Fear

Today I picked up Gordon to take him to get some blood tests done. It seems that we always get into some spiritual conversation about life and our fears.

When I leave for Sudan it will be exactly a year that Gordon was told that he had less than a year to live. In the last year I’ve really got to know and love Gordon. There is this unspoken protocol for pastors not to get emotionally attached to people in the congregation - love your congregation from afar. But, that is not me…

In the last week in preparing for this trip, I had to get 14 shots, take all kinds of pills, finish my living trust, apply for travelers insurance, and even meet with the staff and my district advisor about what to do if something happens - who would take over the church. I contacted that person and he said he would take over for me if something happens but wasn’t too thrilled about the idea (we’re great friends).

(Now back to Gordon),

Gordon: Are your scared? (talking about the Sudan trip)

Kevin: yea, I’m not sure what to expect.

Gordon: Kevin, your going to come back and the church will be blessed and you’re going to do great things for God. I know that He is going use you in great ways - you’ll see…

Kevin: Thanks, Are you scared about the future as well?

Gordon: Yes

A few months ago Gordon said something that stuck to me. He said “Kevin if I could take back my life and if I could do it over again, I would take more risks and I would have given my life over to Christ earlier.”

Risk, Courage, and His peace is my prayer. I pray that we as a body take more risks and boldly take courage by the reins. Can you image what God has out there for us?

Can we serve him with a “no fear” attitude? Let us live life every day as if it is a gift from God. Let’s not live with un-forgiveness and bitterness but with His Joy and with His calling on our life.

Gordon, I love you as a brother too much to let you go. Be strong and live with His peace - “the peace that passes all understanding.”

Pastor Kevin