Sharing 20schemes with Central Fellowship Baptist Church

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up is bright designs
And works His sov'reign will.
     - William Cowper, 1774

We had the privilege of spending this past Sunday at Central Fellowship Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia.  Jeff and I started our morning in a couples' Sunday School class, while the kids visited the youth department. Shane and Abby Gottwals lovingly shepherd this class and, as is the case in many Sunday School classes, Shane kicked things off by asking for praises and prayer requests. We were soon taken by the obvious missional focus of the folks in the class as they shared about evangelistic and discipleship relationships they were building, within and outside of the church body. We noted that the church seemed particularly and deliberately invested in discipling people with addictive issues and ---- sin. Shane also allowed Jeff some time to share about our ministry.

Jeff shared briefly about 20schemes in the morning service as well, and we enjoyed getting to know the Coats family over Mexican food (an essential to building any friendship). Sunday evening, Jeff was able to preach the gospel. He shared that while we seldom run into a demon-possessed person (Mark 5:1-20) in our everyday lives, we have all dealt with sin-possession in our own lives -- and there is only one cure: a saving encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. After the message, Jeff shared the video testimony of Paul, who now wants to share his faith in the One who saved him with those who don't know.
 

After the service, as we mingled with the church family, Jeff chatted with a couple of guys who had been blessed -- and saved -- through the addiction ministry of this church. We couldn't help but think of the parallels to the work in the schemes of Scotland in ministering to the sin-possessed there. It was a great joy and privilege to fellowship with this church body on Sunday, hear of how the Lord is working in their midst, and share how they might become involved in gospel work in Scotland.

 

We're very thankful for the gracious invitation of Pastor Rodney McQueen, who (unbeknownst to us) had already been aware of the work of 20schemes through his friendship with our board member, Mark Schenk. God works in a mysterious way, indeed.

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