Jimmy Walker, former missionary to the Philippines, has accepted the pastorate of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Waldo, where he had been serving as interim pastor. He will continue to serve as superintendent at Columbia Christian School.
Immanuel Baptist Church in Nashville is seeking a full-time pastor. Send resumes to Immanuel Baptist Church Search Committee, P. O. Box 212, Nashville, Ark. 71852.
By Anthony Crocker, President • BMA of Arkansas
On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Baptist Missionary Association of Arkansas will hold its 76th annual meeting. We’re looking forward to gathering under the theme, “For the Sake of the Name,” taken from III John 7. Here’s what you need to know as you make plans to attend.
Please allow me the liberty to make an appeal to all our churches. As a pastor, I know how full our schedules are, and as a partner on your Global Missions team, I understand the many demands on our ministries — both locally and globally. Yet I cannot overstate how important it is for your church to attend local, state and national meetings. These gatherings are vital opportunities to stay connected, encouraged and informed. They are the primary way our departments provide full transparency to the churches that support them. It is our best means of being informed not only how they are stewarding the resources God is providing them through the churches, but also how we can best serve them further. Please make every effort to send at least your pastor. Remember, each church may have up to three messengers.
To simplify schedules this year, we will use a single-day meeting format. There will be general sessions at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and a final session following the annual message that evening. We’re asking everyone to stop by the registration table early, since this year’s sessions begin in the afternoon. This will help both you and our Enrollment and Finance team that serves the churches so wonderfully every year.
A final schedule for our meeting will be in next week’s Baptist Trumpet, and available at their table prior to our meeting. Other information can be found on the Baptist Trumpet at BaptistTrumpet.com/BMAArk2025.
For vendors interested in having a display at our meeting, our second vice president has already contacted all those who had displays last year. If you have not heard from him and are interested in reserving a table, please contact Derrick Bremer at derrick@dsmbc.org. He will be happy to assist you and help you get set up.
Speaking of Bro. Derrick, many of you have seen that he is in the missions pipeline with BMA Global and will not be available to serve as first vice president next year. That means we need to prayerfully consider how we will fill these important leadership roles. I am completing my second year as your president, which means I am not eligible to be reelected. Your first vice president has served one term in that role. Please make this a matter of prayer as you come.
Thank you to all the committees and departmental leaders for all they have done in preparing for the meeting. A special thanks to CBC Vice President for Advancement Duffy Guyton and the fantastic team at CBC for all they have already done to make our meeting possible. Please see Bro. Duffy’s previous articles for information about meeting hotels and logistics you need to consider as you arrive on the CBC campus next week (See the Sept. 24 and Oct. 22 issues or visit BaptistTrumpet.com/BMAArk2025).
Above all, please pray for your officers, department and ministry leaders, and one another as we come together “For the Sake of the Name” next week. May our time together renew our shared vision and strengthen our unity in Christ. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
By Jeff Herring, Executive Editor • Baptist Trumpet
Every November, our BMA of Arkansas family gathers — pastors and lay leaders, missionaries and messengers, college representatives and ministry partners — for what we simply call “the meeting.” It’s the one time of the year when old friends catch up, new ones are made and our shared mission feels a little more personal again. Because the meeting is never just a meeting — it’s a family reunion on mission. It is a time to celebrate what God has done, renew our shared commitments and discern together what He wants to do next. And like any family gathering, what we bring matters.
Whether your church is big or small, whether you’ve been in ministry for decades or are just getting started, we need you there. The strength of our association isn’t found in our programs. It’s found in our people. When all generations come together, something powerful happens — we remember that this mission still matters.
Bring Gratitude Before You Bring a Motion
Before we bring reports, motions or recommendations, let’s first bring gratitude. God has been faithful — through another year of ministry, through transitions and trials, through every answered prayer. Paul wrote, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3). That’s how I feel when I think about this association — hundreds of churches across Arkansas, working together for the sake of the gospel.
Every story you read in the Trumpet — from a baptism in a small-town church to an update from an international missionary — exists because our churches choose to cooperate instead of compete. That’s something to thank God for.
