When I first started blogging, I had named my blog "What I Should Have Said At Pequea Church." On days like today (after preaching on a pretty intense topic) I could really use some grace to back-track a bit and give some "after-thoughts." So, please allow me to do so!
1) We can have nice things in life...but we need to ask ourselves if we are using them for God's glory. (FTSOC - FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST). I know a CEO of a major cooperation in Baltimore City who had a very nice boat that he used largely to bless others and take the youth group on outings to go water skiing. I heard of another guy who owns his own plane and is a pilot and flies missionaries onto the foreign field. Another family I know owns a brand new camper and lets the pastor of their church use it as a retreat to get away anytime they like (hint, hint). Just joking - but seriously many of us own things we could let others borrow, or we own things we don't need that we could do without and we could use the money to build up God's Kingdom instead of our own.
2) Thank you, Mr. Generous. Someone came up to me after the service and told me they wanted to buy the well in Uganda. He said simply, "Drill it." Although my intent in showing the picture was not to get someone to donate to the project in Uganda, I will very much take this man up on his generousity. I don't know if he realizes it, but he will be extending and saving the lives of many children in a small village called Kiboyo. I am going to get video on the well project and post it here on the blog as soon as it is built. (for more info. on what we are doing in Uganda, go to www.bridgeconnections.org). Alison Fredricks is also having a fundraiser for the needs in Uganda by partnering with Isaac's - heres your opportunity to go out to eat and have the money go towards a good cause! You can contact her at aleeshenry@yahoo.com for more information. If you ahve any other questions about Bridge Connections or are looking for a way to partner, contact Katie (bridgeconnections@gmail.com).
3) How do we balance the money we spend on ministry at Pequea and the money we spend on overseas projects? This is a great question that I know many are wondering. This would be another great question for the "You Asked For It Series," because it really is an entire message in itself. In short - I believe, that churches should be pretty radical in making sure they are meeting the needs not only overseas but also in their community. We have an equal responsibility to meet the needs of those in our community as we do in the rest of the world. I also believe that as members of a local church, we must show support and respect for our authorities and realize that we aren't always going to do things the same way nor will we always agree or share the same passions. The value of being a "team-player" is perhaps just as important as the value of "stewardship."
