by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 2, 2022
In May of this year, I will end my 20th year
and begin year number 21 in youth ministry here at Fort Gibson church of
Christ. My, how time flies when you’re having fun! Seriously!
When we first moved here, Lisa and I hoped we could be a
blessing to the kingdom here. But as is often the case in ministry, we have
found the church family here to be a blessing to us, far beyond our hopes and
dreams. So, thank you! We look forward to the future as the Lord continues to
open doors here in our congregation and in our community to make a difference
in those areas where He leads us.
I am very encouraged when I look around and see all the
good things going on in our congregation. I am also very encouraged that we
continue to have an eldership that encourages all members to get involved,
either in existing ministry opportunities or ones that you have discovered on
your own that fit well with your unique or individual talents, blessings, and
spiritual gifts.
If
you’re like me, you have probably wondered from time to time why somebody isn’t
doing this or that job. In my experience, the answer to that is simply that no
one has stepped up to do it. So, if that un-attended task stays on your mind
and you just can’t stop thinking about it, maybe it is something that you might
find important enough to take-on yourself.
We
have a lot of resources available to our local church family that can be a big
help in turning your ministry goals into reality. Each ministry is overseen by
a deacon who has a budget and knowledge of how to help you get involved. For
instance, Glen Elliott is the deacon over missions. But there are many
opportunities under that heading that do not require traveling to foreign
countries. Charlie Dortch is our benevolence deacon who meets face to face with
people who find themselves in need in various ways. But there are many
additional ways that volunteers can serve just a little or a lot. The same can
be said for the other ministries: property, prison, education, body-life,
outreach, worship, and youth.
May
God bless you in the New Year as you trust God to guide you into those areas of
service that will make a difference in His kingdom in 2022. Have a great week!