Show Up with Faithfulness
When we gather at Central Baptist College on Nov. 6, we won’t just be attending another meeting. We’ll be stepping into a living picture of cooperation. Every handshake, every prayer, every report tells part of the story of what God is doing through us.
As we gather, we’ll hear firsthand how God is using your faithful support to impact lives across Arkansas and beyond. We’ll celebrate the ministries that represent who we are and what we do together. This year, besides our normal business and reports from national departments, we’ll hear from:
• Paul White, BMA of Arkansas Missions executive director, and our state missionaries, sharing how they are reaching people with the gospel across Arkansas.
• Dr. Jeremy Langley, the new president of Central Baptist College, sharing how God is transforming lives through Christian higher education.
• Dan Carson, director of Student Ministry Matters, reminding us how we’re investing in the next generation of church leaders.
• And I will also offer an update on the Baptist Trumpet, showing how we’re keeping our churches informed, inspired and involved in the mission.
These aren’t just departments — they’re the heartbeat of how Arkansas churches disciple, send, educate and communicate. Each one depends on pastors, lay leaders and members who show up, pray together, and choose to keep building something bigger than themselves.
That’s what faithfulness looks like — pastors who shepherd without fanfare, volunteers who serve without spotlight, and members who simply keep showing up. It looks like you.
Fight for Unity, Not Uniformity
If there’s one thing we need more than ever, it’s unity — not uniformity, but unity rooted in the gospel. When we disagree (and we will), let’s do so with grace. When we debate, let’s remember that our mission is bigger than any motion. And when we leave, may our words build up, not tear down.
Jesus prayed in John 17 that His followers “may be one… so that the world may believe.” The world isn’t watching to see if we agree on every point — it’s watching to see if we still love one another when we don’t. Let’s walk into this meeting determined to leave closer than we arrived.
Come Expecting God to Move
Let’s not come just to hear reports — let’s come to hear from God. What if the next movement of missions, the next revival in our churches or the next calling in a young heart begins with the prayers we pray together on Nov. 6? We don’t just come to do business. We come to do His business.
So, what will you bring to the meeting this year?
Bring gratitude.
Bring faithfulness.
Bring unity.
Bring expectation.
And above all, bring your heart — ready for whatever God has in store.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” (Eph. 3:20).
Staying Connected to the Mission
The Baptist Trumpet exists to help you stay informed, inspired, and involved in the work God is doing through our churches, missionaries and ministries.
As we gather this year, let’s do more than read about the mission — let’s live it together.
Stay connected.
Stay faithful.
Stay involved.
We’ll see you at the meeting.
By Larry Barker, Vice President Church Strategy & Training • BMA Global
Men, mark your calendars now for the 2026 Men’s Retreat, a weekend designed to refresh your heart and strengthen your walk with the Lord. Enjoy outdoor activities, hearty meals, fellowship, prayer and powerful sessions focused on becoming the man God has called you to be.
You’ll have two opportunities to attend:
The cost is $50, which includes meals and all sessions. Registration and fellowship activities begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, with dinner at 6 p.m. Arrive when you’re able! The first session is at 7 p.m. on Friday, and you’ll be finished by 3 p.m. on Saturday. Whether you come with a group or on your own, this weekend is designed to strengthen your faith and your fellowship with other men of God.
For more information, contact Heidi Sorrells at heidi@bmaglobal.org.
At Central Baptist College, we believe God has called every student for a purpose. Education is one of the greatest tools we have to prepare for that calling, and now is the time to take the next step.
Registration for the Spring 2026 semester opens soon, and I want to encourage you to register early. Whether you are a current student continuing your degree, a new student preparing to begin your college journey or a working adult returning to the classroom, early registration helps set you up for success. It ensures you get the classes you need, gives you time to plan financially, and keeps you focused on achieving your academic and spiritual goals.
For Traditional Students
Our current students can begin registering for spring and winter intersession classes starting Monday, Nov. 10. Don’t wait — register early and you’ll be eligible to win CBC t-shirts and gift cards! Open registration for new traditional students will take place Jan. 5-7, with classes beginning Jan. 8.
