Well, I left a tease on my facebook status today and have had many people want to know when the whole story is going to be shared, so I figured I couldn't get away with waiting until tomorrow.
Settle in, this might be a little long.
Before we left NC we sent a missions packet to the pastor at the church where we were members when we lived in Michigan (13 years ago). The pastor is not the same pastor as when we were there and the location of the church has changed, as well as many of the people. The church was a little country church located in the midst of the cornfields. We did not hear back from him before we left for Michigan, but did receive an invitation late this past week to meet the missions team chair between services today.
We really didn't know what that meant - were we just introducing ourselves, were we meeting with him, were we with the team, were we sharing with the congregation? Who knew? But this morning we piled into the car and drove to Adrian (about 1 1/2 hours away from training) and showed the kids the town we used to live in. Then off to church we went.
We have been praying about our support and wanting to see God move in dramatic ways and He did today. We arrived a few minutes early and walked into the foyer of the church (now realize this is while services and classes are going on) and a couple sitting on the couch declares "I know you." Although we recognized them, we couldn't put a name with their face. They reintroduced themselves to us and we immediately remembered them and their precious daughter (another story - maybe I can get them to tell their story here). We started catching up and they asked "are you moving back to Michigan?"
That opened the door to share that no, we were actually moving to Spain. Which led to all kinds of questions and conversation - but here's the kicker, the God moment! He says "I'm on the mission team." Now we are no longer a stranger sending in a packet, we are known family. He then takes us over to introduce us to the chair who we were to be meeting.
God had already prepared that way too - because this gracious gentleman knew the religious condition of Spain and was telling us about it. We had to do none of the "why Spain" conversation. Hold on - there's more! He then asks us if Ogden partnered with us on a short term trip what it would look like and the first thing that popped into my head (or was shoved there by the Holy Spirit) was ESL classes. He proceeds to tell us of the opportunities he and his wife have had to see first hand how ESL is a powerful tool in spreading the gospel. Isn't God good!
We continued the conversation with constant interruptions of people who recognized us from 13 years ago (do we really still look like we did then?), but they weren't interruptions. You see, the missions chair was getting to know us through his own church's testimony of the times we spent together. Who would have expected a 30 minutes conversation with a mission chair in the foyer of a church between services could accomplish all this time did.
Now wait - we aren't done yet - because while Scott was trying to still talk with him and I was talking with old friends, the chairman brought up the subject of financial partnership. We didn't even have to do it! We serve a very mighty and powerful God! (he will get back with us in the coming weeks regarding how we can partner together)
We then went to worship and sat under a fabulous sermon where the pastor preached on Colossians 3. He called the church to cast off the things of the old self in a very powerful way. While he was encouraging progress, he made it clear that if the church was to reach the world then their behavior had to be different. The congregation participated in Lord's Supper during the service (it wasn't passed, but you were invited to come to the table and partake) - but only after you "cast off some old rags of behaviors that were not characteristic of a believer." Members went to members and you saw tears around the congregation. The Holy Spirit was moving and present.
We then went to lunch with a dear friend. How precious was the time of visiting. She played a vital role in our lives when we lived in Michigan and to reconnect after so many years was beautiful. There is nothing like friendships built on a common faith. I realized during the drive back that my hope for the women of Spain is that they will realize how faith in Christ transforms every aspect of their life, including their friendships. As we were about to leave she asked if I had pierced ears (no earrings for church today) and as I responded yes she took off her earrings and gave them to me. She said they matched my eyes and outfit and they were just a little way of her showing God's love to me. What a perfect ending to a God filled day!
I do not know why I am constantly amazed at how God moves. I pray that one day my attitude becomes one of expecting Him to move instead of being surprised when He does.
Ogden Community Bible Church when we were members
(they have moved to town in a larger building and sold the original property to another congregation - Cornerstone Baptist Church - such a small world!)
