THE NEW HALLELUJAH!

I'm really excited today! Oh yes, I am aware that it's Monday and that it's cold and that there are snow flurries flying around, but it doesn't diminish my joy! My heart is leaping inside of me and my spirit sings as I think about the return trip to Africa this upcoming fall.

We have finally nailed down our trip dates (October 9-17th) and we are gearing up for what's certain to be another Spirit-filled adventure on mission for God. What gets me even more excited is the prospect of other churches joining us in our work as we go. On of our former members, Allison, who is in NC serving with her husband Ryan at Etowah Baptist, is going to put together a team from their church body that go along with along our team!

In the back of my mind I think about all of the logistical issues that may come up or how much harder it may be to manage a large group than our small group from last year...but like I said that's all in the BACK of my mind. In the front of my mind, I can only think of one thing and that's of the faces of the people that heard the gospel last year. I see their eyes as they hear. I watch the fear melt off of them when they understand in their heart that they don't have to die and go to hell. Oh yes, I think of the many many more faces that we will see because so many more people will be going. As more people go then more people will hear! And as more people hear, more people will believe! That's what Paul tells us in Romans and I cling to those things! I am hoping for at least 20 people on this mission and if more can go then we'll take more.

God wrecked me a few years ago. Back in 2006 I went on my very first missions trip. I had no idea how "messed up" I would become. Since that trip, I have followed the Lord's leading into the field and here at home. I left my job to serve as the missions pastor for our church and I now seek out ways and means for us to serve Him in greater ways through outreach. There is a "new hallelujah" (as Michael W. Smith sings) that has yet to be sung in so much of the world and here in the USA. I'm looking to go where the Lord says, "I want a NEW hallelujah to rise up and honor and praise me from here or here." I want to be a part of the heavenly harvest and I want others to see how God is moving around the globe!

Hear my heart today friends. God is not willing that any should perish...but how they can live with Him eternally if they never hear of HIS grace, of HIS great love for US? Go, just go...it's not a matter of whether you should or not is it? He has ALREADY said that we should "go" (see Acts 1:8)...the only question now is will you?