Now and again, as a pastor, I catch a glimpse of the church that reminds me that Christ's mission in our world is bigger than the ministries of my local church. Certainly, our monthly pastors' prayer luncheon help me see beyond the walls of Renton Bible, as I hear pastors share what God is doing in other churches in the Renton area. But I am talking about opportunities that take me beyond our community to see what God is doing around the world.
The recent Missions Fest Seattle pastors' and wives banquet was just such an event. Now, it just so happens, this year, that Debb and I were the only pastoral couple at our table. Nonetheless, we did enjoy fellowship with missions-minded leaders from Antioch Bible Church and Northshore Baptist Church. It is always beautiful to me how virtual strangers from diverse backgrounds can experience an instantaneous sense of "family" when they come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. In a small way, that is what happened as we shared our lives with each other over dinner.
In an even larger way, however, I know that the Missions Fest event, itself, on Oct. 8th and 9th, will again remind me just how rich and diverse is the body of Christ. I know I will once again be encouraged and challenged by the diversity of ministries and missions all over the world where God is using people like you and me to draw other people to Himself.
The truth is that we need events, like these, to help remind us that God's work is so much larger than my personal wants and needs. For so much that fills my day to day will eventually fade away, but there is a Kingdom that the Bible says will never fade away. In fact, Daniel 7:18 encourages us with these words, "But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever-yes, for ever and ever." The "in-your-face" nature of our world often hinders us from seeing life from God's perspective. But events like Missions Fest, not only because of the diversity of believers involved, but because of the nature of their Kingdom focus, help us to grasp a glimpse of God's greater work.
I think the same way about the upcoming Josh McDowell event, "A Skeptic's Quest." This one is a little closer to home, in that it will be held at the Showare center in Kent. Nonetheless, like Missions Fest Seattle, both the partnership of many different churches and the emphasis on sharing the Good News will remind me, yet again, of the greatness of God's Kingdom work in our world.
Of course, not all such glimpses are entirely encouraging. For I also think of my recent reading of September's "Church Around the World" bulletin insert. It is difficult to hear about believers in North Korea being executed or placed in prison labor camps simply for being caught with a Bible. It is hard to think of believers dying in Eritrean military prisons because of continuous torture and solitary confinement. It is unthinkable to hear of Afghan parliament members calling for the execution of those who have embraced faith in Christ. And yet, in spite of such painful realities, it is good for me to be aware of and pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are facing very real persecution for their faith.
From Missions Fest to Josh McDowell to the Church Around the World, we are given opportunities not only to remember the greatness of God's on-going Kingdom work on planet earth, but to participate in it!!! May we pray, may we attend, and may we invite others for the sake of the eternal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ, Pastor Dan