Busy In Ministry

This year, I have become more deeply involved in a number of ministries, and I find myself needing a lot of time to get all of it done.  In addition to my ongoing duties in Family Ministries and Junior Division Sabbath School at my church, I have accepted a few new committee membership responsibilities at the conference level. 

I’ve also accepted a role as one of the moderators of the Sabbath School Network mailing list this year, which has been both challenging and rewarding.  (Moderating makes you cautious, even if you aren’t normally so.)

On top of this, I have a special burden for evangelism this year.  I would like to see more evangelistic efforts ongoing at my church and in the area surrounding the church.  Already for the year, I have been to several training seminars and leadership retreats, including:

• Church Ministry Leadership Training
• School of Evangelism (Year 4 of 4)
• Couple’s Retreat
• Elder’s Retreat

For an idea of other things that are happening in the NJ Conference of Seventh-day Adventists this year, check out the following video: 

REPORT #1 - 2009: What's Going On In New Jersey Conference?

My family and I just missed out on the Youth Retreat, due to some miscommunication, but we were able to attend the final message of the Orange SDA Youth Week of Prayer, which was a tremendous blessing.

Other projects for 2009 include the startup of a non-profit organization, Life Rebuilders, Inc. (domain is currently parked) and a vegetarian cooking show that my wife and a friend from church will be hosting.   As you can see, we’re going to be quite active.

The key for me is to not lose sight of my responsibilities to family, and to not get so busy serving God, that I don’t spend any time knowing Him.   This is the lesson that Jesus had to teach Martha.

Luke 10:38-42 KJV
(38)  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
(39)  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
(40)  But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
(41)  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
(42)  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

While it’s good not to be idle, it is also important to take time for reflection and meditation.  That’s the biggest challenge: making sure that the day starts right, so that success is assured.  If there is no prayer and Bible study, then there is no power – and I need all the power I can get!  :)

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