With all that was happening in the youth with preparation for the annual conference in Mauritius, I wanted to get involved in something to be a part of what was going on. As the Lord had shown me that not taking any responsibility for fear of failure was depriving myself Read the full story

In the pressure of preparation for the conference, if there wasn’t confrontation something would be wrong. Confrontation is not easy for us to accept or to be in but when we know the hearts of the people we come into confrontation with and we know their desire to serve the Lord just as we do, it becomes easier to take these things in the spirit. To keep growing, there needs to be confrontation as it is clear that nobody is perfect and everybody will fall short somewhere. The imperfections in the church are what bring us to perfection. In my life I cry for rebuke because I want to be chiseled away like a sculpture, but when that rebuke comes, I want to run away. We all do. But when we can come to a place when we know that when people are not afraid to confront us and are not guarding against our emotions or what we might think of them, we can have an assurance in our heart that this relationship is spiritual. We can feel well in our hearts to know that they love us enough to care and want to help us grow. It’s not easy but as the Lord opens our eyes, we begin to see the love of our father being shown through or confrontations with our brothers and sisters. Through these confrontations are hearts are linked as we are humbled before one another to acknowledge our weaknesses. I want to come to the place where I have complete assurance in my heart of who I am in Jesus Christ so that people may confront me. I will know that through the power of the cross, the Lord can use these confrontations to speak and to change me and to continue chipping away at the sculpture of His church.

In the last few days before the conference, the feeling of expectancy is in the air. We know that what the Lord is going to bring will be a word that will continue to change our lives and build His church. We want to be ready in our hearts for what He has for us – to have our eyes completely fixed on Him to be able to receive and not be distracted by the hecticness of the magnitude of the conference. Some people have fasted for this time, seeking the Lord and opening their hearts so that they may be like fertile ground that this seed lands on. Most have come into times of spontaneous prayer as this time is continually carried on their hearts throughout the day. There is a freedom that comes with living with people that carry the same heart and desire that connects our hearts and we desire to bring every aspect of the conference before the Lord. It is a time for us too, to be sensitive to those around us – to their spiritual needs as we support them and encourage them and allow the Lord to bring them to a place where they are ready for Him to speak. Most of all, for each one of us, it is important that we spend time with the Lord, seeking Him, in prayer and in His word, that He may prepare our hearts in His perfect way. We are not coming to listen to the wisdom of a man, after all, but to our savior and friend with whom we need to be in constant relationship. May we hear this week with our hearts and not with our minds as we are continually formed into His letter that will speak of Him.

I am so happy to announce the launch of your new blog.
I hope it will kick start your everyday. Take my word: the cross is the solution for all.
May the Lord bless you and to Him be all the glory,

Your brother Oliver