Just less than a week ago we had the opportunity to share in Remembrance Day. All inconveniences aside, we do not usually mind having government institutions and banks close their doors so that we can honour those who fought valiantly to preserve our freedoms. Are there any such men and women to be recognized in the Kingdom (aka. influence or reign) of God today? I think so! While the name(s) on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington Square, Philadelphia is nowhere to be found, it does not in any way detract from scores of visitors who value the principle and purposes for which those men gave their lives. We too, have among us those who shall forever remain nameless and faceless, maybe not having had to die physically, but whose heart and faithfulness to the cause of Jesus Christ cost them personal pain and loss that we may never know of.

Former Fulltime Staff

“ I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:3-6

If you have never been in the fulltime ministry with any significant responsibility, then it will be difficult to understand or even empathize with those whom some feel “had it good!” I don’t pretend to speak for all who are no longer serving in this capacity, but do know personally many men and women all over the world who have done things to serve God with a servitude and sincerity of heart unparalleled to any we might among our fellowship today. I understand that sacrifice is a relative term; if you have a college or university education, you might think someone giving his or hers up is no big deal. If you do not have children, then the idea that someone might put off having children to better be more flexible in serving the church seems an intellectual phenomenon at best. Yet, there are those in this category of men and women whose hurts will never be understood or comprehended, primarily because by definition as Christians---we move on. In moving on, however, I only ask that we don’t forget the heart--structure aside-- with which many of these men and women gave themselves to God in service to us. Since it is God we worship, and whom we receive all that is good, please take a moment to thank Him for those who directly, or indirectly have given us an opportunity to have a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Silent Majority

How did you do it? How did you manage to attend both weddings and funerals (spiritually speaking) on your own, share your faith unceasingly, and maintain a consistent level of joy while so many of us had been distracted? You were able to navigate the highs and the lows with very little assistance other than what strength you found in God. We need to place more value on the power of insignificance and anonymity, as it was your steadiness in many ways that has kept the “Region’s ark of animals” from tipping. I myself can think of a number of times where I doubted the plan and the purpose of continuing, but now see clearly the rainbow thanks to Christians like you. It is in this group of men and women where I think the majority of our heroes are. Please do not remain silent any longer—you have so much to teach us. You have learned a valuable secret, a deep connection with God that many of us desperately desire. You had reason to crucify, and you forgave. You had opportunity to liberate yourself in a manner that no one could have judged you for, and you kept yourself humble. “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Luke 18:13 When I think of what I want to be like in my most spiritual of moments, it would be to imitate you. “It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.” Ecc 7:18

Those Who Fell In The Fight

We have traditionally called them “fallaways,” a term which has been under much scrutiny. Do we also realize that every one who fits into this category, at one point in their journey with God said, “Jesus is Lord”—and meant it? For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:11-12

I suppose there is no one who hurts more than God himself, for those who in an effort to do their best spiritually were cut off by the evil one. They did however; while following Jesus bring us a sense of encouragement and victory against Satan---for that we should remain grateful. The fact that Satan can be scored against in seemingly unimaginable circumstances is something we should never lose sight of. Many turned their lives around in days and weeks and as far as we can tell, lived faithfully with us. Whether in public places of leadership or less visible places of servitude---we were built up by their faith for a time and learned from their relationship with God. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.” 1 Cor 3:6-8 At the risk of sounding indifferent to the plight of the fallen---maybe our responsibility can only be to provide soil and water in hopes that Gods grace will be provide us with time and opportunity to grow. Therefore, let us rejoice at what God has taught us about shepherding and maturity from those who may have given up. The future, with respect to casualties in the fight, looks brighter than ever thanks to Gods grace. So then I ask you; whether we learn to be more like Jesus from a criminal or a christian, let us give thanks to Him who is worthy of all praise, glory and honour—Amen.

Andrew Lewis, Toronto COC