joy in our journeys with GOD! 2) There are so many who do not know the love of GOD in Christ! They may or may not be religious, but so often GOD is only a concept or an ideology in contrast with trusting in and experiencing this Rabbi, Carpenter, King who walked among us 2,000 years ago with a message: Turn from your own way and trust in Me and my Way of Love which is the Rule and Reign of GOD! Jesus, as the human face of GOD, displays the immense and unfailing love of the Creator by teaching us how to live, confronting the warped and oppressive religious and political systems, healing the sick and then becoming the needed sacrifice for our inner darkness - our sin. This is a darkness that GOD cannot ignore or accept. It must become light! And so the Immortal dies! GOD solves the problem of sin and death not with a Jedi-mind move nor a Power move to wipe it all away, but rather, Jesus the Lamb of GOD, takes sin upon Himself and absorbs it. Paying the debt fully, the Lamb slain is now the Risen Lamb, reigning now and forever more in the partially here and soon to be universally present Kingdom of GOD. All who trust in and follow Jesus become part of this unending Kingdom! GOD's Spirit has been poured out and indwells all these believers as a fulfillment of GOD's desire and promise:
I'm passionate about these gatherings for two main reasons: 1) I'm convinced so many of us aren't experiencing fullness in Christ. GOD has more - and I don't mean by this a Rolls Royce, but more of a closeness with Christ, more service with purpose, more significance in belonging to our ABBA, more lifting up of the poor and oppressed, more effectiveness in leading others to experience the Living GOD and more joy in our journeys with GOD! 2) There are so many who do not know the love of GOD in Christ! They may or may not be religious, but so often GOD is only a concept or an ideology in contrast with trusting in and experiencing this Rabbi, Carpenter, King who walked among us 2,000 years ago with a message: Turn from your own way and trust in Me and my Way of Love which is the Rule and Reign of GOD! Jesus, as the human face of GOD, displays the immense and unfailing love of the Creator by teaching us how to live, confronting the warped and oppressive religious and political systems, healing the sick and then becoming the needed sacrifice for our inner darkness - our sin. This is a darkness that GOD cannot ignore or accept. It must become light! And so the Immortal dies! GOD solves the problem of sin and death not with a Jedi-mind move nor a Power move to wipe it all away, but rather, Jesus the Lamb of GOD, takes sin upon Himself and absorbs it. Paying the debt fully, the Lamb slain is now the Risen Lamb, reigning now and forever more in the partially here and soon to be universally present Kingdom of GOD. All who trust in and follow Jesus become part of this unending Kingdom! GOD's Spirit has been poured out and indwells all these believers as a fulfillment of GOD's desire and promise:
"My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever" (Ezekiel 37:27-28).
It is good news, make no mistake!
I invite you to pray for these churches and if you know someone looking for a good church in these areas, please send them!
Last night we had the revival after the revival! A number of people from Stokesland UMC, when I was pastor, gathered for a late meal, marshmallow roasting, an attack of silly string and praise songs around the fire until almost midnight!
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| Timo, Laura, Janey & Richard |
Timo and Laura Harknen are one of the families that I've spent some time with here in Danville. They have a fantastic story - some of which I share below. Yesterday, we had a great game of soccer with their children Janey and Richard! They are on staff with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and are currently seeking ministry partners to help them launch out to the Democratic Republic of Congo!
MAF has a great reputation among all denominations. If your church might consider hosting them to share about their call, they would love to hear from you. If I was still a pastor, my church would be supporting their mission! They are at 65% of their needed monthly funds. You can find them online at: http://www.maf.org/harkonen
MAF has a great reputation among all denominations. If your church might consider hosting them to share about their call, they would love to hear from you. If I was still a pastor, my church would be supporting their mission! They are at 65% of their needed monthly funds. You can find them online at: http://www.maf.org/harkonen
In 1999, Eileen and I took Laura out to lunch shortly after we arrived in Danville, VA. Laura was the pianist at the church, Stokesland UMC. I was the new pastor and was super excited to get going in ministry. Laura was an undergraduate student at Averett University while Timo was an MBA student originally from Finland. Laura is a gifted musician and was great to work with for those 3 years. We didn't meet Timo right away, as he started attending some Sunday worship times well after we arrived. I thought he was really interested in my preaching - truth be told, he was interested in the pianist! However, Timo, within that community of Christ at Stokesland, began to consider Jesus. Laura and the other college students were a compelling and constant witness. Timo jumped into the Men's Group which was modeled off Wesley's Class Meetings. "How is it with your soul?" was our ongoing question. He was hungry for the truth and in addition to reading the Scriptures, he read through numerous Christian books. Often in our Men's Group, Timo would hand us all a copy of his notes on the latest book he read, which included his favorite quotes, ideas and a detailed summary! Timo was loved into Christ's community! A couple years later, I had the privilege of leading them in their wedding vows. They have since been in ministry together in many places, most recently in Unicoi, Tennessee. Imagine a 6' 4" blond Scandinavian man welcoming in Latino youth to the congregation near the Smoky Mountains! I love it! In their journey Timo and Laura adopted their children from Brazil - Janey and Richard are a joy to be around!
