After some four months of summer vacation, I actually found myself looking forward to another year of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). Despite all the time commitment, the daily discipline of homework, the sharing and fellowship among new friends in class, it was such joy when I arrived at the church
to discover the parking lot overflowing into all the side streets with cars and every seat in the church pews packed with happy faces. There must have been at least 300 ladies there, anxious to commence another BSF year .
My new small group this year was an unexpected combination of participants who are on their forth year (like me), who have been attending the Richmond branch since day one; or the rest of us in their eighth year, the final year of the program (who have completed their original seven years' program and were brought back for the newly introduced study on Isaiah).
Charlene, our coordinator, gave a wonderful introduction of this year's study of Isaiah with one word ...... "Difficult".
While she had the entire group shocked at the remark, she went on to share how our perception of difficulties can hinder our efforts and how it could be overcome. A Bible verse slipped through my mind .... "....but with God all things are possible (never difficult) !!" (Matt 19:26)
Pastor Tom, pastor of this church, has just resigned at age 58 to serve his calling in China with his wife. As he shared with us his "unexpected" career change leaving "everything" behind as a leap of Faith, he quoted ...
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
(John 3:8)
After the lecture, I ran into Mrs Diana Law in the hallway. Her son Eric (the warden for Good Shepherd) was my father's godson from many years ago. Diana lives by herself in the same apartment building (mom's) where my brother Chris is now living on his own. Totally unexpected, she asked me,
" I have ran into your brother Chris quite a few times and we have talked often. Do you think it is a good idea for me to invite him to church?".
My mouth dropped.... It is truly a prayer answered!!!
Thank you Lord, for BSF!!
Thank you Lord, for everything you do in my life!!!!
Jane
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Jane,
ReplyDeleteYour e-mail came at a time when I was just having an 'overwhelming' moment while preparing for my BSF leader's training session tomorrow a.m. Last Monday, on our Intro class and 1st evening back to BSF we were swamped with adults and children.
All our training prior to that did not prepare us for the numbers that came through the doors. We prayed for organization and order and wisdom.
From 50 children who registered, 75 showed up. We had to cap 2 Levels.
55 new ladies showed up for Intro class.
Please pray for us---- for 2 more Children's Leaders to answer God's call and 4 more Group Leaders for the adults.
We don't want to turn anyone away. If it's God's will, I know He will hear our prayers.
He did provide for the growth by moving us to a huge 'mega church' ( Baptist church) this year and equiping us with training and resources.
God does work in His own time and in His own way through people that He chooses.
Let's pray that Chris' heart will be soften and he will accept the invitation to go back to church.
Take care,
Linda