Trim your lamps

Let your waist be girded
Let you lamp be trimmed
Watch and be ready
Jesus showing up on the water
Through a locked door
No man knows the hour

I am reading a book by Oswald Chambers in which he references the unexpected ways of our Lord. There is a sense in which from our perspective, we must always be ready for a surprise from our Father. I am not sure if this is the right example, but I just experienced a surprise and I am thanking the Lord.

Since arriving in Jamaica, our heart has become burdened for the deaf Church in Jamaica. There are 3 official deaf churches and a new church plant. We have asked the Lord what our role is in supporting the development of these fellowships. We have tried to help in little ways and the Lord provided another little way that we had not expected.

Our desire has been to encourage deaf men to take responsibility for the leadership of these churches. We have tried to provide encouragement to some in our local deaf fellowship, but we know it is an issue across Jamaica. Last week, we learned that our local fellowship was hosting a leadership retreat for the deaf churches in Jamaica. I asked the pastor if I could join and he asked if I would be willing to share some thoughts at the retreat. A little later, I told him I was willing and he asked if I could teach a lesson to only the men on motivation for ministry. Wow, what an opportunity and what a surprise. I tried to teach the idea that the Gospel is our motivation, the simple Gospel. There were approx. 10 men there representing the 3 churches. We pray that the power of the Gospel continues to take root in each of our lives for His glory!