The Commissioning Service
We wish you could have been there.
We stood in the lobby of Central Assembly with 80 other missionaries waiting for our cue to enter. All were excited, all were humbled to participate in such a scared ceremony and to have been called by God in a mighty way to live out Matthew 28. We stood next to missionaries that are heading into war-torn countries all over the world, some married with children, others single, all to share the gospel of Christ.
The orchestra started to play, the choir sang loud and the family and friends who gathered to pray for us boasted out in song,
“All hail the power of Jesus name let angels prostrate fall
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all”
Then all 81 of us, who had spent the last month attending security and missionary training, proudly walked down the aisles as the voices rose louder over the applause that broke out as soon as we entered the sanctuary.
“Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall
Hail Him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all
O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall
We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all”
Hands raised and tears fell across the room. This was a very defining and sacred moment for all of us. Over the last few weeks, together, our class compiled a commitment statement that was read and shared aloud to all who were in attendance.
“The AGWM Candidate Class of 2018 will carry the gospel across the world. This class is fueled by John 12 where Jesus says if a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies it bears much fruit, which in turned bears much fruit. One stood and said, “We are able to lay our lives down because he first laid his life down for us.” So we will not only GO, but will endure. No captivity, no persecution, no resistance could silence our vision for a world that knows and glorifies Jesus.”
After worship and an empowering message from Dr. Joseph Dimitrov, Dr. Greg Mundis, Dr. Rick Johnson and Rev. Doug Clay called all 88 of us by name to come and stand across the front. Prayer partners joined everyone who stood and voices rose in prayer all over the room.
Thank You
We want to thank everyone who came to support us. We were honored to have our district superintendent and his wife pray over us. Also in attendance were our life-long friends, The Puffpaffs, John’s brother and his wife, sisters and their husbands, niece and great nephews.
The support we have received from churches across Michigan and the United States has been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone who has prayed with us, given to us and believed in us every step of the way. We love you all so much!
What’s Next
We will be spending the following months traveling around Michigan and other states meeting with pastors and speaking to churches, raising support. Once our support is raised we will be heading to a year of language in Costa Rica and then will go to Curacao.
How You Can Give
By giving you are helping us to:
- Superintend New Life Bible College.
- Establish a church for the English-speaking community, including the US Air Force personnel in the area.
- Help superintend the Assemblies of God churches in Curacao.
- Provide training and pastoral development in churches on the island.
Any gifts, whether one time or monthly, are greatly needed for us to continue ministering to the people of Curacao. To give now, click on the graphic below.
