Not In The Picture

I've been to Africa with those people. That's Team 2 from Central Community, we traveled and worked together in February, 2006. When I'm with one of our team members, one that I've traveled with, my favorite way to introduce them is: "We've been to Africa together!" How many people in life do you get to say that about?

I like this picture for a few really good reasons: 1. Debi's in it- today, May 21, is her birthday- happy birthday honey, she's the best life companion anyone could ever hope for, 2. Pastor Ken and Pastor Israel are in it- couldn't say enough about the blessing Pastor Ken is in our lives and our ministry if I had hours, God's blessed us by allowing us to serve with him for 15 years and I can honestly say that every day of it's been an honor... Pastor Israel leads our work in Mexico and it was a dream come true to share our work in Kenya with him and to watch his young ministry expand as he joined so great a task, 3. Charles and Patrick, our good friends and drivers are in the photo- Charles worked harder than 3 men alongside us and I'm proud to call him friend, Patrick first introduced me to Kenya- he's my "brother from another mother" and I think of he and his family daily, 4. Our team is there... this team was promised nothing but HARD WORK and they all signed up willingly and gave themselves completely- it humbles one to work side by side with people who work harder, longer and more effectively than you're able... they did... and because of their hard work, we showed The Jesus Film in the school rooms they built just this last March- each class is being used today, and finally I like this picture because 5. I'm not in it. I'm taking it and taking it all in.

When I first came to Central Community I was uncertain about it. I'd jumped into the process of meeting the people and interviewing... then the thought of so great a life task overwhelmed me when they offered me the job... I prayed God would give me a vision: He did. In a moment- maybe shorter - or longer- while I was on my knees in prayer in the middle of the night, He showed me the church turned upside down, so it could be right side up to reach a world drowning and in need of rescue. People were sinking everywhere... the church was full... like a ship in a sea filled with people waiting to be saved and everyone on board was reaching out to pull someone else in to safety- to bring one more safely home- there were people reaching people, so that none might be lost.

I was no where in the picture. I never saw myself in the vision. But I knew that I had to say "Yes!" It's how I came to pastor in Riverside at Central Community. It's the vision I've labored towards all these years. A church filled with people reaching out to people. Each day, we draw a little closer to living out God's Will for who He wants us to be.

This weekend over 100 of us are going to Mexico to build an addition at Siempre Para Los Ninos, our children's home in TJ. Some of the same people in the picture from Team 2, above, to Africa will be laboring together again, turning the church upside down, so we can be right side up for Christ. Patrick, 12,000 miles away in Kenya, dreams of bringing his family to visit Siempre. Hearts are being changed around the world. Children are being rescued and a community in poverty lifted up in Mexico. God's changing our hearts as we say yes to step through this open door. I don't even know all the people who're registered. God's doing this good work and together we'll do all we can to see that He get's all The Glory.

It's not all that important that we're in the picture... as much fun as it is to look back in wonder that we had the opportunity to share in so great an adventure... what's important is that we're in His church, reaching out to those still lost in the chaos of life without God. It's why we do what we do. It's the vision that gives me clarity when I need it most. It's how I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that this weekend, whatever challenges we may face, will be life changing. It's how I know that my job is to stand near the railing, arm in arm with my brothers and sisters, ready to reach out at a moments notice to all those seeking the hope of rescue.

The Visions too big for one person to carry alone... It's God's Vision for us to share. You're invited to have your world turned upside down- when you're ready to get right side up for God. I want to go there with you.

for changing lives,

Eric