Scripture, Spirit, Saints

Our friends, Bob and Judy Neuman have pastored Lansing Assembly of God, Lansing, IL (near Chicago) since 1975, shaping people with loving care and consistent example. Folk like the Neumans fly under the radar undetected. Glaring institutional lights focus on the fast and famous of the church world. Bob and Judy, like many others, are poised and prepared to mend, encourage, and help people who have been victimized on the road between Jericho and Jerusalem, or Lansing and Chicago.

Bob sends me his Sunday morning message on Saturdays. The sermons reflect careful study, are built on a worthy truth, and filled with great anecdotal material. Yesterday’s sermon was the first of several on "Success - God’s Way," from Proverbs 3. The last section of Bob’s sermon addresses the "procedure for divine guidance, God’s guidance through Scripture, Spirit and His saints." The alliterative outline reminded me of a sad encounter which ended in a delightful outcome.

In 2005 Highway Tabernacle was poised to begin work on the building where Resurrection Life Church meets. (Spring Garden Academy is expanding to that site next week.) We had listed a team opening for an administrative assistant on several web sites and Brett called inquiring about the opportunity. He and his young bride, Rebekah, attended a worship service soon after and we went to lunch following church to become better acquainted.

Brett and Rebekah had convinced me of a passionate desire to serve the Lord. Brett’s preparation in college was sound. I sensed a "calling" to a ministry vocation, but was searching for any glitches, hidden factors about which I ought to be cautious. As we ate, somewhere between the salad and entree, I asked how their home church has affirmed their calling to ministry. "Affirmed? What do you mean?" Brett asked.

I was ill prepared by what followed. I learned that they had grown up in the same church. They had faithfully served and learned some ministry skills and personal disciplines with their long time youth pastor. But, when I asked, "How has your pastor encouraged you to pursue a vocation in ministry?" they asked, "What do you mean?"

The follow-up questions included, "Has your pastor brought you to the congregation and announced his encouragement? Has he asked the people to help you with expenses in college? Have the church elders laid hands on you in prayer?" Rebekah quietly answered, with tears, "We have now spent more time with you than we ever have with our pastor." Brett went on to state, "Pastor, we just need an opportunity to begin somewhere." I will never forget that moment. It is etched into my memory forever. Brett and Rebekah served with us well for before moving into a role for which they are perfectly suited. Spending time affirming their calling, shaping them for the future, has been a pure delight.

Recently, two young men who have graduated high school and completed a "Next Generation" internship, were affirmed by Highway Tabernacle-Resurrection Life Church. The church gathered around them and prayed God’s blessing on the new endeavors. Zachary has begun classes at Messiah College. Alvin will begin training with Master’s Commission next month. The church has contributed to a scholarship to help them with their academic expenses. No young person ought to have a question about the support of their home church.

The procedure for reliable guidance ought to always include Scripture, Spirit and Saints.

The bright lights and cameras are often focused on representatives of the establishment who pass by on the other side. The Neumans, a cadre of "Next Generation" volunteers, and dozens of others whose names remain unknown, continue to mend, heal and encourage those victimized by thieves.