When I came into the Assemblies of God from being an Evangelist, I thought everyone within their organization got along and worked together. When I pastored my first church in Southern Indiana, I found that not to be the case. However, when I took my second pastorate in Cambridge City, I was placed in a very difficult situation. Looking back, I do not believe I would have held up under the stress had it not been for a wonderful group of ministers in my local District Ministry Group.
Each month, as I met with them, I received strength and encouragement to "hang in there" and not give up. There was an actual spiritual force behind it that was more than just encouraging words and kind gestures. It was the power of truly caring.
As our group grew closer and closer together, Pastor Holdeman thought it would be nice to hold joint services together and we named the annual event the Holy Spirit Celebration. This week we are in the midst of the ninth season of this annual event. Sunday I got to preach at the Lighthouse in Richmond and, as always, I was warmly received and appreciated. Tonight we will be at First Assembly in Richmond, pastored by Carlos King. So many of our people come along to the meetings that my heart swells with pride in my congregation. Since 2004 I have enjoyed the support of not only my fellow pastors, but their congregations as well. I love and appreciate them all.
The newest part of our group is Pastor Aaron Rowe, who pastors Banner Christian in Portland, Indiana. I am firmly convinced that his commitment to our Ministry Group has been an encouragement to him and his church also. He is in his fourth year at Banner and we can see things beginning to turn around for him. There have been many hopes and disappointments along the way, but as he has been willing to share his heart with us and we have prayed for him, he has drawn closer to that strength that I myself received from the ministers of our group when I came to the area. And in the same way, our people at Calvary have grown fond of him and his family.
This year's offerings from the Holy Spirit Celebration go to pay off the debt at Banner Christian. These same offerings helped me in the early days at The River in Cambridge City. I know how much they can speak to a pastor's heart. We were able to pay off the debt on the church in Cambridge City during the years I was there. Now we are seeing Banner Christian obtain the same goal — to be debt free.
Next year I propose we invest even more into the 10th anniversary of the Holy Spirit Celebration. We need to have a decade in review of all those who have been saved, healed, delivered, restored, and refreshed by our churches laboring together for the kingdom of God.
Although I'm writing this blog on Monday afternoon, I am going to reserve finishing it until after tonight's service at First Assembly in Richmond. We filled our church van to capacity last night to go to the Lighthouse, and with those who drove separately, we had 24 of our people in that service. Tonight we will once again have a van full. The excitement grows with each meeting.
I'll leave my post here until after tonight's meeting. Then I'll post the whole entry.
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Well, we just got back from First Assembly in Richmond where we heard from Pastor Mike Cunnington from New Beginnings in Greensburg. Pastor Mike does not get to fellowship with us as much because of his job and the distance, but he was as powerful as always. When he shared about “Be not afraid, only believe,” from Mark 5:36, it was like a rocket going off in my spirit. It gave me so many new insights that I believe Calvary will be hearing this message too.
Like I had mentioned before, I have never been to a service at First Assembly. The praise and worship was tremendous. I wrote down some of the songs they did to see if I could learn them.
Pastor Jeff Bullard finished the preaching by reminding us from where we have come and the compassion and understanding that we should all show to those who are still struggling in their walk with the Lord.
Afterward, the church had a great time of fellowship. Although some had a long drive home, especially Portland, others hung around to visit and catch up. I always enjoy seeing my friends John and Sheri Jent, and forgave them for not hearing me preach at the Lighthouse last night. But only if they are sure to attend tomorrow night when Calvary hosts the celebration.
It is looking like another successful and meaningful time of joining together with our area Assemblies. The offerings really need to pick up if we are going to pay off Banner Christian though. However tomorrow night is Calvary's opportunity to shine and show Portland and the Rowe's how much we love the work God is doing there.
The challenge is big. The report from the Lighthouse was only a little over $300.00. If tonight's offering was similar, Calvary will have to step up to the plate and hit a home run. I am believing we ought to shoot for $800.00. We did over $700.00 last year. If we can do that, then Freedom Life will have a fighting chance to bring the total up to the $2,000.00 needed to pay off Banner Christian's mortgage. On top of all that God is doing for us in these meetings, let's create a miracle for Banner this year.
Again, it was so good to see some of our friends, some of which we only get to see once a year. Pastor Bob and Alice Milam were there with John and Sheri Jent. They are continuing to do a great job at The River in Cambridge City. Pastor Bob will minister Thursday at Freedom Life in Winchester, followed by Pastor Aaron Rowe.
Pastor Carlos King ministers tomorrow night at Calvary. There will be a lovely time of fellowship afterward in Dean Hall provided by the Calvary Women's Ministries and other goodies donated by our members. See ya' there!