September 2024
Fellow Jesus Followers,
Our vision statement says we desire to launch “disciples from Salem into our city and world and boldly build God’s kingdom starting where we live, work, study, and play.” Our mission statement says: “Living lives of love with God, in community, and on mission.”
What does that look like for you personally?
We have been challenged these past weeks to ponder how each of us are living out the Values, Marks of a Disciple, and Strategy steps so they are more than just words on a poster or brochure. I trust that you, as I have, been challenged with areas of growth and areas of humble gratitude for the way God has and continues to work in me through the power of the Holy Spirit to mold and shape me.
During my Cave time this summer I spent time in the book of Acts. The book of Acts chronicles how God worked through a variety of people, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to change lives and establish the Christian church. While certainly people like Peter and Paul were used in mighty ways, there are many others mentioned who obediently and faithfully went and did what they were called to do. One that stood out to me is Philip. We first find him being one of seven chosen to help care for the widows. (Acts 6:1-6). However, when we next find Philip (Acts 8) he is down in Samaria “proclaiming the Messiah”, driven there by the persecution that broke out against the church in Jerusalem. (8:4-5). Yet later, Philip is told by God to go down to a road from Jerusalem to Gaza where he met individually with an Ethiopian official and led him to Jesus! (8:26-40).
As I reflected on this, I marveled at how God equips and leads people in a variety of settings and a variety of circumstances to further His kingdom. It may be interacting with a group or with one individual. A variety of factors influence where we live, work, study, and play. On the surface it may seem like just ordinary daily living and choices. However, maybe, like Philip, God has led you to your specific neighborhood, job, school or gym so you can be used by Him to build His kingdom.
Dale Hellevang
Elder
