From the Pastor's Heart...

One of Freedom’s mission values is UNITED IN SERVICE.  The slightly extended version of this is:  As a unified and gifted community, we should serve each other and impact the world.  During the month of September, we’re going to highlight this value.  The goal is for unified service locally and globally. 

When one thinks about the great architectural feats of history—the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica—each of these monumental projects was accomplished only by thousands of people working together for a common goal.  Engineers, foremen, stone-cutters, masons, and common laborers were all employed as a unified force, not to mention all of the support staff of couriers, cooks, blacksmiths, farmers, stable workers, accountants, etc.  No single person could ever accomplish one of these massive projects alone.  It takes a unified and gifted community to impact the world. 

Each of us has a significant contribution to make to the overall kingdom of God.  Some will send; others will go.  Some will teach, others will feed, build, pray, heal, and give cups of water in Jesus name.  Some will help with preschoolers and children, others with teens, still others with adults in their various stages of life. 

One of the things we’ve recently learned by through our APGAR tests is that Freedom has growth room in the area of service or action.  Were we to hear those frequent words from the Spirit in Revelation 2-3, “I know your deeds . . .”, what would God’s assessment be of our church?  Have we done enough in the past?  Are we presently doing all that we should?  What will be our legacy? 

One thing is clear:  whatever we do, we need to do together, united in service, using each person’s strengths to serve each other and make a real difference in the world.  Our “world” includes Freedom Church and Owasso, but also places like Mexico, Nepal, and Cambodia.  I believe that Freedom’s greatest days are just ahead of us.  While we may not leave a lasting monument such as the Pyramids or Taj Mahal, we can leave a lasting spiritual legacy that will shape and shake the nations for Christ. 

Let’s serve the world . . . together! 

Blessings, Andrew

Owasso Character Trait for September: 

Diligence:  Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.