The first event during Power ’06 was the Missions Rally. This has been an inspirational event both years we have been here in the Shenandoah District. The kids from the district sang a couple of songs for us and then we were introduced to several speakers. The first was Rev. Roger Bowers of Bayou La Batre Wesleyan Church. His church was literally on the front lines after hurricane Katrina blasted the gulf coast. For several months, the congregation at Bayou with help from many in the Wesleyan Church and World Hope International assisted those on the coast with food, water and many other immediate needs. It was great to see how the church was first on the scene and doing what we are called to do in building the kingdom. There were several videos and then Rev. Phil Stevenson – Director of Evangelism and Church Growth for the Wesleyan Church spoke. He spoke from Luke 5 about our partnership with God. How do we partner with God?
- We need to color outside the lines (Luke 5:5)
- We need to willingness to try anyway (Luke 5:6)
- Everytime we act in faith it involves fear
- Acheivement at unexpected levels
- Amazement at what God can do (vs 8) – The WOW of God
- Acceptance of bigger opportunities (vs 10)
He finished with five practices to partner with God:
- Pay attention to God.
- Give up to God.
- Be enthusiastic to the challenges of God.
- Be honest with God.
- Grow up in our relationship with God.
I was inspired to continue God’s work to build the kingdom of God, right where I am and to do more than that, to reach beyond our walls to help build the kingdom all over the world.
