Hot Stuff

As I sit and write this letter the temperature is about 25°C and heavy, which is probably why I am thinking about Bulgaria and my recent visit there. When I was invited by Ruth Boyes to go instead of husband Don, I felt very honoured, for I have much respect for him as a Bible teacher and pastor, and I was not sure I was sufficiently equipped to do what was asked. However after prayerful consideration I realised yet again that when God calls He also equips, so why was I so unsure?

It was only as I began the teaching programme that I had that wonderful certainty that what God promises He actually does. My fears were banished and a great joy flooded my soul. These dear folk in Sandanski were a people who had heard the "good news" for themselves and were now eager, no zealous, to tell others about their Saviour and Lord; therefore anything I could teach them about studying the Word, interpreting it, telling it, showing it, was soaked up just like a sponge. More than this they were also longing to practise what they had learned. Can you imagine how exciting this was, watching these folk getting fired up to preach and to teach.

The same Gospel which they were hearing and wanting to share is ours too, but have we the zeal and eager willingness to proclaim it on every and all occasions? Romans 12:11 says, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord." This verse follows on from Paul's teaching about each of us being "Temples of the Lord", places where worship, service and devotion towards God continuously happens and where there is an excitement about the "good news". It's what God expects of each one of us. If you are growing weary and tired then ask for a refreshing by the Holy Spirit - if you feel disillusioned then ask the Spirit for renewal.

The Gospel we have is too precious to waste or lose because we are fainting by the wayside. That's not God's plan at all - His plan is that each and every one of us who are privileged to know "the way, the truth and the life" should eagerly share it in every way we can. Come then my brothers and sisters, and work with me with renewed vigour in this glorious task of informing Quorn that we have a gospel of forgiveness, restoration and amazing, amazing love given to us by a precious, wonderful Saviour - Jesus.

To Him be all the glory

Pastor Howard