Ah, where do you go for rest? We small church pastors rarely see a sabbatical. And if you are like me you go away to return only to have everything you left behind waiting for you in urgency.
Our recent vacation was like that. All sorts of problems prevailed. God reminded me that problems will always exist this side of Heaven. But He also reminded me that He uses these problems to bring us to Him. Romans 8:28 and following, James chapter 1, and the testimony of the apostles has affirmed these things.
I would however like to point out a ministry in this country that seeks revival of the church and the refreshment of pastors. Life Action Ministries of Buchanan, MI is right on target. You can find them at lifeaction.org. They have several ministries, many of which include
Revival Summits in your church for lengths of 4 days to 14 days.
Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh Demoss
The Lodge a retreat for the personal renewal of pastors and their wives.
Life Action Family Camps Each summer and twice in the fall Life Action supplies families with a place of respite. The gospel is displayed and families are drawn together. It combines the best of connecting with each other and connecting with God. For over ten years my family has made this a summer time ritual. It is more of a celebration. Our kids would rather go to camp than to Disney World. Each year has built upon the previous to give our family essential times of seeking the Lord together. I have seen several works of God over the years here. And as of this writing, something that rarely happens there has happened in abundance, in six weeks twenty people have come to know CHrist as their Savior, Lord, and Love!
If you need encouragement to press on, Life Action is a great source to equip and refresh you.
