Thoughts of Emi Woro

Sharing Lives---Connecting Journeys—Following Christ
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
2 Corinthians 9:8

The Bible is full of stories of ordinary folks……shepherds, fishermen, salesmen, tent makers, farmers, tax collectors, etc who make extraordinary contributions to the Kingdom of God. People whose stories we read about simply because they were obedient to the call of God on and in their lives. I often wonder how many more stories there should be in the Bible that were never written. People of extraordinary abilities that simply became a footnote in the history of time because when their moment….their “for such a time as this” came, they were staring out the other window or looking in the rear view mirror.
After spending the better part of three weeks with Devin and Bridget Myers in Emi Woro, Nigeria I am so impressed with their intentional pursuit and obedience to God’s call on their lives. I watched them process relationships with the people of their community, church and school like seasoned veterans not thirty day survivors. Dealing with labor, contractors, suppliers, fellow church members all in the framework of cultural differences and the politics of different tribes and villages would require someone with diplomatic seasoning beyond ordinary Americans but they do it so well and always with grace. You just have a sense that God has been preparing them their whole lives to fill this role, this day, in this place. When they encounter something unusual or beyond their ability of the moment then God fills that void with His ever present sufficiency and they demonstrate the humility to allow that to happen. One of the messages that they asked us to bring back to their family at WFMC is that they are well. Their concern, for our concern for them was touching and they wanted to make sure that we communicated to all their family and friends that they are growing and thriving.
They are an example to all of us that as believers we are all called to the “priesthood of all believers”. As Pastor Joshua alluded to Sunday we are to be FAT (faithful, available and teachable). There are no bleachers in the stadium—no spectators in the community of faith while we are here on earth. We are all called to be ministers, participants and builders on our “part of the wall”.
You as life group leaders have chosen to be participants, fellow engagers for the kingdom and I honor you for stepping up. No, we don’t all have to go to Emi Woro to be builders of the kingdom and I want to thank you for ministering right where you are. Keep loving, keep discipling and keep encouraging those God has placed in your circle and I celebrate with you the difference each of you are making in eternity.