In John 5:17, our Lord said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” I believe that. God is always at work redeeming a lost and broken world. It is the mission of God, and He desires to have His people join Him. It is easy to say and understand that “the Church has a mission.” It is much more accurate but harder to understand, to say “God has a mission and needs a church to do it.”
Either way, I love the idea of seeing our Father’s work. We have Cheryl Parish and Heather Lindsey going to Romania this week. Mark Livengood is going to Ukraine soon. By the way, this trip is open, and if you ever wanted to go on a trip, this one is a great entry level international trip. They are joining Him in reaching the nations.
But you do not have to go internationally to see how JIBC is joining with our Father’s work. The Youth will be involved in “Love God-Serve Charleston” next week. Several area church’s youth groups will join forces to join in God’s mission here at home. Take a deep breath and we will begin Vacation Bible School. You have heard it said correctly that more children accept Christ as their Savior during VBS than during any other event of the year. Why? Because we join with God in reaching children before they have to be rescued. I certainly believe it honors God to reach children and to pray for and try to reach their families. It is missions…right here at home. If you desire to work with Hispanics, Pastor Claudio and Claudia will gladly put you to work.
We have groups going to the homeless shelters serving in Jesus’ name; groups that take hot meals to the widows; groups that reach out to the orphans; those who visit the sick. I know in my heart the Father is always working. I rejoice to see the family known as James Island Baptist joining Him in His mission.
See you Sunday, good Lord willing.
Pastor Tom