For Transfer Students
If you’ve started your degree but haven’t yet finished, the spring semester is a great time to make CBC your new home. We are currently accepting applications and awarding scholarships. The deadline to apply is Jan. 9. Start your next chapter today.
For Working Adults (PACE Program)
The PACE program is designed for working adults seeking a flexible and convenient path to earn a college degree. All classes are offered entirely online. The application deadline for new students enrolling in the first five-week spring term is Monday, January 6.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you haven’t completed or renewed your FAFSA yet, now is the perfect time to do so! Submitting it early ensures you’re considered for all available financial aid opportunities. Central Baptist College is also currently awarding scholarships for both high school and transfer students. Visit cbc.edu/cost for more information and step-by-step guidance through the process.
At CBC, we are passionate about helping students grow academically, spiritually and personally. Early registration is one small but essential step toward fulfilling your God-given purpose. I encourage you, don’t wait. Take action now and prepare for a great semester ahead.
To apply or connect with an admissions counselor, visit cbc.edu/apply or contact us at admissions@cbc.edu or (501) 329-6873. Let’s make Spring 2026 a semester of purpose, excellence and growth.
As we come to the end of October and look ahead to November and December, we can’t forget about the holidays that we are about to encounter. They are great times. We love gathering with our students and having some extra fun and laughter. You may be planning a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve party. You may be looking at a special night of Christmas caroling. Whatever you’re looking at, it takes time, effort and intentionality. It is important to remember a few things as we celebrate in student ministry.
Most student ministry workers know how to throw a fun holiday party. It is two parts sugar, one part games and a pinch of Jesus. It should be more than just a pinch of Jesus, but that is often what happens. This week, I want to share some things that you need to remember as you work on your party and activity plans.
• Don’t plan events that conflict with school events. That is harder than it seems for churches with multiple schools and towns represented, but it is important to check with your students about concerts and activities they are involved in. Way back in the 1900s, my high school experience included marching in the Christmas parade and playing at our local hospital. It was expected that we would be involved in them if it wasn’t required. You may only have one or two students connected to those outside groups, but where possible, make the adjustment.
• Don’t plan events that conflict with church-wide events. It seems crazy to even mention this, but if we are not careful, we can get the cart in front of the horse in our planning. Take some time to talk with your pastor and other leaders about the plans for the holiday months. Stay away from youth events that put extra stress on the church family or a student’s family. For example, if your church has a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, don’t plan a youth alternative. Your students are a part of the body. They need the intergenerational connection that those events can provide. Additionally, don’t plan an evening event on those same weekends if it can be avoided. When there’s too much activity, parents often just say “no.”
• Don’t forget to plan out your family time. You need to create and curate special moments with your wife and children during the holiday months. You may have a Christmas Eve service or other events that take up time that would otherwise be spent with your family. Be intentional and find things that you can do with little ones. While we are not guaranteed any of our days, at most, we have 18 Christmas days with our little ones before they start shifting away from us. Go out and look at the lights. Attend a specific Christmas performance. Make a special movie night at home with Christmas goodies and an activity. There are many things you can do. You just need to be intentional.
• Don’t forget to look for service opportunities. One of the best ways to get your students involved is by serving the church and community. Visiting a nursing home or Christmas caroling are just two simple ways to get involved in the holidays. While they remember the laughter from your parties, they will remember the details and emotions of loving others through service.
• Don’t forget to bring God into the activity. Thanksgiving is all about giving God thanks for what He has done. Christmas is about the great gift of Jesus. Those are the places that we need to start from. While we enjoy the food, fellowship and fun of the holidays, the holidays should remind our students of what God has done. Make a place for the Father at your holiday gatherings.
• Don’t forget to involve your volunteer team. You may not be the best party planner, but you know that it is still important. Lean on the members of your volunteer team who thrive in those situations. Empower them to plan out the activity. We don’t have to do it all. We can allow others the opportunity to serve and grow through that service. You will still want to meet with them and talk through the activity, but you don’t have to be responsible for every detail.
