Newsletter
August 2006
Volume 1, issue 4
Spiritual gifts
by iris cathey
Years ago I was a jury member at the trial of a prison inmate from DVI, Tracy, accused of attempting to stab a guard. It was my first experience on a jury – and we convicted him; however, I was so impressed with the defendant that I was moved to contact him (that could have been dangerous) and offer to introduce him to Jesus. I knew it could turn his life around if he was willing. I had absolutely no experience with prisons or prisoners, in fact I had never actually seen a prison inmate before and I wondered if this impression was from God or was it just another one of my “bright ideas!” My husband Joe, and I made it a matter of prayer for a month to see if the impression was still there. It was, so I did the necessary things to find out his prison number and write to him. The details of the story are too long for this article, but the point is – when the Spirit impresses us, He gives us the motivation and enough ability to get started. We learn as we go. Sure we make some mistakes, but as long as we remain under the direction of the Spirit we are under divine protection and guidance. For us, a special “ministry” was launched. We had no idea how to proceed with prison ministry or what the pitfalls could be. The Spirit directed – and some of the things we did were contrary to prison rules. In ignorance, God used circumstances to expand our one-on-one ministry.
I have come to realize that prison ministry is a very specialized gift from the Spirit, very few people have it. Most do not want it, but those of us who minister in this manner find our lives abundantly enriched and blessed with enough heartwarming experiences to make us overlook the hours upon hours of time spent, money expended, and fatigue endured.
When the Spirit gives a gift and commissions us, our part is to act on the impression. The Spirit is responsible for the details and the outcome. That isn’t our concern. We just obey. We also have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone at times. Most times the Spirit will give us a partner to help us as that is God’s pattern for ministry. However, our first and foremost duty is to obey.
To you I would say, when the Spirit speaks to you, say “Yes Lord, Yes!” and just take the first step. The next one will follow and then keep praying for more of the gifts – like wisdom, faith, knowledge, discernment and most of all LOVE in abundance – which is the best gift of all and the one through which the Spirit can work most effectively.
He has not forgotten
John the Baptist was born, God answered Zacharias prayer. Looking at outward appearances, Zacharias and Elisabeth had buried their hopes; but the Lord had not forgotten. He knew of the long years of disappointment, and when His own name could best be glorified, their son was born. How tender, how kind, how full of love and compassion, is the great heart of infinite love.
—Ellen G. White, Manuscript 27, 1898
So how is your faith? Are you waiting to see the manifestation of your prayers as Zacharias and Elisabeth? Have you accused God of taking too long or that He has forgotten? Rest assured, if you asked in faith, trusting and believing, you will be blessed. Matthew 17:20 says, “… for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ….nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Abraham waited 25 years to see Isaac born. He did not wait in vain and neither will you. Trust God’s timing and watch your faith grow. God has not forgotten your blessing is on the way.
Christian Education
For some this will be a month of new beginnings. God has richly blessed the
So don’t stop praying, this is only the beginning. God has more He wants to do with our Church school and we here at
To our new students, welcome! Your parents have made a very important decision. A decision that will shape and mold your life in such a way that others will see the glory of God and want to know more about Him. This decision will also prepare you to serve Christ out in your community. To returning students, we are glad to see you return. It speaks to you and your parent’s dedication and commitment to Christian education and the advancement of the Lord’s work.
To the new and old, may this year be your best in your spiritual, emotional and physical growth.
To be or not be
By Pastor Arthur branner
Several years ago, two students graduated from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The highest ranking student in the class was a blind man named Overton and when he received his honor, he insisted that half the credit should go to his friend, Kaspryzak. They had met one another in school when the armless Mr. Kaspryzak had guided the blind Mr. Overton down a flight of stairs. This acquaintance ripened into friendship and a beautiful example of interdependence. The blind man carried the books which the armless man read aloud in their common study, and thus the individual deficiency of each was compensated for by the other. After their graduation, they planned to practice law together.
These two men demonstrate what every born again Christian is supposed to be in terms of spiritual gifts. God has given to each Christian a spiritual gift. It doesn’t matter how great or how small your gift may be it works together with the gifts of others to accomplish the work that God has called believers to achieve. Every person gains a sense of worth from realizing his/her purpose and uniqueness. Our gifts and abilities are what establish our sense of purpose and identifies our uniqueness. Without using our abilities we lose our sense of purpose and we lose that identity that gives us a sense of uniqueness. If Overton and Kaspryzak can collaborate their efforts to accomplish an earthly task surely each of us should utilize what gifts we have to glorify our Creators’ purpose and plan for creating us? They were blind and without arms and hands- what stopping us from being all that we can be? If you have hands and feet and somehow are not using your abilities to glorify God who’s really blind or for that matter who’s really disadvantaged? If you have not given your life to Christ I urge you to accept Him into your life that you might discover your spiritual gift and consequently find a new purpose for living, a new reason for existence. I believe it was Shakespeare that asked the question “to be or not to be?” God is asking each of us the same question. God has a spiritual gift that He’s waiting to empower you to use. What is your answer?