by Sis. Abby Bico
Reading for the day: John 14:1-14
It’s been a week since we concluded our triple treat event here in the District. I can still recall the crowds that filled the Edmonton House of Worship for our conferences, and the even bigger crowd at the Edmonton Convention Centre for our Home Free Global Crusade.
What a time we’d love to relive! If there is something I look forward to during times like this is the fellowshipping and the words of God. Seeing our brethren from different parts of Canada and hearing their testimonies, that alone already refreshes my spirit. On top of all that, are THE words of God brought by our esteemed guests. This year, we had a number of Bishops, Council members, Presbyters from all over the world join us. The best part was having our living apostle, Apostle Jonathan S. Ferriol, who brought the fullness of God’s blessings.
The theme for this year’s district conference was “Fulfilling the Apostolic Vision for Church Expansion”. This theme, like every other theme for our events, is a beautiful reminder of our calling and purpose as a church.
I believe that gatherings like these are a spiritual reset. This is the time to heal, to restart and to realign ourselves with what God has prepared for us to do. We all come to these conferences carrying different baggage, but we all hope to come out spiritually stronger than who we were before. It’s easy to look at ourselves and see how small, inadequate, lacking we may be. In fact, if we’re being honest, we sometimes come into these events depleted.
But the messages, the programs, the testimonies and everything in between were eye openers to what God has done and what He has destined for His church. We may go through moments of weakness but that doesn’t cancel the fact that God has prepared us for greater things.
I can’t help but recall the song of praise I had the privilege of participating in with a few of my fellow ministers, the song was entitled “Destined for Greatness”.
The essence of this song speaks even louder as we look at the trajectory the church is going in. We’re going bigger, bolder, louder, greater in this new era under the leadership of our living Apostle.
However, this “greatness” won’t come easy. This would also mean great sacrifices, great challenges, great perseverance and great endurance. I’m reminded of the stirring message Apostle Jonathan delivered in the Dedication Night entitled “Ask for the Hard Things”. For us to reach those greater heights of service, we can’t dwell in the comfort of the “easy” things, we need to desire for what is difficult and endure them. Seek to sacrifice, look for the challenges, boldly persevere in the suffering! In the end, it will all be worth it.
As we have returned to our respective local churches, may we shield our dedication, vows and the blessings we received by embracing the sacrifices that come with our destiny.
Reflection: What was your favourite part of the triple treat events?
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