The holidays can be a fun time of activity and service. Take some time and be intentional in your prep. A great holiday activity can have a lasting impact on your students. Join the conversation and let us know some of your favorite holiday activities. You can join our Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/studentministrymatterscommunity.
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:1-4).
What we have there is the Model Prayer — often referred to as the Lord’s Prayer. But when Jesus was in the garden, praying to the Father to have the cup removed, that was truly the Lord’s Prayer.
The matter of prayer is, to many, a very misunderstood and misused part of their Christian life. No greater asset do we have than the privilege of prayer. Without a doubt, prayer is the most powerful — and yet the most unused — of all our Christian privileges.
So, what is prayer? Prayer is us communicating with God, just as the Bible is God communicating with us. If fellowship is to exist, then the lines of communication must stay open. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. This is when Jesus gave us the example — the Model Prayer, not the Lord’s Prayer, in my view.
We would be wise to follow its example. We should begin with praise — “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” The word hallow means “to make or regard as holy.” The psalmist wrote, “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Why? “For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding” (Psalm 47:7). “Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness” (Psalm 30:4).
Secondly, we need to continue with a prayer for repentance — “forgive us our sins.” The psalmist said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). God will not bless or use a dirty vessel, for it’s not how fancy, but how clean the vessel is. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). Do whatever you need to do to make me a vessel fit for Your service. For only after we have confessed our sin are we able to approach His throne with boldness.
Thirdly, we need to make our petitions known unto Him. First, praise Him. Second, repent. Now we come to theasking part of prayer, “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). Some feel it is wrong to ask God for what we need, but that isnot so. In fact, we often have not because we ask not (James 4:2). Are you guilty of only asking for the things you want or the things you need? Do you pray and ask for a better understanding of His Word, a closer walk with Him, souls to be saved and lives to be touched? Or do you pray only for physical, consumable things you want? Matthew tells us: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). It is the spiritual that enables us to overcome life’s difficulties. It wasn’t their circumstances that brought the song out of Paul and Silas at midnight — it was their faith and their fellowship with God.
In this world, we sometimes ask our earthly fathers for things we don’t really need — things that might even hurt us. Our heavenly Father is the same way. He knows what’s best for us and often withholds things that would do us harm. When we pray, we also need to move toward what we’re asking for through our actions.
Let me give you an example. A farmer has a truckload of seed, and he prays, “Father in Heaven, give us a good crop this year, for we really need it.” Then he walks into the house and leaves the seed sitting on the truck. Wouldn’t that be foolish? Yet our prayers are often just as foolish. We pray for God to bless, but we never take the steps of faith that make room for His blessing.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “I thank God for what is happening at Ebenezer. Our activities are divided into small group meetings in homes during the week and ESL classes, singing, and worship services on weekends.
“We strive not to depend solely on the temple in Chenal, seeking to make home activities a blessing through fellowship and the study of Scripture. Each week, in homes, people connect with others, learn God’s Word, and share what they have learned. Experience has shown us that the quality of our weekday activities is positively reflected in Sunday attendance and participation.
“In fact, last Sunday we had excellent attendance and participation, and new members are bringing renewed enthusiasm to Ebenezer. As I have mentioned in previous reports, our congregation is reaching people who do not yet know the gospel or who are disconnected and hurting. It is not our church’s custom to invite people from other local churches to our activities.
“I thank God for this approach of seeking out the lost and those who are spiritually thirsty. At Ebenezer, there is an atmosphere of grace, not legalism, and from the pulpit we teach sound doctrine. Thank you, team, for your prayers and support in the ministry. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “What a great week at Faith Chapel! Our number was down a little, but we still had a great time of worship with some return visitors!
“We bought a new Assistive Listening System for the sanctuary last week and tried it on Sunday morning, and those that tried it said it worked wonderfully and helped them to hear the service without missing a thing. Praise God! We should have enough receivers to serve our members and visitors going forward, and we hope and pray that it enhances their worship experience. It also works wirelessly with cell phones and hearing aids through an app. Praise God for this technology!
