NEXT

A praise report: with 6 weeks to go to Next, we already have all the ushers we need. Remember: these are people who pay their own way (travel, lodging, meals) so they can serve us. The security team is also filling up.

In the midst of the financial challenges we are all facing, we are grateful for people who sacrifice their time and money to come to Next… and then work long and hard there to serve us. Rather than worrying about their future financial investments, they are investing their time and money into serving us and, ultimately, our Savior (which they do year round in their local church).

This Saturday evening (18th), Josh and Grant are gathering together all the key people involved in Next. These include those leading:
    * graphic design
    * website
    * registration
    * ushers
    * security
    * bookstore
    * ninjas
    * community groups
    * sound, lighting & video
    * worship
    * photography
    * administration

The above provides a glimpse of the people, the variety of gifting, and the servant hearts, needed to make it all happen.

I can sometimes forget and take for granted how blessed we are; we have never had to run a volunteer recruitment campaign; we don’t have individuals pushing their own agenda; we don’t have people quit because things aren’t being done their way; we don’t have people stepping on others to get recognition.

I’m not saying issues don’t arise: but when they do, humility and hearts to serve our Savior make them non-issues, and so are opportunities to see the gospel at work.

Please do pray for all those involved in the planning and organizing of Next, but above all let’s thank our God and Savior for his work on the cross being daily demonstrated in the lives of the people he has provided for us.

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).