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RENDEZVOUS

"Preach the Word..."

by Jim Parks, Associate Director

Seasons change and summer gives way to fall, and I am reminded of some of the last words of advice Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV)

Interestingly, the word "preach" is used here to describe a herald who is proclaiming the king’s message to his subjects.

So it is—summer, winter, spring, and fall; in good times and in bad; circumstances disregarded, we are to be patiently, carefully, and accurately giving God’s Word. Are you prepared?

It was quite a summer, wasn’t it? Hundreds of campers heard about Jesus at camp. Probably a thousand heard about Jesus in the various Mission church Vacation Bible School programs; Pathwalkers once again took their special message of Jesus on the road to places outside Montana; and an ever-growing group of men provided summer pulpit supply to help Mission pastors accommodate summer schedules. All in all it was quite a group effort, with churches helping each other with VBS weeks, and a real mix of Mission church members participating each week at both camps.

But now summer is over, and the teams go home to their individual churches to prepare for fall and winter programs. Youth groups, AWANA, Bible studies, and in some cases the resumption of Sunday School classes.

Once again Bible Training Center is under way, training church leaders and pastors. The season changes, but God’s Word continues to be proclaimed. Which team are you on in your church?

In a very real sense, each Mission church represents redeemed society before the secular communities in which God has placed them. They are God’s herald to each community. It is each church’s privilege and responsibility continually to present God’s Word. Are you enjoying your privilege of sharing His Truth in season and out—carefully, accurately, and patiently? Are you prepared? Are you available?

Perhaps you didn’t have the opportunity to lead a cheer at a campfire this summer like Travis, but are you poised to do so? Do you have a quiet word at the ready? "Walk in wisdom toward them that are outside, redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5).