Dear Northside
As you all know, I turned 60 this week. This has been something on my mind right from the start of the year. One of the things I learnt yesterday is the power of being a part of a community like Northside. I was overwhelmed with messages from you all. It was wonderful! Sometimes I think we take being part of a church family like Northside for granted. In the early church, the world saw the community of believers, and it caused them to want to become believers. Have you told someone lately how good it is to be a follower of Jesus and a member of His church?
In the last week, I have buried 2 good friends, and it has also reminded me that life is precious and it is short. In Acts 13:36, it says, “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep.” I have been challenged to ask myself, Am I serving God’s purposes in my generation? Are you?
Some people have asked me what they could do for me on my 60th birthday. And I have been pondering this. I was reminded this morning of the story in Exodus 36:5–7. It describes a moment when the Israelites were so generous in bringing materials for the construction of the Tabernacle that Moses had to tell them to stop. This passage highlights the people’s overwhelming generosity and obedience during the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness.
Exodus 36:5-7 (NIV)
“…and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.”
It would be wonderful if you asked God what His purpose is for you concerning Northside. If it is to give, give generously. If it is to serve, serve with joy. If it is to care, care with God’s love. If it is to pray, pray. If it is to walk with someone, walk with them patiently. If it is to testify to God’s goodness, testify with thanksgiving. If it is to witness, tell people about Jesus. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, when I returned from taking Talitha to America, I was told, “We have paid ALL our debts in full AND we have started giving funds to our ministries and missions”?
I leave on Sunday to first settle Talitha into university in Holland, Michigan. Then I am spending 2 weeks with the churches in Whitehall and Thornapple. Did you know that the children at Whitehall church raised over $3,000 for Project 127 this year? Please pray for Pastor Vere and the Eldership while I am away. Pray for me and my time in the USA. Pray for Sarah and my family here.
Thank you and God bless,
Pastor Gary