Go to Andover!
Joseph Andrews of Independence, MO, USA
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself. -2 Corinthians 5:17-19
The stake president asked me to visit the saints in northeastern Ohio and let them know they hadn’t been forgotten. Their church building had closed, but several members remained. I went in faith that God would direct me.
The first few days of travel were discouraging, trying to locate homes. There was no GPS back then. Some people had moved, some joined other denominations, others had passed on. The third day I stopped the car to pray again for direction. The car filled with God’s Spirit and into my consciousness came a strong indication that I should go to Andover.
Where was Andover? I found it on my map-many miles away. It was raining, I had not been home for days, and only one member was listed. Nevertheless, a few hours later I sloshed through mud to knock on a door. The elderly woman enthusiastically took my minister’s card and invited me in. Then she began to cry. I asked if there was anything I could do for her. She told me her husband was an invalid. They were homebound and could not go long distances to church. Then she said, “My tears are tears of joy. This morning I prayed for someone from the church to visit me, and here you are.” We shared together and after offering the sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick for her husband, I left feeling blessed. I treasure Andover as one of my life’s most wonderful experiences.
I am no longer able to minister in those places, but God still directs me. Here are the principles at work in my life that day: I made myself available; I prayed for God’s help; and forgetting my comfort, the Lord guided me. When my life is aligned with the power of the Holy Spirit to help me find God’s vision and mission, I can yet serve wherever I am. As Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Prayer Phrase
“Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day…” (Psalm 139:12).
Spiritual Practice
Repeat this month’s prayer phrase slowly and intentionally within your heart. Invite this prayerful repetition to open a space of presence to the divine light within you. Where are you experiencing the light of God in your life and in the world?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
