We are living in exciting days.
In a world in turmoil because of terrorism, war, natural disaster and deep depravity, the Church is afforded a great opportunity to live out the gospel. The Church in America has lived in the middle of incredible affluence for many years. Opportunities for the Church to show extravagant benevolence to our American society have been few. Yet in these days, God has opened the door to do just that, to be the very body of Christ in extravagant benevolence, compassion, service and love.
For our covenant community of churches here in the Northwest, I could not be more proud. Many of you have lifted your heads to see the world around you and have begun to show them Jesus. You have reached out to solders and their families in creative, sustained ministries—from daily prayer to care packages to outfitting entire units with water packs for those in extreme heat.
You have reached out and shepherded lost people through prayer, counseled on every imaginable life issue, and introduced them to the Savior. You have ministered to all kinds of people, from the inner city to rural America and everywhere in between. You have also touched the physical environment in which they live by cleaning the parks, schoolyards, streets and yards of the poor and housebound.
Today you are leading the way into the eye of the storm of human need and suffering caused by Hurricane Katrina. Money, demolition teams, construction teams, aid, resources, prayer and compassionate shepherding have all been deployed from CBNW churches to connect with adopted churches in the stricken area of the Gulf Coast.
On top of all that, you are reproducing churches, pastors, elders and believers. I am truly amazed at what God will do through a covenant community of churches living in authentic community.
When the CB churches of the Northwest come together in Eugene, OR, this coming March we will celebrate all the ways you have embraced the mission of the Church.
Keep up the good work, Church. You rock!