More Preaching and Teaching and Sharing Christ
More Preaching and Teaching and Sharing Christ
I recently had the opportunity to lead a lunchtime seminar on "The Method of Jesus . . . The Method of the Methodists" to about 30 pastors on the Harrisonburg District! One of the wonderfully shocking truths I share with them is that the early Methodist Preachers were not expected to shepherd a congregation! They were expected to shepherd the Class Leaders (small group leaders) who in turn were shepherding the rest of the congregation! This incredible model enabled the Preachers to focus on preaching in new places and forming new Classes which often morphed into new congregations. We need to recover this lost Method of the Methodists, which I believe really is the Method of Jesus - small group ministry.
I've also been preaching at a number of other churches including a seminar on Evangelism with my good friend, Pastor Bob Weeks at his new church: Verona UMC - Staunton, VA - Pastor Bob Weeks A highlight of this trip was going door to door through a nearby trailer park. We didn't accost anyone, just a visit to get to know them and to let them know the Verona UMC was right up the road and cared; and their care was tangible . . . a food pantry open to all, 12 step groups, Small Groups, Worship and more!
I've also been preaching at a number of other churches including a seminar on Evangelism with my good friend, Pastor Bob Weeks at his new church: Verona UMC - Staunton, VA - Pastor Bob Weeks A highlight of this trip was going door to door through a nearby trailer park. We didn't accost anyone, just a visit to get to know them and to let them know the Verona UMC was right up the road and cared; and their care was tangible . . . a food pantry open to all, 12 step groups, Small Groups, Worship and more!
I also shared about Missions connecting my role as Evangelist with 3 recent trips to Nicaragua at Jim Smith's church. Jim is another pastor-friend who has been a great encouragement to me in my ministry. Emmanuel UMC - Winchester, VA - Pastor Jim Smith
One other brother in Christ and Pastor-friend is Gordon Pruitt. I was able to share with his church about "The Method of Jesus . . . the Method of the Methodists".
St. Matthews UMC - Richmond, VA - Pastor Gordon Pruitt
One other brother in Christ and Pastor-friend is Gordon Pruitt. I was able to share with his church about "The Method of Jesus . . . the Method of the Methodists".
St. Matthews UMC - Richmond, VA - Pastor Gordon Pruitt
Again if you know anyone seeking a church in these areas, connect them!
Prison Ministry at Western Tidewater Regional Jail
Joselito stands out to me probably because he looks so young. He is scared, not just for himself, but for his wife and baby. He has been incredibly receptive to being taught the Scriptures and is trusting in Jesus for salvation in the biggest sense of the word! I am encouraged by the openness of almost all of the Latino men to gathering to hear the Word, share prayer requests and to call on the LORD together. I welcome your prayers for them and for me as I share Christ with them.
Joselito stands out to me probably because he looks so young. He is scared, not just for himself, but for his wife and baby. He has been incredibly receptive to being taught the Scriptures and is trusting in Jesus for salvation in the biggest sense of the word! I am encouraged by the openness of almost all of the Latino men to gathering to hear the Word, share prayer requests and to call on the LORD together. I welcome your prayers for them and for me as I share Christ with them.
Thank you!
The joy of sharing with so many and in so many different places is incredibly fulfilling. As I transitioned out of Pastoral ministry, my hope was that I would be able to preach more frequently. Well, in the last 21 days, I have preached 13 times! I'm including preaching tonight - on my birthday! Thank you to all who pray for us and support us financially. We continue to move in a good direction with financial support. We are currently receiving 75% of our budget needs. We trust that will continue to increase. If you would like any information about giving to Life in His Name, let me know. All gifts are tax deductible. Click here for detailed information on giving: Giving to Life in His Name
The joy of sharing with so many and in so many different places is incredibly fulfilling. As I transitioned out of Pastoral ministry, my hope was that I would be able to preach more frequently. Well, in the last 21 days, I have preached 13 times! I'm including preaching tonight - on my birthday! Thank you to all who pray for us and support us financially. We continue to move in a good direction with financial support. We are currently receiving 75% of our budget needs. We trust that will continue to increase. If you would like any information about giving to Life in His Name, let me know. All gifts are tax deductible. Click here for detailed information on giving: Giving to Life in His Name
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV1984)
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
In Jesus' great love,
Greg West
In Jesus' great love,
Greg West
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