stanpavkovich

This past Sunday I returned home from a 10-day mission trip to Nicaragua.  The team I was a part of built several small homes for some very needy people, provided medical clinics to a local neighborhood and did drama at some area schools.

I was reminded of something on this trip…

As you look around at the world and see the need and pain in people’s lives you can become overwhelmed to a point of becoming paralyzed and begin thinking, “What is the use?  The need is too overwhelming…what difference can I make?” and we end up doing nothing.

Here is what I was reminded of:  As we completed the two small homes this thought came to me – I may not be able to change the world, but I helped change the world for these two families who needed a safe and secure home to raise a family in.  The Bible says this…”just as you have done it to the least of these you have done it unto me.”  Do not underestimate the impact you have on the people around you.  You don’t have to go overseas to impact people (although I think everybody should experience at least once in their life time an overseas mission trip).

That neighbor who just lost their spouse to cancer…that co-worker who recently went through a divorce that is filled with shame and a sense of failure.  You can be Jesus to that person just by letting them know that you care.  By offering a listening ear and being there for them.

Be blessed and be a blessing to somebody this week,

 Stan

There will be no blog posting this week due to Pastor Stan being out of the country with the Nicaragua Mission Team.  Please keep the team in your prayers as they minister to the people of Nicaragua.

I am leaving today with an amazing group of people for Nicaragua!  We are linking up with Youth With a Mission in that country to do medical clinics, build several small houses for some very needy families and working with children – teaching them about the love of God.  Please pray for the teams protection and that we would have favor with the people that we encounter.

You may not be able to go on an overseas mission trip this summer, but see yourself as a change agent right where you are at – in your realm of influence.  There are people in your community, in your neighborhood, that need to be reminded of the fact that there is a God that is madly in love with them.  Show the love of God with your words, actions and attitudes.

Be Blessed,

Stan

 I don’t know if you ever heard the joke about a wealthy man who was terminally ill. The doctor said,
“There’s only one thing that will save you. A brain transplant. It’s an experimental operation. And it’s very expensive.”
The wealthy guy said, “Money is no object. Can you get me a brain?”
The doctor said, “We have three available right now. The first one was from a college professor. But it’ll cost you $10,000.”
The guy said, “Don’t worry. I can pay. What about the second brain?”
The doctor said, “It was from a rocket scientist. It’ll cost you $100,000.”
The man said, “I have the money. And I’d be a lot smarter too. But tell me about the third brain.”
The doctor said, “The third brain is from a Chicago Bear football player. But it would set you back a million dollars.”
The man said, “A million dollars? Why so much for his brain?”
The doctor said, “It’s never been used.”

I admit it is a corny joke – but there is some truth we can find in it.

Some Christians are like that football player. We have gifts and talents that have never been used.

Maybe you have the gift of counsel or encouragement – or maybe you have the ability to sing or play an instrument.

Or maybe you are right now you are saying – I don’t have a clue what my gift might be!

Here is the deal – you need to step out in faith and say, “Lord, here I am! I am willing to do whatever I can do to serve you God.”

And don’t be afraid to fail.  If you try working with kids and it is not your cup of tea – try another area.  Remember God has a special place for you – it may take a couple attempts at different things to find out what that is.

Back in 1978, Bob Dylan became a Christian. A short time later, he wrote the following words to this song:

“You have given everything to me.
What can I do for You?
You have given me eyes to see.
What can I do for You?

Pulled me out of bondage and You made me renewed inside,
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied,
Opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide
And You’ve chosen me to be among the few.
What can I do for You?”

Every Christian should ask that same question: “Lord, what can I do for you? 

What can I do for you at my job?

What can I do for at home?

What can I do for you in my community?
What can I do for you in my Church?

What can I do for you at my school?

What is God calling you to do today?

 Blessings,

Pastor Stan