Mutual Encouragement
I have been working on some memorizing in Romans 1, and as I’ve meditated on verse 12 I’ve decided to make it a theme verse for our deputation ministry in churches.
Our situation parallels the Apostle Paul’s in at least one way. He had never before been with the believers in Rome. We will be visiting dozens of churches, most of which we have never visited in the past. In verse 12 Paul gives his specific desired outcome for his visit to Rome: “that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
We are excited at the prospect of getting to know many other members of Christ’s body. Many times, we will be dropping in for one day of ministry among them. We share Paul’s desire to experience mutual encouragement in each place. In God’s perfect providence, He has planned our path that it might cross the paths of those whose faith we need to see, admire, and emulate. And He will take us to members of Christ’s body who need our ministry.
This verse fits our own context perfectly, but as I’ve given attention to what Paul is saying, I’ve also come to realize that his teaching here doesn’t apply only to those who travel to new places. Every interaction with another member of the body of Christ gives us this marvelous opportunity and privilege. Every Lord’s Day. Every prayer meeting. Every informal time of conversation with a brother or sister in Christ. May God help us all to live as the Church, building up one another as we see the final day draw near.
First Official Deputation Service
We have thoroughly enjoyed two opportunities to show some pictures and preach in two different churches (Wilton Bible Church in California, where Andrea’s dad is the pastor, and Cleveland Park Bible Church in Spartanburg, SC), but we are grateful to have had our first full deputation meeting (complete with display and DVD presentation) on Wednesday night at our home church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. God has used this assembly immensely in our lives over the past ten years. We have found many role models among the individuals and families in the church, and we have been blessed to have learned from the godly leadership and their example of Bible-centered, Christ-exalting ministry. It was an extreme privilege and joy to share our past ministry and our intentions for future service in Mexico City. We are certain that the people there will faithfully uphold us in prayer as we continue deputation.
About this website
Our family is now beginning deputation to go to Mexico City with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We desire that this website be a means to keep our friends and supporters “in the loop” about what is happening in our hearts as well as through our ministry as we travel on deputation and eventually arrive in Mexico City.
