Each year, around this time (end of Oct/ first of Nov), I begin seeking the Lord for a "theme" or direction for the Philippine church for the upcoming year. It just seems that that's been the leading of the Lord for our mission work through the years. The theme sort of provides an overall direction and alignment with what the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through our mission work and the Filipino congregation that we shepherd.
What's exciting is that every year, the Lord guides us (corporately) into another level of what He has in store for that year. Most of the preachings, teachings, and life stories that surface throughout the year are expressions and applications of that mission theme. And it is so powerful and life-changing when the Holy Spirit is the one in the "drivers seat" of our ministry.
Some of the past few years' themes were:
2002 - Holiness
2003 - Grow Fruitful - Be Helpful
2004 - Raising the Standard
2005 - Change Your Life - Change Your World
2006 - It's Not About Me. It's All About Jesus
2007 - Expect More
2008 - ???
Bambi and I ask for your prayers, especially right now. Pray that God's will become so clear and His voice so distinct, as we seek Him in desperation for His specific direction and agenda for the upcoming year. Pray that our sowing into the lives of many Filipinos will be strategic and productive for the explosion of His Kingdom purposes.
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* Note:
Interestingly enough, it was during this "seeking" the Lord's will and direction for '03 that God put Bambi on my heart, and led me to initiate contact with her. I had met her several years before on a mission trip to Palawan Island, but had no intention of ever getting married. With each pray for the church in San Fernando, God seemed to be speaking to me about her. A strange and unexpected response. But, boy am I glad that God brought Bambi into my life!
