Carla's in the Kitchen!

Dear Sisters of Mine,

Ministry has many faces. It can be preaching alongside my husband at the Glorious Church seminars; meeting with RTC Board Members who have schools to plan for practical resources and assistance; singing a new song from the Lord; prophesying to the church of Nigeria and releasing a new mantel for ministry to them. These are public faces of ministry that can bring applause, affirmation, and praise. Though we don't do these things to receive the affirmation of man, it comes and we are blessed by it.

Ministry can also be giving a chicken to a traveling missionary, which we promptly named "Fred." (Fred, by the way, is now dead and only his little head remains. Smile) Ministry can be hosting the missionary in your home, preparing meals, washing clothes, and fellowshipping until late in the evening. These faces have been worn by a choir in a local church and the Gbogboade family here in Nigeria, as they have hosted Pastor Ron and I these past days.

Sometimes ministry seems more like fun! It is playing games with the pastor's childrens and the neighborhood youngsters; opening the world of blogging to an anointed young man of God with a gift for writing; shopping with the pastor's wife and laughing with the joy of it all; cooking dinner for the first time (yup - Carla was in the kitchen!) in a Nigerian kitchen, creating a very HOT version of chili and enjoying every minute or cutting out sticker stars for an outreach to 1000 children that will happen after I have gone.

All of life is ministry. It flows from the heart. It is life lived for others. It is embracing the moment and making it count. I pray all of you are ministering to one another while I'm gone. It is truly the joy and adventure of our Christian journey...and builds meaning into every day.

Missing and praying for my sisters at The Potter's House and around the world tonight. May God wrap you in His wonderful Presence and fill your life with sweet fellowship and wonderful memories.

Much love to all,
Pastor Carla