Stepping up and Stepping Out;
Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”
This week we celebrate a significant event……the 40th anniversary of mans first steps on the moon. Most of us who were alive can remember where we were and the grainy black and white TV screen we looked through as that icon of American broadcasting Walter Cronkite spoke emotionally of the significance of the historical moment. We can remember the words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” and the gut level pride and inspiration we felt in that great achievement.
Now let me take you back to December 8th, 1903. Samuel Langley, head of the Smithsonian Institute and America’s foremost expert on flight, was ready to make his most important attempt at manned flight. The press was on hand waiting expectantly. Unfortunately through a failure of the launch mechanism the plane went straight down and never got off the ground. The New York Times, scornful of attempts at powered flight heaped abuse on Langley. They editorialized: “the ridiculous fiasco…was not unexpected. The flying machine might be evolved by the combined and continuous efforts of mathematicians and mechanicians in from one to ten million years.”
Nine days later, on December 17, two bicycle makers from Dayton, Ohio—Wilbur and Orville Wright—achieved the goal of all the worlds would be aviators: powered flight. Within 67 years man would set foot on the moon.
So let me ask you, which step in the process was the most important? Which step in the process was the most difficult? Perhaps the struggle to begin is just as important as the celebration of the eventual great accomplishment. As life group leaders we have to recognize that the first smile, the first intentional invitation is perhaps just as important as the moment when someone places their faith in Christ. All the hours of mentoring, following up, praying and connecting do matter. I celebrate with you the importance of your day to day ministry doing the ordinary things of life in extraordinary ways.
Blessings to you all!!!

Stephen Bishop Interim Director of Life Groups