European Pastors Conference January 2009

Conferences are a blessings. You are both excited and afraid to be around fellow workers in God's field. Excited, yes, there is so much to share about what Jesus is teaching you, what He has done in and through your life and the lives of those you serve in the year since you last met. There is excitement building as you gather together in the Name of Jesus, you just know He is going to speak to you, your spiritual ears and eyes are open and placed on 'high sensitivity'. You are excited because you are again amazed at the grace of God in calling you into the ministry, 'counting you faithful' I love God's way of looking at me in Christ!

"Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" 1 Tim. 1:9

There comes the next emotion of fear, but why fear? Well because I know myself, I know I can be a 'bonehead' and not hear from God. I can busy myself with telling stories of ministry, talking about victories and blessings only to cover up the parts of ministry and life that are difficult and draining. There is a real temptation to be the 'super-pastor' who never tires, never stumbles, never is discouraged with himself or others, never doubts, always trusts, always gives, always and in all ways follows close behind his Boss, his Lord, his friend, Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the flock.

We are often tempted to stretch out our hand that is whole to the Lord. You know the story. Jesus in the synagogue and He tells the man with the withered hand, 'stretch out your hand'. The man had a choice, in front of all those at church that day to expose his weakness, his shame, his lameness, to bring it out into the light for Jesus to deal with. This man could have easily kept that withered hand tucked far into his robe and stretched out his good hand, with pride showing all around him, there was nothing wrong and that he was just like the rest of them.

I thank God for the faith of this man, he stretched out that messed up, withered hand for all to see, most importantly he stretched it out to Jesus and as he did it was restored, made whole, made useful, made strong to the glory of God! The main teacher for the conference was Pastor Sandy Adams from Calvary Chapel Stone Mountain, Georgia. God really used him through the Word of God to search me and encourage me. "If you will return, then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; If you take out the precious from the vile, You shall be as My mouth..." Jer. 15:19

One pleasant surprise of the conference was being able to see Josh Blevins! That was great, we had a little reunion with Josh, Joey, Edmund Sr. and I, then there was Brent from Boise, so it was like a little 'Root Teen' Mission reunion! It is great to see guys being called and used to build up and bless God's people around the world. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!

Brent has homemade salsa from Edmund Sr. in the bag! An even exchange for Italian Espresso!

Now I am back home in Dusseldorf and have determined to spend more time with Jesus, asking the Chief Shepherd for His wonderful leading and wisdom in caring for and feeding His precious sheep. Until the whole world hears...