Well, as we sit here in Loudonville waiting to see how hard we’ll be hammered by the latest winter storm, Pastor Charles is suffering through the heat in Orlando, where it’s supposed to 78 degrees today. OK, if it will make you feel a little bit better, he is working. He and Tiffany, along with Pastor Jeff and Traci, are attending a conference designed especially for large church pastors and their wives. Pastor Charles reports he’s getting a lot of great stuff networking with other large church pastors. No doubt he’s doing a good bit of sharing as well, considering the amazing things God has done, and is doing, here at New Hope. He’ll be back at the keyboard with regular posts next week.

I continue to be amazed at the ways God uses this tool shed we call New Hope and its servants. I am thankful Pastor Charles is a leader who dares to be different and step “outside the box” to reach people for Christ. Jesus said we will do even greater works than He did. “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12-13). I am made humble, and sometimes a bit anxious, by those words. Am I obedient enough to allow the Holy Spirit to accomplish such great things through me? Do I listen? If I listen, do I act accordingly? Do I trust God enough to overcome my own fears and step outside my comfort zone to do His will? If I choose not to obey Him, what blessing will I deny someone else today? Am I the only one who struggles with these questions? How ‘bout you?