“The drywall texture has been sprayed, and we are officially painting in the classroom addition! Praise God again. The flooring contractor has been scheduled to polish and stain the floors, and we are moving ahead steadily.
“We thank you all for your support and prayers — God is hearing and answering!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “It’s been a full and rewarding week as we continue to see God at work! I had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with a young man searching for direction in his life. Though he hasn’t yet accepted Christ, he listened with an open heart—please keep him in your prayers.
We also had the opportunity to visit the Howard County Association for their meeting, where we shared a report from the BMA Missions Office and an update on all that God is doing through Faith Journey. It was a blessing to connect with fellow believers, enjoy a tasty lunch, and hear inspiring messages.
“Our Faith Journey family surprised us with a wonderful Pastor Appreciation Sunday! From encouraging words and thoughtful gifts to an evening dinner of tacos, desserts, and trivia, we were overwhelmed by their love and encouragement. We’re so thankful for the people God has brought to this mission and the joy we share together as a family.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “This week was a steady one for our Connection Groups, even though overall attendance was down. Both groups continued their studies and enjoyed fellowship together. Our Woodbridge Group is still walking through the characteristics of God, while our Garfield Group is pressing on in their new study of Hebrews 11.
“We also held our second large-group worship service of the month last night at Room 161. This was only the second time we’d brought all our groups together twice in the same month. Up until last month, we’d only done that once a month. It was good for our immediate core to be together again, but honestly, it was discouraging — just like the first gathering earlier this month.
“That discouragement has pushed us to rethink and develop a new strategy for these gatherings, which we’re planning to launch in January. Part of that plan may involve moving to a different location, and I’ve already started checking out options.
“The biggest disappointment this weekend was that our annual Hayride and Bonfire got rained out. It’s always one of our best opportunities to welcome new guests and just have a blast together as a church family.
“Please continue to pray for our leaders, for new leaders to be established, and for wisdom as we take these next steps forward.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, sisters and brothers in Christ. This was an extraordinary week because we celebrated our cultures — an event for which we had been praying. It does not matter how much we plan or have the resources, as Moses said, ‘If your presence is not with us in what we are going to do, we do not want to do anything if you do not go.’ So, before any event, we’re going to pray fervently. Our work is spiritual.
“On Sunday, we celebrated our cultures and also observed Pastor Appreciation Day. It was wonderful — we had our highest attendance since starting the mission! Some who visited said they would return next Sunday. We enjoyed typical dishes from several countries, had representation from seven nations, and heard testimonies from brothers sharing about their cultures. We learned more about each nation and prayed for God’s work there. Below are some pictures from this time together.”
Arkansas has again been named the “Most Pro-Life State” in America by Americans United for Life (AUL) — the sixth consecutive year the state has received the top ranking. The announcement came Monday, Oct. 27, at a press conference at the State Capitol with Gov. Sarah Sanders.
In receiving the designation, AUL recognizes that the State of Arkansas ranks above all 50 states based on state laws protecting the unborn, the elderly, the disabled and the terminally ill.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the citizens of Arkansas throughout the history of our state who embraced a culture of life by following natural law with state law that honors the Judeo-Christian commandment, ‘Thou Shall Not Kill,’” said Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, following the announcement.
Mimms added, “Induced abortion was imposed upon all 50 states in 1973, but that dark era ended on June 24, 2022, after nearly 50 years with more than 200,000 of our unborn children in Arkansas killed by legal abortion. As we mark this day, let us remain committed to life, its defense, and protection.”
In a press release, Family Council President Jerry Cox noted that making Arkansas consistently the leading pro-life state has taken a lot of work over the years by many different people and organizations.
“Arkansas Right to Life has been defending human life for more than 50 years, and Family Council has been at it for nearly 37. Arkansas’ General Assembly has passed at least 65 good, pro-life measures since 2011. Ministers, churches, elected officials, pregnancy resource centers and everyday Arkansans all have worked tirelessly to make Arkansas the pro-life state that it is today.”
