For the last eight-plus years, more or less, I have been pouring my life into ministry, specifically Joppa and YATEC MN. I have given physically, emotionally, financially and with my time. Almost literally everything.
A majority of the time, doing ministry for young adults in the Willmar area has been a blessing to my life, inspiring me and it's very evident that God is at work. It's a breeze. It feeds me. It fuels me. I don't wear out.
Buuuut.....It isn't always easy. Sometimes it's lonely. Sometimes there's negotiating with God. Sometimes there's doubt. Sometimes it's only his strength that gets me out of bed in the morning. There's a lot of burden. It weighs on my heart. It weighs on my mind when I'm trying to shut down at night. Being a broken person who is trying to minister to other broken people is hard.
This past Tuesday my Joppa ministry said thank you, and it blew me away. The last few months have been heavy and filled with some questions and a lot of late nights, especially financially.
The outpouring of love from those who attend and participate in Joppa overpowered me on Tuesday, November 22. I left with a blessing of finances, gift cards and enough food that I don't have to do much shopping in the next month or more. Even more importantly, I left more inspired by what God can do through his people.
For all of this, and so much more, I thank everyone.
But the story for me doesn't end there. That was a water station in my marathon.
Next chapter: A Challenge
It has come to my attention that even though Joppa's a growing ministry, there's more young adults out there that have no idea who Jesus really is and why that's an important issue to be more in tune with. That was true when we were 12-20 people meeting in a lobby every week, and it's still true now when we're occasionally passing that century mark in an auditorium.
Young adults are going to be getting married. Having kids. Raising families. If they aren't taught about God's love, they can't teach those families about God's love. They can't show their community God's love. There's so much more to be done in this generation.
My goal with this information in mind: To show the solution to this problem, and put forth a grace-driven effort that makes the last eight years look lazy.
"...put forth a grace-driven effort that makes the last eight years look lazy." -- Good word picture...let me offer a substitute for the word "lazy" --> "warm-up" or "endurance training". You have been far from lazy, my friend. Make sure to not downgrade God's valiant efforts through you. God didn't do "lazy" through you the last eight years... He did and is doing "endurance training" through you so that you are ready for the next 80 years... "Lazy" connotes slacking off -- God is not desiring to do "immeasurably more than all you can ask or imagine" in the coming years to make you look "lazy" (slacking off) for the last 8 years. An artist's first swipes on a canvas are not called "scribbles".
ReplyDeleteOkay, okay... enough preaching! Keep up the awesome work! Can't wait to see how God takes your "amazing" last eight years and do immeasurably more in the years ahead! Looking forward to the next 8+ grace-driven years and beyond!
Your brother in Christ, Steve
Funny thing Jeff but David and I knew nothing about what Joppa was doing for you Tuesday. God is ALWAYS good and knows are every need and he speaks to His people. We know God has a great annointing on you and we are excited for how He is going to speak to you in the coming months and years!!!!!! Noelle Vernoy
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