Last night (Sunday) was an important night in the life of the ministry in Buff Bay - another gentleman and I were each installed as an elder/pastor within the circuit of churches. The service was both meaningful and humbling.
The six churches came together for a special service in the evening. One thing was clear throughout; Christ is the true and ultimate Shepherd of the flock. In the days and weeks leading up to the service I prayed that God would be glorified and that I would be reminded of my great need for God's grace in order to carry out the duties of under-shepherding the flock of God. There is no doubt in my mind that God was glorified in the service. There was very little about us (the new elders) and much of our need for Christ to lead! My heart was full as we looked to Christ, the pioneer and finisher of our faith, the one who goes before us, and walks with us!
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| Sharing with the church my salvation testimony |
In some informal remarks about the role and qualifications of an elder (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-10),
Pastor Allen emphasized the need for faithfulness specifically among the men in the church. He called the men to "rescue the brotherhood" from the cultural malaise and rise up in the church. It was also a charge to the church ladies to fulfill their roles in the church with zeal and joy.
When we first moved to Jamaica, it took a while to adjust to the shouts of "Hey, white man!" and other curious looks as we walked the streets as the new neighbors. However, last night reminded us of God's provision and call to Buff Bay. The church was so excited to install us as elders and call us "Pastor." My heart was full and a bit overwhelmed at God's grace in preparing the way for us and using us in the churches. My heart was thankful and overjoyed at the bond we share in Christ race/ethnicity fade into background in light of our oneness in Christ!
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| Prayer with men from the circuit of churches |
Please pray for us as I assume a more specific role within the churches as an elder. Pray that my heart would continually look to Christ, the Good Shepherd, for wisdom, grace, strength, and joy. Also pray with us concerning the next group of elders. We do not know who they will be, but God does - pray that He, in His time, will make them clearly known so that the work of the church circuit around Buff Bay may continue on.
