Each year we end up living out the theme God places on our heart. This year has been no different. We develop a theme for our sports camp and other ministry opportunities, and it impacts each of us differently. Press On was the theme for this year. It looks at how Paul faced many trials and continued to Press On with the mission that God gave him. It was through the power of God that Paul was able to do so. Paul understood this and mentions this at the end of his discourse on the armor of God. To the church in Ephesus he wrote,
"To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
We are all facing a difficult time, and prayer is vital to remaining hopeful! Just like Paul prayed for the church, we also have been praying a lot for the church. Will you join us in making supplication for all the saints? There are many issues that are creeping up in the church that could cause disunity and frustration: how to reopen with the lurking danger of COVID-19, how a church feels about government mandates, or how to handle geopolitical situations across the globe.
As we strive to care for our partner churches, we hear the need for grace in each local church as they seek to respond in a way that does not remove the mystery of the gospel. Pray that they will handle each difference of opinion with grace and truth, pointing people back to the cross of Jesus in all they do.
Pray for the safety of the pastors and elders as they continue to care for people in their congregation. Pray for lay leadership as they seek to serve in connection with their church. Pray those entire congregations will seek to listen and understand each other, even if they have opposing views.
There is so much to pray about and consider for churches. Most churches are excited about pressing on with their missions, but facing the reality it is going to be different! So, above all else, pray that the Church will be able to declare the gospel boldly! Pray that whether they are opening or remaining closed that God’s word will go forth in a mighty way and people will come closer to Jesus because of the perseverance of His body!