Wow, what an amazing time we had this past Sunday! First, worship was amazing – and yes, I have dried off since Austin gave me a small sprinkling after his baptism! Second, the food was delicious. Thank you Chef Sandy, Grilling Team, and all those who brought a dish. Third, the room was electric with energy. Gratitude to the Special Events Team for the top-notch decorations. Also, all of the informational booths were done so well by our various ministry team leaders. Finally, the results were outstanding! I have heard from many Ministry Team Points of Contact who had several new volunteers to sign-up. I am excited to see so many engage with God’s call in a fresh way. Who knows the rippling effects of those who chose to step out on faith this past Sunday.
Speaking of stepping out on faith, we see several instances of that in scripture. Most notably, many of us recall the amazing moment in Matthew’s gospel when Peter walks on the water. If you are unfamiliar with the story, then you can look it up in Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus walked across the Sea of Galilee and surprised his disciples in a boat. Shocked and amazed, Peter brazenly requested, “Tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come,” and Peter walked on the water. Of course, we remember that Peter got scared, looked away from Jesus, and began to sink. Once again, Jesus came to the rescue and pulled him back up, but let us not lose sight of the fact that Peter walked on water! He walked by faith and the result was spectacular.
Jesus calls us to walk by faith every day. Very few of us really consider that on a daily basis, but we all know people who embody that kind of faith every day. This Sunday evening, myself along with Sue and Phil McGukin will be departing on a two-week trip to Tete, Mozambique; to join our missionaries, Chris and Katie Nalls, along with their kids, Abigail, Emma Claire, and Daniel, in ministry. When I think about folks who have taken a step of faith and embraced an uncomfortable calling – the Nalls family definitely stand out in my mind. I am excited to spend time with them and learn more about how we can strengthen our partnership with them.
As we go, please join with us and offer the following daily prayers:
- Pray for safe travel and good health for Phil, Sue, and myself.
- Pray for our families as we are gone – especially for Phil’s father who is on hospice care.
- Pray that we may be encouragers to the Nalls family and the great work that they are doing there.
- Pray that we humbly approach the evangelistic tasks with which we will engage both in the city of Tete and in the surrounding countryside.
- Pray for the people of Mozambique to be receptive to us and the gospel of Jesus.
- Pray that we are all transformed by the grace of God at work around the world.
- Pray for Tabernacle Baptist Church and as a church that we behold the larger vision of God’s work in our church; in addition to prioritizing our lives and ministry around the most important things.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we share in the Lord’s Supper together.
Expecting His Best,
Stephen V. Allen
Senior Pastor
