Day four, fifty-nine remaining. I had the opportunity to share with our Community Group tonight about the Vlad trip. Everyone was receptive and encouraging. I want to be (in the spirit of Paul) a faithful steward and servant as we make the trip. Insightful commentators of Paul's letters suggest servant and steward as the dominant metaphors which Paul's employed in viewing his own ministry. Prayer - "Lord make me be willing to be poured as a sacrificial drink offering for the sake of other's faith in your Son. And help me serve with incredible faithfulness as your steward, only concerned with your interests. Amen."
I thank God for Pastor Steve who had the courage and love for Russian believers to make that first trip to Vlad back in 2004. Love expresses itself in returning. He tells me two things about this trip - one, I'll be changed forever, and two, I'll feel terribly guilty when I return for the crazy good life I have in the US. I trust his prediction, so I am glad I have his companionship for the journey. Mostly, like a bricklayer who has gladness because he was privileged to lay some brick as part of a beautiful edifice, I only want to be useful for Christ, to express His love, His work, His presence. It is understandable that in Isaiah 6 the prophet would say - "Here am I. Send me!" Why? He had just seen the "...Lord lofty and exalted with the train of His robe filling the temple." Lord show us your glory!
Tomorrow: How do we prepare for thirty days in another country?
This was Entry #3. I accidentally listed the entry by date (August 1, 2012) which is how they will appear from this point forward. I am so new at this blogging stuff, but I will improve! :)
ReplyDelete- Mark H
Brother,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to read about your trip. You are right, Russia is a different world than you have ever known. But I am confident that if you had the courage to cross one cultural bridge, you can cross another! I am confident that God has gifted you for just such work and he will not fail to support you in it. "He who called you is faithful, who will also do it." (I Thess. 5:24)