Over the past month, I have spent a good amount of time in airports. I'll admit, I love airports. They are the hubs of the world. If you think about it, in a matter of hours, you can get anywhere in the world. It is truly amazing. You can walk down a terminal and a plane can be leaving for London, and right next to it a plane leaving for Springfield, Missouri. Amazing.
In the last six weeks, I have nearly circled the world visiting with missionaries and church planters. I have been to South Asia, where the Gospel is not as readily available or accepted. While I won't speak much on details on this, it is amazing to see Jesus move in the hearts all around the world.
I have also been to Hawaii, visiting and encouraging church planters. I know what you are thinking at this point-REALLY? Planting a church in Hawaii? Come On? I expect that degree of cynicism, as if I were not involved, I might express a similar sentiment (being a product of my generation). The Gospel is desperately needed in paradise, quite frankly, because when you live in paradise, and not simply visit it, paradise quickly disappears. Reality sits in, and while the scenery around you is beautiful, the grave lostness sits in, and it is overwhelming. For many, being on an island brings great loneliness (especially for the military men and women there). There have been many, many suicides, in PARADISE. I am so encouraged by our church planter and his family in Hawaii. They are quickly building a bible study in their home, and walking with people in life to reach areas of the island they are on. God is moving in this area, and I am excited to see what the Lord has stirring on the islands.
On my travels, I have had a great opportunity to read some books. They have been a great encouragement to me. In fact, both by the same author, Mark Dever (and the first two I have had the opportunity to read). The first is What Is A Healthy Church It is a strong word on what the Church must be intent on staying focused on. The second, also by Dever, is entitled The Gospel and Personal Evangelism In it, Dever encourages his readers to share the Gospel strongly, and to share the entire Gospel. He suggests that we have so watered the Gospel down that we only many times share part of the Gospel (to which after reading, I completely agree with). So overall, I would recommend both reads.
