Monday, April 1, 2013

The April Fools I will never forget...

April Fool's Day, 1990. It was a typical Sunday morning in a small four year old, central Texas church. This fairly young church was meeting in a tiny insurance company lobby. I am sure the committed arrived super early, coffee in hand, to prepare for the day. Some straightened chairs, some set out the nursery toys and others arrived to pray. A few minutes before the first worship song was to be sang, in we walked. My family had never been to a church service together before, much less to a church who lifted their hands in worship and prayed in tongues. I was ten years old, going on thirty. My mind was super confused at to why in the world we were there yet, on the inside... I knew something special was about to happen. The people were kind enough, however I am sure I looked bug-eyed when they began to lift their hands, dance and some even busted out with the tambourine. There was even a moment where the music softened and a lady with white hair began to speak loudly in a language I didn't know. It was so unfamiliar, yet, peaceful. Honestly, I don't remember at all what the preacher preached. I do remember knowing it was time to walk down that 15 foot aisle, which seemed like a thousand feet. Unaware of the eternal shift that was about to be made, I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life that morning. April 1, 1990, in that little insurance building across from the post office in Luling, Texas. At the age of ten, I sensed a cleansing, and closeness to God. I remember feeling... purpose. Yes, at age ten, I felt great purpose. Some people in the congregation that day may have clapped cordially while the last amen of the sinner's prayer was spoken. Some may have tuned out during the altar call thinking of what they should eat for lunch. Other's however, knew that this was eternal destiny in the balance that had been settled once and for all. Twenty-three years later, I am so grateful for those who just loved God and kept ministry simple. They loved people and loved God. Had everyone who was a part of church that day seen their contribution as insignificant, where would I be? Had nobody prayed... where would I be? Had the Carters not offered their insurance building for the church service... where would I be? Had the ladies not vacuumed so the preacher could prepare... where would I be? Had they not taken care of the babies so others could hear the Word... where would I be? Had someone not set out chairs for people to sit to hear the gospel... where would I be? Had the Davis' not been diligent to practice and lead worship to prepare hearts... where would I be? You see, they could have looked at it like the world looks at it. This is a small church, in a small town and anything I do really doesn't make a difference. Instead, they looked at it as eternal seed. Twenty-three years of loving God, 12 years of ministry, 8 years of being a wife, and 4 years of being a mom... I am grateful. There are more who are grateful than me. Every person I have prayed with, discipled, imparted truth... or led in times of worship. They are thankful. Every tear that I have wiped, missionary I have sent, marriage I have helped restore... they are thankful. To this day, I am preaching, praying, equipping, coaching, giving... all the while raising my children to love and obey God... because someone sowed their time, their gifts... what they had. There was purpose in the seed and it is still giving. Matthew 10:42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward. I Cor 12:27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function].