Thanksgiving is two days out, the leaves are off all the trees, which tells me not only that winter is almost here, but also that I am late in providing an update on our ministry! The past several months have been extremely busy for us in every dimension of ministry, and the Lord has gracefully guided us through the challenges and juggling act.
As each year winds down, we always teach the importance of finishing well. As we close 2024, it has been a blessing to see how Christ has allowed us to finish well in several areas. Two ministry opportunities I began in the early months of the year came to a close in October and November. One of these was the unique chance to teach Eternal Truth Ministries' Models for Disciple-Makers to a group of church leaders in Albania. That group started after ETM's mission trip to Albania in February. Our desire is that from these humble beginnings, the church in Albania would be strengthened by this practical tool to help these faithful men equip the saints for the work of ministry across the country. The second year long project that wrapped up this month was ETM's Ordination Training course that I had the opportunity to teach to two church leaders in American churches. This training, which spans from Genesis to Revelation, requires faithfulness and dedication to complete, and it was a joy to celebrate the completion of their training with these men.
November also saw me complete my first year of Seminary training at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The Lord provided a scholarship that enabled me to enroll for my Master's of Divinity (as if someone could master that!). Through God's grace, I have completed 30 hours out of a required 84 hours. This is a pursuit that will enable me to better help fellow ministers as well as continue to grow personally.
In the midst of the studies, property responsibilities, and seminary classes, I have also had the chance to preach more than normal throughout the fall. Robbinsville First Baptist Church just finished a series on Romans 9-11, and I was able to speak twice during that schedule. Sarah, Jane, and I also traveled to Kinston, NC, when I was invited to preach at Immanuel Baptist Church at the beginning of November. The time with our friends in Kinston was a blessing, and we are looking forward to traveling there once more in December. If you're interested, you can always check out my latest sermons here.
As you prepare to travel, host, or reflect this Thanksgiving, I would invite you to evaluate your past year in the same way. In what ways has Christ's grace sustained you? In what ways is He inviting and empowering you to finish well over the next month? And, of course, what practical ways has His loving kindness drawn you to thankfulness as we wind down 2024?
