New Year

On New Years Eve The Salvation Army, Fredericksburg, VA had its annual Gospel Sing as we saw in the New Year. We had musical guests "3 for the ONE" and "Justified" who did some wonderful marathon spells, singing from 8PM to midnight. The congregation of about 55 included some first time visitors to The Salvation Army, and many of them took the time to ask more about The Salvation Army some admitting that they were unaware of our evangelical roots.

I love these conversations because they always allows me to talk about the holistic approach of The Salvation Army to both believers and non-believers. It also allows me to talk about the most important part of my ministry. Indeed, my calling as a Salvation Army Officer is based on verses from 1 Peter 4:1-2, 11a

"1Christ suffered here on earth. Now you must be ready to suffer as he did, because suffering shows that you have stopped sinning. 2It means you have turned from your own desires and want to obey God for the rest of your life...11If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message."(CEV)

My sermon is the most important part of my week. I am not suggesting I am a great preacher -though I'd like to think that I am an obedient one - but I am saying that my preparation for Sunday, and my 20 minutes (though some think it longer) in the pulpit is the most important part of my work as a Salvation Army Officer. This sermon writing process keeps me focused and grounded and keeps Christ at the forefront of everything I do. Indeed, I once made a promise to promote God wherever I had the opportunity to stand before a crowd - something I've done pretty well at, though some opportunities have been missed.

I think the ministry of my wife and I will see a dramatic change this year. I believe we will have a new building to worship in, I am excited by the strong Corps (Church) leaders we now have at The Salvation Army in Fredericksburg, I am excited by the staff I work with because I truly believe that God has brought us together...and 2010 is a year that our Corps will explode with ministry.

Very often we approach a New Year in the hope that we can become better people than we were the previous year. My prayer is that 2010 is a year that we are obedient to God, and that we can build upon the successes of 2009.