Manhattan Mission Project

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-15

These are the words that blew through the air today as we gathered in the field at the Round Barn Farm for the Installation of the new Mission Pastor for Manhattan, IL, Dan Hudson. The service was held outdoors. . . no walls, no buildings, just people who had prayed for two years, people who were welcoming him, people who were releasing him, people who had seen a glimpse of God's vision and trusted.

Today I was honored to be a part of the worship to send him into a new mission field. It was thrilling, moving, scary, and full of hope. Planting a new church and starting from literally nothing is a calling that few take, but is so incredibly necessary. So as excited as I was for Dan's new ministry, I was even more moved at the reminder that we are all called into this ministry everyday. We all carry this ministry with us wherever we go. We carry with us the power of the Holy Spirit and that is a power that changes lives for eternity. What an honor, what a privilege, what a call.

There is no need to ask the question "What on earth am I here for? What is my purpose?" It is clear . . . . to be sent. We are sent here to declare His glory wherever we are and in all that we do. There is no greater calling.

So teachers. . . declare his glory; CEO's. . .declare His glory;

Fire Fighters. . .declare His glory; Secretaries. . .declare His glory; Janitors. . . declare His glory; Pastors. . . declare His glory; Coaches. . . declare His glory;

Stay at Home Mom's & Dad's. . . declare His glory;

Musicians. . . declare His glory; Investors. . . declare His glory; landscapers. . .declare His glory; Students. . . declare His glory;

Flight Attendants. . .declare His glory;

Garbage collectors. . .declare His glory;

EVERYONE. . . Declare His Glory!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Rain Jumping

My Mission today was to get the house clean for the weekend, that way I could have a relaxing few days not worrying about dust bunnies. I was doing great and then all of the sudden I heard the first few drops of rain. Instantly, my summer couch potato (my daughter) popped up and said "Mom, lets go jump on the trampoline in the rain." My initial thought was to say "No, I need to keep working" or "That's not very safe". But, instead. . . . . . .

I said "OK, let's go."

Immediately we ran outside and jumped. We jumped, laughed, slid around and had a great time. It was enough excitement to gain the attention of a visitor in the neighbors yard to tell us how much fun it looked like we were having. I think he secretly wanted to slip around on the trampoline too. I believe trampolines have a way of pulling the kid out of us. How can you be serious when your flying through the air, how can you think about all the things on the "to-do" list when the laughter and smiles of your daughter melt that all away?

The rain continued to grow stronger and then the lighting came, which was our cue to head inside. But, it was the best 7 minutes of my day and I'm so glad I didn't let it pass by. As my kids get older these moments become fewer and fewer. I don't want to miss a single opportunity.

Don't let the rain pass you by. Go have fun. . . . . . .

jump, dance, skip and a laugh in the rain.

Four things you can't recover:

The stone........after the throw. The word........after it's said.

The occasion.........after it's missed. The time.........after it's gone.