Going it Alone

I have to begin this blog post by apologizing. It has been over two months since I last posted because I have simply not taken the time to communicate. (It's the old I have been too busy story.) What I have come to realize in the last few days is that by not posting I have not allowed those of you who are reading and following this blog the opportunity to pray and share in the ministry that we are building in Sebewaing. Going it alone is never God's intent. We are called to operate in community, first with God, then with each other. My not posting has left you out, and I seek your forgiveness.

Yesterday was my first day back in Sebewaing after a couple of weeks of being away. Two things really stood out yesterday, both I think illustrating how community is suppose to work.

The first occurred at the school. The alternative education class that I have been helping with was working on a team building exercise. It was a timely event because as I listened to the instructor it was obvious that the group had been having some internal conflicts. I was impressed how the instructor emphasized to them that each of them in one way or another had been marginalized by society. (I couldn't help but think of the church as he said those things.) He then pointed out that if they were going to succeed they must work together rather than the infighting and lack of participation that had been going on. (Again parallels to the church.) The group seemed to take it to heart, and the team building exercise that took place after was highly successful. (It also cost me my hat, but that is another story.)

The second event centered around the terrible tragedy that occurred in Fort Hood, Texas. One of John and Rhonda's sons works at the Fort Hood base and as the news of the shooting came out, there was great anxiety about Troy because they could not reach him for a while. By the time we met that night, they had heard from him and the fact that he was alright. I had planned for the learning time last night to listen and discuss a message on building a community and being there for one another. Part of the discussion that took place centered around how much easier it is to face crisis when you do have a faith community and the need to really pour into the lives of others. In the circumstances of that moment, we all understood that lesson at a deeper level.

Praises:
We are going to start a Sonlife Live26 discipling group in a few weeks, and we have gotten a couple of commitments from other people to join that.

God continues to show His faithfulness.

Concerns:
I seek your prayers as I am a little overwhelmed in these days with school (I am working on a Masters in Counseling) and a difficult situation at my home church.

Your Servant in Christ,

Brian