Professions

When the Bishop visits for Confirmation and when a priest prepares for Baptisms, the participants are encouraged to be prepared to share their testimonies of faith, e.g. why they want to be profess their faith and/or why they have come to trust in Jesus as their Lord and God. On the 17th, Bishop Hugo confirmed 3; on the 31st (Pentecost) we will welcome 6 for baptism and 1 for dedication.

As part of our month-long focus on making a commitment to Jesus, the sermon time on 24th was opened up for testimonies. Unprepared, spontaneous, and yet prompted by the Lord. In 1 Peter 3:15, we read that "in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." So, we called on the congregation to share their hope in Jesus.

• Two stood to thank God for answered prayers in the incredible healings of two infants.
• Another stood to share how as a pastor's son he always went to church--but it wasn't until the Army sent him to Korea, that he got Jesus. It was the best decision of his life, he said.
• Another stood to thank God for healing in her life, just two months ago, when the doctors diagnosed a heart aneurysm that was very nearly ready to burst.
• One stood to share how much Church of Our Savior has meant to her and her family--not the least of which was because God has given her a place where she can worship in song and word, without being rushed.
  
• Another stood to share how when he went to college he did not want anything more to do with church--but lo and behold his study partner happened to be a believer who invited him to a Bible study. Now he has the privilege to knowing Jesus and leading a Bible study with five international students at a nearby college.
• One stood to thank God for a dramatic healing from cancer many years ago and then the courage to become a nurse later on.
  
• Yet another stood to share thanksgiving not only for healing, but for God's financial provision--so much so that just on that particular Sunday she had a check in her hand to fulfill a promise made nearly five years ago to help our mission Church.

God is good--all the time; All the time--God is good.

Bishop Hugo asked us to share our stories and invite others to Church, so that they too can know the hope of Jesus Christ. I do not like answering the telephone in the afternoons, but on Thursday I did. I had been asking God for an opportunity to invite someone to Church like the Bishop had asked. When the telephone rang, I felt a nudge to answer it. The woman on the other end wanted to learn about coming! And there she was on Sunday--with a friend that she brought with her. God is good...

If you're looking for God, come visit us on Sunday; if you're a member, ask God for an opportunity to share your hope in Him with someone today. He'll open the door for you.