OLD CAR AND NEW FACES

The other Sunday, RJ introduced me to his friend, Mike. It was Mike’s first time at Calvary Austin. The fact that he showed up at all came as a huge surprise to RJ. It wasn’t his first time to invite somebody to church, but most invitations were never accepted. RJ compared his efforts to sea turtle hatchlings finding their way to the sea. “Only a few make it.” he laughed. That’s how it is when folks are invited to church services! Nevertheless, the Lord stirred RJ’s heart to be more active in reaching out to the lost.

 

It was at the workplace where RJ led Mike to the Lord. RJ then encouraged his friend to take the big leap and visit Calvary Austin. Mike said he’d like to go, but never made it. After a few no-shows, it became apparent that Mike didn’t have transportation. RJ kindly offered him a retired automobile sitting on his property - free of charge. The following Sunday, Mike happily drove himself to our fellowship in his new 'rickety old putter'. That’s the day I shook his hand to welcome him.

After meeting Mike, I headed back to the auditorium for second service. At the door, I was welcomed by another bright and cheery face. It was her first day as greeter. I was blessed beyond measure to see her serving, because she too was like a lost sea turtle. She was introduced to our fellowship through our jail ministry. When she got out, one of our ladies invited her to Calvary Austin. She’s been a regular ever since.

There are countless more sea turtle stories to share, and there are plenty more hatchlings floundering about. Some just need a nudge. It’s something we can all do. God will take it from there.

GOD OUR REDEEMER

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” 

(Psalms 107:1-2a)

There’s nothing more thrilling than to see vision come to fruition, especially when that vision comes directly from above. God impressed upon our hearts something so basic, yet so powerful – to see Him glorified. In seeking ways to do this collectively as a church, a special Anthem service has been set aside on the first Wednesday of every month. Our first Anthem Night in January exceeded all expectations.

Pastor Ryan, who leads up Anthem Night, thought it fitting to focus on one aspect of God each time we gather. For our kick-off, we focused on “God our Redeemer”. After an encouraging word from Psalm 107, the microphone was offered to anyone wishing to share a personal story of redemption.

Jeneca was first to testify. After two failed marriages, she surrendered her life to the Lord. God redeemed the past by bringing a Christian man into her life. Recently, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Yet she praises God for a godly husband at her side.

David shared his struggle with pride. A major blow came after he lost his job. David now makes half of what he earned before. Rather than grieve, he is grateful to God for humbling him and saving him.

Dana shared her struggle with chronic pain. While it has been a difficult journey, she rejoices that she has Jesus as her comforter.

The last to share was a Jurica. It wasn’t that long ago when she married Jonathan. He passed away from cancer one month shy of their first anniversary. Tears flowed as Jurica spoke of her heartbreak. Even still she declared, “God works all things together for good.”

While the stories were all different, each were the same (to quote Pastor Ryan). In each case, all bore testimony to God’s redemptive work:

“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Once the service concluded, it was clear this wasn’t the end. We have only just begun to glorify God for all that He has done. I can’t wait for next time when we pay tribute to Him as our provider: Jehovah-jirah!