Jesus said in Matthew 25:21&23: "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." I have learned and continue to learn over the years, the wisdom and genius of God in regards to how he prepares a man and woman for ministry. Giving them a little at a time and not asking for success, just faithfulness. This lesson I experienced in the month of July...
The beginning of last month I returned from my furlough in California and hit the ground running. There was a lot of financial and administrative things to attend to. I had mentioned a couple of newsletters ago that Pastor Rafael has wanted to bring more structure to the church and Bible college. Our team has been going through many changes as we have gained some new members as well as lost some. We are also developing an internship program.
More and more I am continuing to do the accounting and bookkeeping on my own. I am also now responsible for everything and anything that falls under finances. This includes all the transactions for the Bible College students, as well as paying rent for some of the apartments. It has been a lot of work, but nonetheless a growing experience. I am also seeing more and more what it takes to run a Bible College.
This Fall I will be teaching Missions again. I will also be teaching the book of Ecclesiastes for the first time and helping to teach some classes for Men's Discipleship.
I have also continued to be a taxi for Jesus giving people rides to church and helping with church cleaning.
At the end of the month, I went with Trevor our Youth Pastor to the other side of the island for a youth retreat. We camped by the beach and had a great weekend together. Some parents came up to us who served at the retreat, and said their kids had a great time and couldn't stop talking about it. This trip definitely brought back fond and funny memories of my time serving the youth of Calvary Chapel Upland.
In closing, the Bible says in Proverbs 20:6: "Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man?" May we all desire to be people who are faithful to the Lord in whatever He has placed before us on His perfect path of provision!
By His Grace,
Eric
