Hey friends,
Somehow, on my to do list, updating my blog always is near the bottom, but because I love you, and because I know you guys care about me (you have viewed my blog over 1500 times over the last year) I MUST update even in the busyness. I want to first let you know how the past semester was. The discipleship course was a blessing for me personally and also for the people attending, we got to in two semesters go through Matthew, Romans, 1st John, Ephesians, Revelation, Acts, Nehemiah, 1&2 samuel, and 1st timothy. The students grew so much but I learned a hard lesson, I bit off too big a bite, I was teaching at the bible college and the discipleship course, Wednesday nights church service, friday night young adults, and sunday mornings. I had committed myself to 13 teachings a week… WOOPS! haha… God used it though. There is a wise mexican saying that says he who grabs much grips little… God used it none the less as a wonderful experience for me and all the people who sat in my teachings, it was a fun time.
But now the discipleship is no longer going to be going on, mainly because God has moved me into something different, Many of you know that my father has had a history of severe headaches. Time and time again, as it seems that he has found the remedy, he is well for a few months and then the head aches come back, and now the are back stronger than ever. I beg for your prayers for his recovery, he has been unable to teach since early april and we are uncertain when he will be able to teach again. We have come to the conclusion that if he is not well within the next few weeks that he will take a 6 month to a year sabbatical. Because of his headaches he has been pretty much sidelined from ministry and God has placed me in his stead… scary… haha. I have been teaching for almost three months now and I am amazed that there are still people coming through those doors.
I heard a quote from Mark Driscoll concerning being young in ministry he said that he feels like he has constantly felt like he has to match his character to his responsibilities. Man I can relate! I know God is my sufficiency, and he is my all, and right now it is more blatant than ever that he is graceful. But please pray that my lack of experience would not be an obstacle in leading this church. Pray that the love I have for God and for this church would be reflected in the studying I do, the tone I use and the words I say. I would love it if Horizonte was known for the love it has, primarily in the pulpit. This calling is scary, I feel like Jeremiah saying, God are sure you want me in leadership? But he is confirming it.
God is great. He is gracious, kind and good. Other things that are going on is that we started going through proverbs with the young adults, we finished the book of John and also a 9 week series on the Holy Spirit. It was a lot of fun. pray for that group. It is honestly the most mature young group I have ever lead or seen. It is truly a blessing. Also next semester I have been given the opportunity to teach 1st peter and acts at the bible college. I love teaching there, God has given me a lot of grace in the eyes of the students and staff there. It is a wonderful family that i am proud to be a part of.
I LONG for your prayer. You are a huge part of my life and I love you. Thank you for taking the time to read.
Here is a teaching I did a few weeks ago on Ephesians. http://www.cchorizonte.org/49_Efes/Efesios2010_en/Eph3.14.html
God bless!
Jonathan
