What an exciting day at Selmore! . . . Today our church voted to begin construction on a new church building. The building will include a worship center with seating for up to 400, and an adjoining preschool/children's wing. I am convinced this project is an essential step in the continued vitality of this historic church. This new building will allow our church to grow along with our community. Please pray for me, that I will be a good shepherd in the coming months. I know there will be many challenges. But if I know the people of Selmore, they will meet them all with grace and love. And if I know the Lord, He will supply all our needs "according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
We had a sweet service tonight. The church laid hands on me, and prayed for my upcoming trip to El Salvador. They also surprised me with a very generous financial gift for my trip. I have said it before, and I'm sure I will say it again, but I wish every pastor had the blessing of leading such a loving and generous church.
I shared with my church tonight I have some anxiety about my upcoming mission trip. With it being such a busy time at church, and with my wife being pregnant, in many ways it does not seem like an ideal time to go. But is it ever? I cannot ask my church to "go" if I am not willing to do the same. And so I go as an example to the flock, and I go out of obedience to the Master. And again, if I know the Lord, He will move and work even through His servant's reluctance simply because He can. And by the time I come home, I will wonder how I ever could have doubted going. God is good that way. I am looking forward also to going with my friend, Gregg Boll, the pastor of FBC-Crane, Missouri. Gregg is a missions-minded pastor, for whom I have a great deal of respect.
I do not know what my internet access will be in El Salvador. If I have opportunity, I may try to post an entry while I am there. If not, I will blog on my experience when I get back.
I have some shepherding to do tomorrow morning, then if all works out, it will be off to Lake Taneycomo in the afternoon with Dad to catch some rainbow trout. Haven't been fishing since mid-September. Sounds good, and it's supposed to be 70 and sunny!
Wednesday we'll be heading down to northeast Arkansas to eat Thanksgiving dinner with my brother, Jordan, and his family. The girls are looking forward to seeing their cousins. My brother is like me, in that he married WAY over his head! I like hanging out with Jordan. He has the ability to make me laugh in embarassing ways. Laughter is definitely a good thing.
Happy Thanksgiving!