“For a wide door for effective service
has opened to me and there are many adversaries”
(I
Corinthians 16:9). Despite the challenges of encroaching secularism, national
partisanship and waning faith, I am finding doors wide open with leaders. Why?
I’m convinced that people are praying, God is showing favor, and many leaders
are realizing our root problems cannot be solved by human ingenuity or
government. The following are some highlights of the month:
The Legislative Session
It is a deep
honor to walk the halls of the Capitol weekly during Session and take a seat in
the House Chamber to pray for and interact with leaders in the Capitol
Community. The House of Representatives Bible Study and the two Lobbyist/Administration
Studies have gone well. One-on-one time with leaders is fruitful. I serve
wanting nothing in return and regardless of politics. I simply want all leaders
to know Jesus and take a next step in their faith. If you reach leaders, you
can reach communities and even nations.
Louisiana Mayors Convention Prayer Breakfast
I have been
asked to be the Keynote speaker at the Prayer Breakfast for the 305 Louisiana Mayors and guests at their three-day convention in Lafayette on July 31 at 8am.
Our Leader Faith Forums for Parish elected leaders on the Northshore and the Southshore
have gone extremely well. Potentially this monthly type of gathering could
serve elected leaders in communities around the state. I have been asking God
how we could get the word out statewide. Answer … this invitation to speak to
the 305 mayors of the state. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray for open doors with leaders
statewide.
Training Opportunity
In May I had
the opportunity to preach at and provide mid-week training for an entire church
that recognized a need to prepare their people in sharing the good news of the
gospel. I was so impressed with the eagerness of these people to be equipped
and sharpened. Churches are often quick to ask for teaching on finding the will
of God, finances, romance, or family but very few churches want training on sharing
the Gospel with role-playing included. It was a delight, and I know fruit will
come. I love providing this training. If
your church, para-church, retreat or group would be interested in this
equipping, please let me know. Pass the word for me.
My Prayer for the Capitol Community
While John
Paton was a university student in Scotland, God called him to missionary work
in the New Hebrides. After graduation he and his bride sailed to the southwest
Pacific and began work with the savage cannibals on the island of Tanna. His
wife and infant son died a few months later, and Paton slept on their graves
for several nights to prevent the cannibals from digging up the bodies and
eating them. After almost four years of faithful service, he left without seeing
a single convert. Many years later his son by another marriage resumed the work
in Tanna and eventually saw the entire island of people come to Christ. When
the elder Paton revisited the island, the chief of the former cannibals asked
the missionary who the great army was that surrounded his hut every night when
he first arrived. God’s angels had protected him. Because of his faithful work
and that of his son, when he left New Hebrides for the last time, it is
reported that he said with tearful eyes, “I don’t know of one native on these
islands who has not made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ.” This is my prayer for today!!!!
Betting the Farm on God,
Michael
