Here you have the opportunity to share reflections from our retreat we had this year.
As we talked from John 15, we discussed 3 connections:
1) Our connection to the Vine: how we abide in Christ.
2) Our connection to the Branches: how we love one another in the family of God.
3) Our relationship to the world: how to reach out to a world that hated Christ and hates us.
What are your ongoing thoughts and reflections from the conference?
Hey Jim and Glenfield Baptist Church...
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to get the men from the Nakuru Prayer Breakfast group to post their comments this morning...I posted one comment, but don't see it was posted. But here's hoping it works...more later
thanks, Scott Harbert
Pastor Jim, Greetings in Jesus' Name. It was very wonderful to be w/you here in Africa. We are praying for you and your church to reach the college over shadowing your church. I spoke to my own church about being "connected". One member in the church took the message home with him and spoke to his neighbor about being connected. He will be coming to church this weekend for the first time in a long time. Thanks.BC Rotich, participant
ReplyDeleteAnother comment...from Jesus words from Luke 4 when he took up the scrool and read from it. Then sitting down. One of our members said that the mission was "others". The call to put others first, ahead of ourselves. To go out to others as Christ did. He didn't make it about himself, but about others. And now we need to go out and do the same...not about us, but others...going to others.
ReplyDeleteBoniface Muhia, participant
The message of the vine, being connected and staying connected was timely and very important. Many times we may assume that because of how long we have been saved we think that we are ok. Yet we are far away from God. Our connection might be rusty and the flow of his Spirit is intermitent. I learned that I need to have my connection with Jesus at best at all times. It was God who brought you, Jim, in his time for the message to be passed to us. God bless you, Pastor Jim and your church.
ReplyDeleteIsaac Munyua here, the committee chairman. The message on connection was timely for me, too. As I have a aging father, almost 100 years old. We've taken him into our home for now almost 2 years. He's very difficult to live with, but your messages encouraged to keep on keeping on...Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJim and Glenfield Baptist Church, I was handed the notes that missionary Scott Harbert gave me. I was not able to attend, although I had planned for it. But I look forward to reading the notes from the retreat and growing in more understanding of being connected from end to end. Thank you. Mr. David Nyngere
ReplyDeleteHi men! Thanks for your comments this morning, it has greatly encouraged my heart to hear from you and to know how God has used our time together in the word to strengthen you. Scripture says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" we definitely were sharpened as we shared with each other.
ReplyDeleteI am convinced that Jesus will cause us to be fruit-bearers as we make the connections He called us to in John 15.
BC, that is Wonderful that God used you to speak the message and a member took it to his neighbor and now the neighbor is considering coming to church again after a long time away. That's powerful!
Boniface, you're right! Jesus whole purpose in coming was an act of sacrifice, laying down His desires so that others could have relationship with God. I think the longer we grow as Christians, the more we have to be intentional about reaching out to the world around us - it's natural for us to grow in relation with like-minded believers - we must always keep that balance that keeps us pressing on to point people to Jesus. Of course, if we have that abiding relationship with Jesus - we'll have the vital connection that will spur us on to reach out to others.
I like the comment about the 'rusty' connections. Oh, Lord, help us to truly abide in You - prune us as necessary so our connection remains strong and vibrant.
Isaac, my friend, I will pray for your relationship with your dad. As we discussed, it's never too late. Let's all pray for our relationships with those around us, that we can love them with the love God gives to us.
David, I'm so happy that though you were not able to attend, you are connected with this prayer group from Nakuru. I'll share these comments this morning with our men's group as well. We pray for you men, and look forward to more conversation in the Lord.
Hello from the Wednesday morning group at Glenfield Baptist Church. Isaac, one of our men, Daniel had his father in law come to live with him last year. It was difficult, a real strain on the home, but through it, his father-in-law came to know the Lord before he to went home to meet him. Persevere brother. We are praying for you and your relationship with your dad.
ReplyDeleteScott here from Nakuru. Wow! How encouraging to see the 'connections' today with Nakuru and Glen Ellyn. Jim and Glenfield Baptist Church, please let us know how we can pray for all of you there. Thank you for you love and prayers for all of us.
ReplyDeleteHi Pastor Jim and all the believers of Jesus Christ who are reading on...!
ReplyDeleteBetty Nyabuto from Nairobi!
It was a great pleasure having Pastor Jim with us in Kenya. His testimonies and the fellowship we shared as a prayer group were inspiring, revealing, consoling, eye-opening,motivating and entertaining. I personlly wished I would have more!
I carried with me the virtue of Love and Patience from the fellowship.It was and remains to be fulfilling!
My husband Judson and I felt totally refreshed and rejuvenated spiritually after the prayer retreat. We are still reaping the benefits of ingesting the Word and allowing it to do its Works in us.
Pastor Jim, do kindly convey our hearty regards to your beautiful wife,your children and the Glenfield Church congregation. Does your wife still sing melodiously?!!
In Christ, Betty Nyabuto- Nairobi