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Blog Archive
October 31, 2020
Terry's Thoughts November 2020
November, it is the month we focus on Thanksgiving. More specifically we traditionally give thanks for all the Lord has provided and done in our lives over the last year. There are those, here in 2020, less likely to celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks as they have in the past; however, I am convinced we have more to thank Him for than ever before. Even with the difficult issues surrounding COVID, most are doing well physically, recovering well, and discovering more of who they are, who the Lord is, and just how strong we can be when trusting in Him completely. Lest you think I am ignoring the difficulties of this past year; I can say without hesitation that personally I would have rather not experienced 2020 in the way we have been forced to. I would have rather been able to conduct ministry as we had planned when 2020 began. With that said I chose to focus on all the Lord has done to get my attention, grow me in my faith, and how He has shown me His true will for my ministry and the ministries of our association. The following are a few of the reasons why I say we have more to thank Him for in this most difficult of years:
- Most importantly we are still strong and moving forward. We are possibly stronger now, even with some of the losses we have experienced, because we are more focused on what truly matters rather than on what, in the end, really does not matter.
- God is still active among us because many who had never heard the gospel began hearing it in ways many thought was not possible at the beginning of this pandemic. In fact, we are embarking on a possible new partnership with the people of Moldova just to mention one way He is leading us (more to come about this).
- We have welcomed six new pastors to our association during 2020. This is significant because many “experts” said the search processes would slow down and churches would be forced to make do with interims or nothing. Obviously, there are still some church finding it hard to find their next shepherd, however, He is even moving in those search teams as well.
- When everyone thought giving would drop off severely, in many cases around our association giving increased. This meant the association could continue to operate without interruption. PRAISE THE LORD!
- Even though many families, in our communities, have suffered marital separations, conflicts of all kinds, loss of job, the inability to care for close family members as well as church members, and a host of other issues not anticipated at the beginning of this year, we remain determined to overcome as never before.
- We are, in fact, witnessing true revival occur within families and churches. Examples of this reality can be seen by the relationships that are experiencing renewal, by the people entering into new personal relationships with Jesus, and by the new ministry opportunities that are cropping up as never before.
- Finally, we have just experienced an amazing annual meeting. While the annual meeting was a bit different than in past years, there was a great spirit of cooperation and worship. Dr. Lawless brought an amazing message that was spot on for our time and circumstances.
- One last note to give thanks for (I know the last item says finally). I want to give much thanks for our officers, ministry teams, and especially our staff. I have the privilege to work with some of the most committed and God honoring souls from within our association. I SAY THANK YOU!!!!!!
While the above list is not an exhaustive list it is indicative of what is going on despite the enemy’s best efforts to shut the church of the Living God down! We must remember, however, that we cannot slow down. We must remain focused, determined to find new ways to do ministry, and not let fear dictate how and when we minister to those without Jesus. In his song “Fear is a Liar” Zach Williams tells us when fear tries to rob us of our courage and self esteem we are to lay those fears at the feet of the Jesus, therefore, giving us victory over that fear (I recommend you listen to this great song). In the end we have much to thank Him for, therefore, join me in having probably the best Thanksgiving I have experienced in quite some time! As always remember I love you, consider it an honor to serve the BEST ASSOCIATION IN THE STATE, and am available to you all whenever there is a need!
Terry