This past weekend I had the blessing and honor of speaking at Life Point Church in Hortonville, WI. This church is a thriving daughter work of ATC. In just three years the church has more than eighty members, and is full of energy and love. There are several families, young children, and teenagers who attend the church. Currently, the church is renting a community church building, and is having an incredible impact on the community. Life Point has been able to help repair and update the building they are using, which is over a hundred years old. They have also been able to update and help repair the parsonage of the church. They even were able to make a basketball court for the young people to use before and after church. The Youth Pastors Breanna and CJ designed a youth room which is filled with lights, creative designs, and an atmosphere which helps young people hear and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. This church reminds me a lot of a NT Church, where people are coming to God and receiving strength, forgiveness, salvation, love, healing, hope, encouragement, and mercy.
Before I arrived at the Church, I felt like God had given me a message to preach to the people. I preached from Jeremiah 29:10-14 on the topic of “God has a plan for you, take a step of faith when you feel stuck.” As I came into the building I was not nervous. Home mission churches are my calling, and I feel at home with small churches. I believe ministering in ten services in Yellowstone National Park helped me prepare for my calling and ministry. I also believe hospital chaplaincy has helped me overcome certain anxieties and fears. I walk into unknown situations every day, and I have learned to trust and depend on God’s strength and wisdom. As I walked into the church in Hortonville, I knew God had a word for these people, and I knew my ministry was to speak the word. In addition to the sermon, I also felt the Lord impressed these words upon my heart to share with the people. “I tell you to take a step. I tell you I will be with you. Fear not, but behold the plan I have for you. Walk with me. Trust me. Do not be afraid.” A few years ago I asked God for the gift of prophecy spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12 and Acts 2:17.
It was a really great experience having the opportunity to share God’s Word with the people. I am very thankful to Pastor and Sister Soto for allowing us to come and be with them. It really meant a lot to Luke and I, because we are younger ministers just out of seminary who are looking for God to open doors. Also, as a hospital chaplain it was great to be in the congregational setting for a little bit. I really enjoy being with people, and look forward to the day when God calls us to pastor in the church setting.
