God allowed me to make a recent trip to Sri Lanka with The Gideons International. Our task was a Scripture Blitz. We were truly God’s army of the ordinary – men from all walks of life who are willing to give of themselves to share the Gospel of the King. While all did not go as planned, God showed up and showed out.
I have been aware for quite some time that while on mission trips, God has some divine appointments for me. Since I have been back, I’ve become aware that God has divine appointments for me when I am not on a mission trip.
I am nobody special; just an ordinary husband, dad and disciple of Christ. But I’m convinced that God gives each of us divine appointments (see Ephesians 2:10). Too many times we expect God to speak to us in an audible voice (He can if He so chooses). But I’ve noticed that most often He speaks through our thoughts. It’s that still, small voice that Elijah heard.
On the flight home from The Gideons International Convention (after some canceled flights), I watched a movie entitled, One Life. I recommend watching it you have the opportunity. It is based on a true story about an ordinary, unassuming man who spearheaded an operation to save children while Hitler was making his way to and through Czechoslovakia.
Another Army Of The Ordinary
It’s a very moving story made possible – as stated in the movie – by an Army Of The Ordinary. How does this relate to the ministry of EquipUs? I am so glad you asked! Another ordinary man by the name of Keith Burnett has been given a ministry that is impossible accomplish on his own. But God has raised up some other ordinary people willing to serve the Lord alongside Keith. The glory for that goes to God alone, but more people are still needed.
Here’s how that problem gets solved. Will you pray about joining an EquipUs mission team and serving in Belize or the Dominican Republic?
Many people are willing to help but believe the only way to do that is to go somewhere. Some people do need to go. Maybe that’s you. That said, not everyone is financially or physically able. A mission week costs between $1,500 and $2,000. Not everyone has that much money on hand to invest in a mission week. But it’s a totally different picture if 100 other ordinary people contribute $20 each. Almost anyone could do that. Will you pray and ask God if He would have you donate to EquipUs to help fund mission travel for someone who needs to answer their call to go?
Going helps. Sending helps. But equipping is also vital. God prompts some to buy Bibles and other materials to give to pastors as they graduate the EquipUs Pastors’ School. Or, they could purchase evangelism resources that pastors use for outreach in their communities. What if you pray about giving to ongoing construction projects or relief efforts caused by unusual weather? All of these things begin with prayer! God will speak if we ask, seek and knock!
So, PLEASE PRAY! Answer the call whether it is to give or go or equip. Why? Because when God’s Army Of The Ordinary engages in Kingdom causes, good things happen, lives are changed and ALL THE GLORY GOES TO GOD!
Serving Christ with you,
Steve Clements
P.S. – Keith here… My thanks to Steve for his thoughts in this Guest Post. Also, I chose the cover image very intentionally (as usual!). Steve, me, you – we are part of God’s Army. But the image has no faces. And that’s the way this army functions. It’s not about any of us – it’s all about Him. Thank you so much for joining hearts and hands to make a difference in the world.
0 Comments