An end of an era. I was very blessed this morning, before I started to preach at House of Home, that Ps John Villanueva went up before me to the pulpit. He read Acts 20: 17-38. Then he mentioned this is the last time they would see me, as today was my last message at House of Hope. I was moved to tears. I have been there every Thursday, for 26 years. It was touching. I was honoured. I was humbled. I was blessed to have imparted into hundreds of men over the years. I have seen staff come and go. Directors come and go. And through these 26 years the LORD sustained me. I received no pay, did not get money. It was all for the LORD Jesus. Everything, that has a start, has an end. The start of my ministry in House of Hope, was as a youthful, full of strength young man. I leave, somewhat slower physically, but full of deep gratitude, that the LORD has used me to reach others. The meaning of my life. No one made me go there weekly. I went there, as I knew it was where God has placed me. I never left. I never abandoned my calling. I persevered through all manner of storms. I kept going. I never gave up. Ministry is not easy. I did not have to go there, I could have slept in every thursdahy. No one kept a record if I went or not. No one. I went there as I was passionate about Jesus using me. I understood, and I understand until now, Jesus is my boss. I was never late. I went there in typhons on my bike. A change of clothing before I preached. I never missed a Thursday. And last week, first time ever, first time, I went to House of Hope; no Bible, I forgot it; no message, I forgot it. I borrowed a scrap bit of paper, I borrowed a Bible, I wrote my message in 10 verses. And after I was asked for the message. I knew it was time. So this week, its over. I praise the LORD for using me. I pray for HoH always. And I want to challenge you: how faithful and committed are you, to none paid ministry? We do not work for silver and gold here, but we work for the LORD. If you are tired, do not give up. If you are slandered, accused, do not give up. Our reward is not here, it is in heaven. Mth 6: 19-21; this is true treasure. Storing up, via hardship is real treasure. Wherever you work, whatever your job is, it is the extra effort that brings the rewards. Again, I never ever had to go there, I could have slept in. Nothing in my life depended on HoH. Nothing. People abroad were never interested in this ministry. Most never saw it,. Never ever asked about it. It was my ministry of love. It was a ministry of gratitude for all the LORD has done for me. It was a pure labour of love. Thank you Jesus for using me for 26 years in HoH.
MCC Admin
12 Av 5783