You are probably thinking that a missionary’s schedule while on deputation is quite flexible. You’re right! That opens up a world of possibilities for things to do. Since I was in the Virginia Beach area last week, I decided I would do all of my work shoreside. It’s a great way to soak up the rays while also getting a little bit of work done. Plus, I’ve come to believe in the benefits of beach evangelism, so I thought I’d give it a try…
If you are regular reader of my blog, your mind might be going back to ”What’s Happening on ESPN?” post (June 16, 2009), in which case you know where I’m going with this email. Of course, if you know me, your suspicions were raised anyway. No, I didn’t hang out at the beach last week. In fact, I didn’t even take the time to see the beach! I did do some touring of Williamsburg on Saturday (much more enjoyable than the beach, in my opinion!), but most of the rest of the week was spent with deputation activities–researching churches for future meetings, calling pastors, meeting pastors, etc.
The Lord gave me a very fruitful time in these activities. My friends, Deanna and Matt Vanderwarker, let me stay with them the entire week, and I had the opportunity to use their comfortable and lovely place all day on Tuesday. That allowed me to have internet access while also being able to research churches and call pastors. (I usually hang out at Panera Breads, but they don’t work too well for telephone calls–too loud and too much jazz music. Libraries are also not good–too quiet.)
I was planning on visiting around 5 churches in the Virginia Beach area, but then I found another in my research. I stopped by “cold turkey” the next morning. At first the pastor was reticent to meet with me, since he was working on his Wed evening sermon and since I arrived unnannounced. But by the end of our time, he had gotten so excited about having me at his missions conference in October that he was suggesting ideas to me on how I could present my ministry! He also prayed fervently for me and my ministry before we left. What an answer to prayer!
I also had a great time getting to know the people at Bethel Baptist Church in Hampton, and Tabernacle Baptist Church and Seminary in Virginia Beach. I also enjoyed lunch on Saturday with Pastor Privett of Faith Baptist Church in Williamsburg. I look forward to setting up meetings at each place. My time at Tabernacle was especially fruitful as I established a good relationship with the pastor, a biblical language professor, and two students interested in Bible translation. I also got to speak with two interested students at Central Baptist Theological Seminary as I spent a couple days there.
In the bad news category, I didn’t get a positive response from 7 other churches. I wouldn’t say they were all negative either, though. In most cases, I just didn’t make contact. In only one case did I actually receive a negative response, but that’s only because of his NT text position. But he still wanted to talk with me further. Maybe I can connect with the other 6 at a future date.
I’m in Wilson, NC, for this week, having a great time with Jennelle and Luke Poore and their kids. I’m kinda out in the ‘boon docks’ at their place, so my internet access is limited, but that’s not always a bad thing!
