Commissioning our Team

The ancient practice of ordination through the laying on of hands is something one can't describe adequately. The awareness of affirmation and support of ministry through the leadership of a congregation makes one feel humbled, empowered, set apart, and responsible. Indeed, whenever God calls someone to ministry, it is an awesome responsibility. To feel those hands of ordination and to hear the prayers of God's people is a very moving experience. And so it was this weekend when our Zambia team was commissioned in our church services on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

All along, we have said that the team is not just those going, but all those praying, sponsoring, and encouraging us as well.

Paul encouraged his young cohort Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that was bestowed in the laying on of hands. With just a few short days before departure, when it would be easy to get side-tracked on packing, shopping and all the other necessary details, our team was reminded once again that God has gifted us through the prayers and encouragement of our church family.

In a way, we head off into unknown territory. That is part of what makes this trip exciting. But the one thing we can be sure of is that God has gone there before us and will lead the way for us. "Lo I am with you unto the end of the age." I have this great confidence that things will not go as I have planned them. I am even more confident that this trip will unfold before us in just the way the Lord wants it to. I can rest easy in that and that allows me to "go with the flow." (I pray it will anyway)

That confidence also helps me take my eyes and worry off self and points me toward the children, teachers, staff and families that we will be minsitering to and with in Zambia. I need to remind myself each day, I am not going for myself. I am going because the love of Christ compels me to share it with others. May God's Spirit so bless and help our team that this would be each member's experience as well.

Just as the hands and prayers of God's people fell across us this weekend, so may God's Spirit fall afresh on us. The great words of a familiar chorus are applicable here:

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,

Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me

Thanks to all for continued prayers and support

6/21/2008 : view on map : permalink : add a comment