Pro-life Arkansans from across the state will come together to celebrate the state’s pro-life achievements and the ending of Roe v. Wade at the 48th Annual March for Life set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in Little Rock at the State Capitol. All are welcome to attend. More details on the march are available at artl.org.
— Arkansas Right to Life is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee, the oldest and largest pro-life organization. For more information, visit artl.org.
Serving as the pastor of a local church ain’t for sissies. Leading a church can be one of the loneliest, hurtful and stressful jobs in the world.
You have to make difficult decisions that people won’t understand. Many times, you’re not at liberty to share the “whys.” You would break someone’s confidence. So, you just swallow it.
You walk around carrying the heavy secret burdens of people that you love. And then, after you’ve done your best to help those people, you watch them walk away from you and the church.
Some are looking for a bigger “spiritual” bang. Others leave, and you never know why. They just ghost you.
It hurts.
It feels humiliating.
It makes you want to quit.
So, why would anyone put themself through it? Why not find another job? Because you didn’t choose to do this. God chose you. There is no walking away. He is your why. He is your Boss. You burned every bridge behind you long ago. You cashed in all your chips. Jesus is your everything. He owns you, and He calls the shots. This stopped being about you long ago. It’s all about Him.
Don’t pity your pastor. He doesn’t want your pity. He wants your prayers. He needs your encouragement. He needs you to show up and serve.
He needs you.
One of the most interesting things about ministry is its ability to prove the rules wrong. Productive ministry rarely follows predictable patterns. Often, human logic gets challenged. The successful minister learns to embrace what is counterintuitive.
We’ve been taught to set goals, measure outcomes and strive for “growth.” While our ambitions are often virtuous, the old joke about “butts, bucks and baptisms” shows that ministry refuses to fit into our categories. The problem with most goal-setting, whether in ministry or in life, is that we tend to measure success by things beyond our control. And for many Christians, the greater problem is that we set goals without ever consulting God about them.
Counterintuitive Fruitfulness
If someone had told me a few years ago that the most fruitful season of my ministry at Denver Street would come as I prepared to transition out of the pastorate, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. As Michelle and I shift our focus toward preparing to be sent as missionaries to France, the Lord seems to be producing more visible fruit now than ever before.
Obedience produces fruit. It just does — and sometimes that fruit comes from different fields than we would expect.
The discipleship group that used to meet in Michelle’s and my sunroom after our kids went to bed was the first ministry I pulled away from. Over the past couple of years, we have watched leaders from this group grow. As they’ve started meeting at another home and another person has started leading the group, they’ve grown!
Unexpected Increase
In the last couple of months, a man has approached me with a desire to start a church plant. This has been something I’ve been praying about since 2023. We’ve started meeting regularly to discern this calling together through prayer and preparation. Watching the Spirit stir a calling in someone else while I’m preparing to leave my pastorate has been a humbling reminder that God’s work is never limited to one person’s timeline or position.
All this while the family discipleship ministry we launched in April has tripled in attendance as we work with an intergenerational community to help parents grow in leading their homes in worship.
None of this was part of my “transition plan.” But all of it has been part of God’s plan.
The Paradox of Letting Go
The kingdom has always operated by paradox. In God’s economy, we gain by losing, we live by dying and we lead by serving. Fruitfulness often comes when we loosen our grip.
Jesus told His disciples, “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). The principle of the kingdom is surrender. When we release our ministries, our plans and even our security, we make room for God to do what only He can.
As I’ve begun letting go, I’ve watched my God bring growth in unexpected places. My capacity has never hindered God.
Confirmation in the Call
This season of ministry continues to flood my heart with peace about our future ministry to France.
As I’ve revisited old papers and journals, I can see the threads of this calling woven throughout my story. Friends have reminded me of conversations and moments I barely remember, where I mentioned a burden for Europe. Looking back, I can see that God has been writing this story far longer than I’ve been aware of it.
Even as I navigate a mountain of unknowns (building gospel partnerships to support this ministry, navigating visas, selling off personal property), I know that I can trust God with what’s ahead because He has been shaping the path all along.
