Dear friends,
There is a place that I often go by the water here to think and to pray. This morning there was a low tide, and I sat down on the rocks for a while to watch the waves. Seeing some fishing nets cast up on the shore I was reminded of Jesus’ words to Peter and Andrew: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Last night our launch team spent some time praising God for a few people (about nine) in our community who have been regularly coming to our Sunday services. These people previously had either no or very little understanding of the Gospel or of who Jesus is. And now they are hearing the Gospel, sitting under the Word being preached, and are seeing the local church in action every week.
It is encouraging to see the Lord at work here, drawing people to hear the truth.
As one of these folks said to me last week: “I haven’t been to a church since I was very little. And I don’t really know why I am here. But I saw your sign at the bus stop and was drawn to come. And I have been drawn to keep coming back. There must be a reason why, but I’m not sure I have that figured out yet. But there must be a reason.”
And another: “I don’t know why I am here. I didn’t even want to come this morning. But I heard a voice telling me to come here, and so I’m here.”
Our job here in Merkinch is not to be the Holy Spirit (thankfully!). We cannot save people or change their hearts. Our job is to simply cast the nets wide and pray for the Lord to gather many. “Follow me,” Jesus says. That’s our call. And as we follow, He graciously uses us as He draws others to follow Him.
So please pray for us this week that we will continue to labour with great joy and trust in Jesus.
And please pray for these folks who have been coming regularly on Sundays… that the Lord might have mercy and save them.
And please pray for many opportunities in our community to reach people with the good news of the Gospel…and that we may declare it boldly, as we ought to speak (Ephesians 6:20).
Thanks, again, for all of your support and prayers. My prayers continue on for you as well.
We labour on in weakness and rejoicing,
Claire
Claire in Scotland 