If you’re reading this, it probably means that you have somewhat of an interest in Journey Quest’s ministry. You may have even just finished with the best rafting trip of your life—assuming that Journey Quest was the company you used and Clark was your guide. The next thing I assume you’re thinking is, “Hey, how can I help such an amazing company with the world’s most amazing raft guides?” Well, beyond the obvious answer of donating 12 new buses, 6 clones of Josh Kerby, and $50,000, there is a something slightly more realistic and much more obvious. You should pray…
I was daydreaming in church a couple of weeks ago when the pastor (luckily) caught my attention with some thought-provoking words. He was talking about living a mission-focused life and what that looks like. He quoted Matthew 28, The Great Commission that many of us know so well, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” As he continued Christ convicted me: “why is it that we don’t first pray for God to soften hearts before we set out to make disciples?” It seems like we often think we can step onto the battlefield and get right into the dirty work of turning lost souls. The pastor then used a historical analogy that drove the point home to me. During WWII, the Allied forces were preparing to invade France by storming the beaches of Normandy. We’re all familiar with D-day; this was the turning point of the war. However, the part of the story many people aren’t as familiar with is what happened the days leading up to June 4. The allies had to soften the Axis’ defense of the beaches of Normandy. The allies spent days and nights bombing the beaches, mostly targeting enemy sniper nests. Had the Allied forces neglected their preemptive strike, they would never have made it through and won the battle.
The same is true for making disciples; we are not the ones who change hearts. Although Journey Quest has an amazingly righteous staff, we need Christ to soften the defenses of the hearts made of stone. We are just the infantry Jesus chooses to use.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last–and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 15:16
That being said, we need you to pray! Pray for God to move. Pray for God to provide. Pray for God to be glorified. Pray for God to fill the staff with His spirit. Especially, Pray for God to soften the hearts of everyone that comes through our doors. I have seen God do amazing things through Journey Quest and I know that we serve a God that knows no limits!
In reality, it is not because we are awesome—it is because we have a gracious God that chooses us! We have a God that ALWAYS hears our prayers, He ALWAYS responds, and He is ALWAYS good! Thank you for your continuous support and prayers.
If you would like to hear the sermon, please leave a message for me on the Journey Quest website and I will send you the link.
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