2023 December

As we come towards the end of the year, I have begun to reflect on what 2023 meant to me. I have been looking back at what I accomplished, as well as looking back at what I had hoped to do, that I didn’t finish. But, mainly, my time of reflection has brought me to remember those that have gone on before. This year many of what I call the “super saints,” who have been leaders in the body of Christ for decades, have gone on to be with the Lord in heaven.

The last week of November, Jimmy Owens, graduated to Heaven, where he joined his wife Carol. Jimmy was a gifted songwriter, as well as the co-leader of the School of Music Ministries International, where I began my journey as a missionary. Earlier this year, when Carol passed away, I wrote to you about them, and how much they mean to me. I also wrote to you, in October, that Loren Cunningham, the co-founder of Youth With a Mission International, had passed away.  I loved them all dearly. I will always be grateful for the impact they made on my life. Each of them fought an excellent fight, and kept the faith.

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 NASB

I have fought an excellent fight; I have finished my race and I have kept my faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Aramaic Bible in Plain English

As they joined many others in the eternal celebration in our eternal home, their passing leaves us with a great void in the leadership in the body of Christ. But, I know that there will be others who will step up and continue to lead, as we advance the kingdom of God on earth. Perhaps you will be one of those people.

I want to encourage you to be willing to step into your place of leadership. Wherever God has called you. Run the race that God has set before you. Run to win. None of us know how much time we have left on earth. It may be more than 50 years, it may be less than 50 days. I want to encourage you today, to push aside anything that is holding you back from living your life to the fullest. Gather your courage, and step into the things that you are called to do. Step into the things that you are created to become. Love those around you well. Do something today that is part of your destiny. Today is all we have. Let’s live today to the fullest!