Send us now into the world in peace…

Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart…

I was so excited on Sunday by the picture of God sending us into the world.  God is raising up and developing leaders for His church and leaders for His Kingdom.  Sunday gave me so many tangible things for which to say, ‘thanks!’

• Clay’s ordination was a fantastic celebration of our dependence on God.  Tommy Hinson exhorted us to pray and to trust God for the growth of His church.  The Bishop gave this word to Clay as he prepared to ordain him:  ‘Be mindful that you cannot do this on your own…  therefore you ought, and need, to pray earnestly for His Holy Spirit.’  We all walked away feeling like we want to spend more time studying the Bible and more time praying for our friends and family and more time waiting for God to fill us.
• I loved seeing Jesse, Sarah, and Clara Blaine who were back in the US for a bit from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  They gave us a quick report and then they prayed for our church.  We are all so proud of the work they are doing and the work that God is doing IN them.
• We prayed, blessed, and sent Kate Raymond to Bolivia for 6 months to be in a spanish immersion school.  Kate has worked as an ER nurse in DC for several years.  Now she is exploring how God might use her nursing skills in a spanish-speaking context.  We love how her heart is open to God’s direction and she is courageously walking in the opportunities that He provides.
• At the 4pm prayer service, I saw 20 or so volunteers plus another 10 or so people who were praying for the service and praying for God’s Kingdom to come in Arlington and asking that joy would rain down in the sanctuary and longing for people to be set free.  If you have not prayed with us at 4, you are missing something!!
• I have watched a great team of people plan and prepare for our PartyAuction on Saturday at 6:30pm.  They have used their administration and hospitality gifts to create an environment where we can give thanks and celebrate all that God has done here.

I love that God is stirring people to follow Jesus to new places.  Maybe God is doing something new in you, too?  We would love to hear about it and pray with you.  Hang on.  It’s never a dull ride.

-David