| 2006 | |
RENDEZVOUS | |
Carpe Diem—and the Summer TooLooking at the landscape now it’s easy to forget how the countryside looks when it’s green. Early sunrise, irrigation, mowing, shorts and shirtsleeves are but a memory in the dead of winter. The family room I now keep toasty with a glowing woodstove is the same room I’m so diligent to keep cool during the summertime. And that season of the “dog days” will be here before we know it. Summertime beckons many folks to let down, relax and play. School’s out, vacation trips are scheduled, lakes and mountains call to us, and folks from a distance are apt to stop and spend a night or two. For others, especially those in agriculture, it’s the opposite: summer is the busiest time. This increase or decrease in busy-ness prompts many churches to scale back their programs as everyone seems to shift to a different gear during the summerYet summer is in many ways the very best time to get involved in ministry for the Kingdom. For the individual Christian as well as our churches, here’s an opportunity not to surrender, slip away or sizzle in the heat, but to seize the summer! Days are longer, roads are bare and dry, some schedules are more flexible, and opportunities abound. For the Christian who has toyed with the idea of summer ministry, make this the year you jump into the pool! (Or swimming hole…) Volunteer for a job at Bible camp, where there’s something for everyone to do, from counseling young people to support ministries in the kitchen, on the grounds, or with the many lively camp activities. As the Spirit nudges, move with Him and learn the joy of service! For Bible-believing churches summer is a huge opportunity to organize short-term missions trips, whether in-state or outside the country. Teams can choose between Mexico and Mission, Montana. And be assured that the Lord will teach, groom and use your efforts to share the gospel of God’s love.Vacation Bible Schools should now be in the planning stages, and there’s no better way to reach the children of the community during the summer than with VBS. Many kids (and parents!) are looking for things to do, school being out for the season. Some churches put together teams of workers to take the VBS ministry to a smaller, distant church with fewer resources. What a great opportunity to serve God, visit new places and make new friends! Actually, there’s a verse in the Bible where Jesus challenged His followers to engage the harvest, noting the Kingdom fields are white and ready. (See John 4.35) I believe the harvest normally occurs ... yes ... in the summer! Seize it!
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