Revival.
In the Bible, the word "revival" comes from two Latin words: "vivo" meaning "to live" and "re" meaning "again". Revival means "making alive again those who have been alive but have fallen into what is called a cold, or dead, state." From dry bones to a mighty army. That's revival.
Nowadays I feel the Holy Spirit awaken me in several different ways. I had always prayed, but somehow I sensed that the Spirit wanted me to deepen my personal prayer life, as well as to pray together as a church. Robson's surprise visit was one of the signs to reinforce this message.
Robson Mulumbe is my brother in Christ from Malawi and now serves a church in Needham, MA as a lead pastor. As I was spending half a day with him, carpooling to Mars Hill church Bible study together and having lunch together, I was fascinated by his story - in particular, about "prayer." He shared how he and his family had learned to fully rely on God about everything by prayer since its resources were very limited. He prayed for daily provision, for healing, for education. He prayed for everything. And he still does. In the midst of all the challenges in life and ministry, he prays in his secret closet and prays together weekly with his congregation. Sometimes one or two, sometimes no one shows up. But still, he prays for the revival of the church.
I was refreshed, renewed, revived. And I prayed, "God, may our church be a prayer-driven church. May each ministry and mission of the church be shaped by prayer. May we do everything with prayer. May we do everything with love."
Do you feel the Spirit awaken you? Come and worship with us. Do you feel distant from God? Come and be encouraged. You are invited to join us for our Sunday service this Sunday. Hodgdon and Mars Hill churches meet at 9 a.m. and the Houlton at 11 a.m. If you are not able to come in person, you can worship with us online via the church's Facebook Live:
- Hodgdon UMC
- Houlton UMC: Youtube and Facebook
- Mars Hill UMC
In Christ,
Pastor Victor
Pastor Victor
No comments:
Post a Comment