"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Greetings Church Family,
Lisa and I are away for some relaxation and ministry for the next two weeks. We are on our way to St. Augustine Florida where I will conduct a wedding for a long time friend's daughter on Saturday. While in Florida, we are spending two nights with Bro. Peter and Johnnie Lord who live in Titusville. They will be coming to the Brook the last part of August, so I ask that you pray for them and also the time Lisa and I get to spend with them this week.
Over the last 16 years, I have encouraged our body to make disciples through mentoring and being mentored. Peter and Johnnie have been that for Lisa and me since 1983. Although we did not get to see them on a weekly basis, we stayed in touch with them through letters, phone calls and occasionally having the opportunity to go to pastor conferences at Peter's church, or plan a vacation to Titusville. They have loved us as their own children, and we have held them in our hearts as spiritual parents. We both feel very blessed to know them, and submit to their teachings.
We also feel blessed in having you as our support through body life, and to observe how the Father is molding us into the fullness of His Son. Here is an example of how I see Him at work in you. This past Sunday, while most pastors carry out a message uninterrupted, I hear a sister (Abigail) follow up on Dr. Tim's reply to how God is so faithful and good to us. I then observe Kevin rhetorically stating the truth that has been spoken by Abigail. I hear my daughter Amanda, and in agreement her husband Brent, praise the Father for being their provider through one income, and providing repair of their home's air conditioner for $2.00. Later, a sister (Jerri) expresses a need for input to a very important life situation she is experiencing. It is met with healing words of empathy and compassion from Donna Marie. After the service I notice Kim Foster, Joje, and Donna Marie ministering to Jerri through prayer. On Monday night I hear a young dad state to an older dad that he hopes that his son will grow up to be like the older dad's son. I witness men laying their hearts before the Father on behalf of others in our body through intercessory prayer. I hear the Word of God confessed as truth that will take away the pangs of sin and death form the lips of these men.
Church, that is being the church. That is mentoring and discipleship in the most natural state. That is living out the Christ who lives in you. That is being one with Him and with each other.
I could use just about everyone in our body as an example, but that was only part of two days of my observing you. I am confident that it is a daily thing among our body, and if it isn't, I pray that we will see it happen!
As the summer winds down and we begin to experience body life more fully, let us not forget to appreciate what He is doing in our midst, and let us not miss the opportunity to speak out to each other how blessed we are to have each other as a part of His body. I am excited about the changes He is making in our lives and I have great expectations in the coming months how He is going to stretch us and mold us even deeper into the fullness of His Son. I love you and appreciate you. As my mentor of 25 years often says, "I am blessed, and very much so!"
Bro. Mike
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