A Hero in Prague

One of the things I enjoy about being a pastor is facilitating missions experiences for the people in our church. Linda is presently visiting the Swain's who serve God in Prague, Czech Republic. She even made time to connect with the Plaster's who serve in Paris.

Linda serves on our Global Task Force which helps facilitate everyone to be on mission for God in our church. I am so proud of her. She takes a trip to encourage our missionary partners. She is truly a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Her commitment to God extends deep into her life. She just finished the school year teaching Released Time Bible Classes in the public school system in Northwestern Wayne County. She is the main teacher for the North Central-Northwestern Religious Education Program. Now she prepares to teach a seminar on how to share your faith with those who seem antagonistic or feel strongly against your beliefs.

I'll include a couple of lines from her email to me:

I spent a couple hours with the Plasters (our missionaries in Paris) at the airport. That was good. I went with George and Cindy to English class and then Bible study. Once I had a walk back to metro and home I don't feel as tired. Hope I can sleep all night tonight. I'll close for now. Thanks for praying.

Linda is a great example of people striving to live for God as a fully devoted follower. I am challenged by her commitment and love for God's people who serve overseas and heart for helping to reach people wherever they she may go. Way to go, Linda.

How to Share Your Faith Using Amy Winehouse's Rehab - Dare 2 Share Youth Ministries, International

How to Share Your Faith Using Amy Winehouse's Rehab - Dare 2 Share Youth Ministries, International
This resource may give you an opportunity to be bold witness for God. I trust you can reflect on the article's questions. I find it challenging to consider how to use the culture as a springboard to bring God up. May this article help you in your quest to being a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Try, try again

As I begin this new day, i confess that sharing Christ with new friends is challenging. There is a fear factor involved. At least there is in my life. I marvel at the Apostles who prayed for boldness and courage.

In Acts 4:8, the Bible says that Peter was filled by the Holy Spirit. I too, must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Later, in verse 29 the believers pray together for boldness, for fearless confidence. They asked God to empower them to speak boldly His word. Then God visited them with empowerment from the Holy Spirit and they began to speak the word of God with boldness (verse 31).

I spent an evening with some close friends who don't know God. We enjoyed a meal. We laughed. We shared. But I did not bring God up! Shame on me. Sure, I feel guilty for not speaking up, but I can grow from this. I can continue to build up confidence as I find the opportunity to bring up Jesus and His Good News. My guilt can paralyze me. Or it can motivate me to engage the next opportunity. I pray that God would keep bringing opportunities to share Christ before me so that I can trust Him and can confidently speak the word of Christ into the lives of those around me. I want to get better at this everyday. May God grant me, His bond-servant, all confidence to speak His word. In Jesus' name, Amen.