Enduring for the sake of His purposes
A lot has happened since we have visited Ireland a year ago. While the Covid19 pandemic still lingers on globally, lockdown restrictions keep forcing everyone to adapt and re-route. We find ourselves however in good company.
The Apostle Paul, once, also had to re-route when the Holy Spirit changed the timeline and course of his 2nd mission trip. What seemed inaccessible then, re-directed him and eventually opened the door for the gospel to reach Europe for the first time.
It reminds us of Hosea (2:15) which played a significant role throughout our lives:
“I will make the valley of Achor (place of trouble and suffering) a door of hope and expectation”
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection became the ultimate embodiment of this hope for all people, and to share this good news with all, is what we live for.
We regard it as a blessing to allow Him, to mould our life challenges into a door of hope, showing off His empowering grace and love.
Something other than a building
Being part of the Every Nation family of churches is a privilege for which we are eternally grateful. We enjoy being part of the Willows congregation and I will soon complete the Leadership and Church Planting tracks at the Every Nation Ministry School. Believe me, one is never too old to learn!
Someone once said this about learning –
“You suddenly understand something, you thought you understood all your life”
If we learn anything from the Covid19 pandemic, I hope we realize that the church is more than a building. God is nailing this truth to the door of churches everywhere. While relating with and praying for the church in Ireland, I came across the following amazing truth, shared by a priest:
“I have communicated with my parishioners at various times that God is not outside of this pandemic, God is with us in it. So, we look to him, and take time and wait. There was a slight sense of relief as well that we could pause and not just do what’s expected of us, but really rethink what are the absolute essentials. How do we really do word, sacrament, prayer, and pastoral care in a completely different environment? … One of our callings is to help people grow in intentional discipleship. … So, possibly through this really strange and exceptional time, growth in discipleship is coming about.”
We’ve always believed that the church is not about buildings, events, and numbers. But never before, have we been part of a church culture like Every Nation; so intentional about engaging with the community, empowering disciples to make disciples, establishing Biblical foundations, and equipping believers to minister – and everything about this culture, culminates towards strategic church planting among the nations.
Worry or worship?
I believe all of us had their fair share of challenges during the past few months dealing with circumstances beyond your control, which is tough.
According to our original timeline, we would have visited Ireland in a few weeks’ time to further preparations for the envisioned church-plant. Due to Ireland’s current Lockdown restrictions, this 2nd mission trip obviously had to be postponed until travel restrictions are lifted – we’re now looking in faith towards visiting Ireland during October.
Through all of these challenges, one can easily be overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear and become weary worriers. In the midst of this all, while dealing with our own constraints in the areas of health and finances, the Spirit graciously reminded us of James’s words:
“Consider it nothing but joy whenever you fall in various trails. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” (1:2-4 AMP)
Thank you so much for supporting us faithfully in
your prayers, faith, and partnership.
We are grateful for everyone that God has placed in our lives to be part of what He has called us to do.
Willem & Ilse
NW Basson – Discovery Bank / Account 18135105166 / Branch 679000