The Living among the Dead

On this day I started my prayer walk not really sure which direction I was going to head. As I was walking, I felt a call to go toward the cemetery to visit the grave of one of my former students who had died at 19 in an automobile accident. I felt like this was a little strange because the cemetery is on the edge of town, and I just didn't think about running into anyone on my way there.

However having learned over the last few weeks that God always has an appointment for me, I went. As I approached the cemetery all seemed quiet, and I proceeded to the area where Dale was buried. When I got there I noticed one car parked in the area, and I began to look around to see who it belonged to. There was a lady just a short distance from where I was going. I approached her to say hi because I did not want to startle her. I recognized her and learned she was tending to the grave of her son.

We began a conversation, and it became obvious to me very quickly that this was going to be one of my divine appointments today. I know that this lady was a woman of faith but on this day her faith was shaken. We spent some time together there in conversation and then prayed. As she left, it seemed like a huge weight had been lifted. While she realized that the problems of her life were not suddenly gone, she also realized that she did not have to carry them alone.

When she left, I went to the grave of the young man I had intended to visit. As I looked around I was struck by the number of graves in that portion of the cemetery of people who had died at a young age. I was reminded again of the importance of always being prepared to share the Gospel because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

The rest of the day felt like it was mostly about just being with people. I had lunch with an old friend and prayed with him for his wife who was having surgery the next day. I worked with the Alternative Education class on a community service project at Bay Shore. I had a great time there, and we shared some pizza at the end of the day.

I then spent some time working with the Rotary Club on their Moon Light Madness sale fundraiser. I don't have time to explain that, but it was great to again be delivering bean soup to the people of Sebewaing.

That evening we gathered together, four of us, to talk about the disciple making movement. The numbers were not as high as I had hoped because of the community event and some sporting events; but I was greatly encouraged. I shared a 20 minute segment of the Keystone project video, and we had a great discussion of what that might look like in Sebewaing. I encouraged the others there to be in prayer and that if God through the Holy Spirit gave them ideas, to be ready to share them. I finally got home around 10:30 that night feeling again like God had blessed me!

Praises:
God is continuing to give me opportunities to share
People are asking questions
The relationships I am building with the students and staff of the alternative ed program
The meeting and the sharing of the vision as it continues to be defined

Prayer concerns:
To continue to bring people in who will add to and help develop the vision for this disciple making movement
For discernment for me as to where to invest time.
God will bring forth workers for the harvest
For two meetings I am hoping to have next week with people I consider to be spiritual leaders

Your Servant in Christ,

Brian