Dear First Pres,
Pershendetje (“greetings” in Albanian)! Thanks so much for your prayers during my trip to Albania last week. Despite being delayed a day on my trip home, it was a wonderful time. I had the privilege of discovering the providence and mercy of God with the Bible students from Albania, Canada, USA, England, Germany, Kenya, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Australia, the Netherlands and Switzerland as we spent the week meditating on Ezra/Nehemiah. I brought greetings from First Presbyterian Church to both the churches of Erseke and Bilisht as I preached on Sunday in Erseke and led Wednesday night Bible study in Bilisht. I spent one-on-one time with our beloved missionary partners: Mark Stoscher & Eric Gundy. I enjoyed dinner with Zach & Besa Oaks (Zach is a son of our church) in their apartment in Bilisht. I visited with the Mayor of Erseke and his team who spent some time in Fresno last year. I had dozens of meaningful conversations with students. And, of course, I had a great time connecting with Linda Osborne, a member of our congregation, who has been serving as the “Mommy Linda” of the Bible School for several years.
Yes, it was exhausting, and it was wonderful.
Thanks for being the kind of congregation who celebrates when the Senior Pastor is invited into these kinds of experiences. I’m sorry I missed two Sundays (was only planning to miss one), but I am grateful for the privilege of joining in the mission of God in Albania for the week.
We really do have an amazing God who is working all around the world through His Spirit-empowered Church for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. And He is working right here in Fresno in and through us. Praise Him!
That’s why it is a privilege to simply invite friends, family and neighbors into the life of our congregation throughout the year, but especially at times like Easter. For those who grew up completely separate from church or Christianity, Resurrection Sunday may not be that big of a deal. But for anyone who has any kind of Christian church background, there is likely a bit more of an openness to be at church on Easter than any other particular Sunday.
Who is the Lord putting on your heart to invite this year? Have you put a yard sign in front of your house? Have you grabbed some invitations from the Sanctuary Entry to give to neighbors and friends? Are you prayerfully asking the Lord to ready your heart for the kairos (opportune) moments of sharing your faith or inviting others into our community?
I’m praying everyday that the Lord stirs our hearts (mine included) more and more for our neighbors who have yet to believe the good news of Jesus. May we be a people quick to join Him in the mission of God around the world and in our own cul-de-sacs.
Blessings,
Jeremy
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