When I spoke to executive director Jim Hamilton of the Dakota Baptist Convention, and told him we had between 60 and 70 folks show up to hand out over 3000 invitations to our Easter service he was dumfounded. His statement to me was, “That is more people than most of our (Dakota) churches have on a Sunday morning”.
I want you all to know that I have been humbled by the turn out in every area of this endeavor to reach souls for the Kingdom of God. We had over 30 come on Monday and gave up a half a day to stuff the bags to hang on the doors. In addition to all the hands on work, was the behind the scenes planning that the mission team did. The countless meetings, hours of phone calls, emails and reminders were all worth the effort when on Sunday morning a sobbing young woman left a message that God had spoke to her through the invitation we left hanging on her door. She had been on a journey back to God and He used our small effort in His divine plan to draw her back to Him. That is all we needed to be able to say of this outreach effort , it was a success. God had used us to reach one lost soul.
I truly believe that she will not be the only person we end up reaching. The body of believers here at Calvary are anxiously looking forward to Easter Sunday morning to see just how many people respond to the invitations. We are looking for a great harvest to occur. There is new energy flowing in the hearts of God’s people for evangelism. Sunday School teachers are watching for new students to appear on Sunday morning. The greeters are anticipating welcoming many new faces through the doors. The WEM team are baking 100 loves of bread to give each new family who comes to worship with us for the first time. The ushers are ready to meet the seating and parking needs which arise due to the crowd. Nursery workers are in the nursery as I write this, cleaning every toy and counter top. Something they do on a regular bases, but with anticipation of many new babies and totterers in the nursery.
Someone once said to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God. I believe we have attempted something great for God and we are now in anticipation to see what He will do. I am reminded that all things come to those who wait. We may not see hundreds show up for church this Sunday. However I know that He who is faithful will give an increase. His word does not return void. He said to sow abundantly and you will reap abundantly. We have sown seeds of invitation bathed in prayer. I am looking forward to see how God will use our efforts for His purposes.
I want to praise God for all our members who helped in any way and say thank you
Pastor Steve