Faithfulness in Transition
Transitions are rarely comfortable. There are growing pains. A tension between excitement for the future and the grief of what’s left behind needs to be maintained. Every pastor, at some point, has to shepherd both a congregation and a calling. We’re not owners of our ministries. We are but stewards.
A long obedience means trusting the same God who called us to a place can also call us from it. It means believing that He loves His church more than we do, and that He can raise new leaders, new ministries, and new fruit long after we’re gone.
Eugene Peterson described discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” We are not called to chase impact or measurable success. We are called to walk faithfully, step by step, in the same direction toward Christ. Sometimes, that direction includes changes we never expected. Sometimes, faithfulness means staying. Sometimes, it means going. But the direction never changes.
As I sit in this in-between season of no longer fully being the pastor I was and not yet being the missionary I want to be, I find myself more convinced than ever that God honors the long obedience. He doesn’t waste any season of surrender. Every faithful step, even the slow ones, becomes part of a larger journey of grace.
The long obedience never leads us to greener pastures of our own making, but to the pastures of His providence.
By Robin Tyler
As young girls walking from my grandparents’ house to the local store in our small town, my best friend and I were stopped by a traveling evangelist as he shared the good news of the gospel. He explained the consequences for anyone who did not accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. I was reminded Hell is real.
Attending a youth rally in my teen years, the speaker shared his testimony of how his life had been changed at salvation after a life of heavy rebellion. He shared how he accepted Jesus’ invitation and asked Him to come into his heart. He shared about the road he had been on prior to being saved and where his life had been headed. On this night of my salvation, I was reminded that Hell is real.
Satan would like to take as many as possible with him to his eternal destination. A ring inscribed with my name, Robin, and Isaiah 53:5, which states, “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by his wounds we are healed” (NIV1984), carries a reminder that our eternal peace comes at a cost. Not accepting sin has a cost, not believing the cost has been paid, and not accepting the atonement work of Jesus paying the penalty of our sin as being enough, I am reminded Hell is real.
Listening on YouTube, a few Titanic survivors told their stories of how they escaped death in that terrible tragedy. Realizing some people climbed on the ship not knowing it would be their last ride anywhere was sobering. The ship’s sinking set the path of many on board to their eternal destination. That night, some arrived at a destination no one wanted to go to. I was reminded Hell is real.
In a Bible Study on Revelation, we came across Revelation 20:11-15: “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (NIV). To those who reject Jesus, I was reminded Hell is real.
I was introduced to a sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathon Edwards, delivered July 8, 1741, in Northampton, Mass., and purchased a copy through Amazon. Within the sermon, it was said, “The devil stands ready to fall upon them, and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him. They belong to him. He has their souls in his possession and under his dominion. Scripture represents them as His goods (Luke 11:21). The devils watch them; they are ever by them at their right hand; they stand waiting for them, like greedy hungry lions that see their prey, and expect to have it, but are for the present kept back. If God should withdraw his hand, by which they are restrained, they would in one moment fly upon their poor souls. The old Serpent is gaping for them; Hell opens its mouth wide to receive them; and if God should permit it, they would be hastily swallowed up and lost.” Reading the sermon, I was reminded that Hell is real.
As God’s Word states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). Daily, we experience the havoc the thief causes in our lives and in the lives of others around us. Stirring up strife and trouble, tempting, creating chaos, lying, breaking up homes, causing opposition to God’s Word, accusing and more. Satan uses many tactics to prevent and break fellowship with God. The verse in John 10:10 reminds me of an ever-present battle going on all around us. I am reminded Hell is real.
As sure as there is Heaven, there is Hell. God’s mercy, grace and love are extended to anyone who believes. But what if they have not heard? Romans 10:14-15 states “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (NKJV) The truth of the gospel comes to us in different ways.
In remembrance of the people whose paths God ordained to cross mine, and who were willing to share the good news of the gospel, it’s their beautiful feet I am thankful for!
• Prayer — Father, may our feet be ready to carry the gospel of peace to those you bring into our path. When our feet are tired, remind us Hell is real.
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