Monday, October 22, 2007
The red car syndrome?
Have you ever experienced the "red car syndrome"? You know it's the phenomena that when you buy a certain red car, say a red Ford Mustang, and in the following weeks and months you notice that suddenly it seems like there are red Ford Mustangs EVERYWHERE. You can't help to think that it seems as if everyone is following your actions! You know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was not nearly as many red Ford Mustangs on the road before you purchased yours but now it seems like they are everywhere. Red Car Syndrome.
Sunday morning I was struck with a case of red car syndrome... well sorta.
Misionary Jonathan Stickland from Greece was our guest speaker at Heavenview UPC on Sunday. As he started into his message I have to say I was captivated! If I can recall it correctly, I believe his title was "I Found My Relevance in One". The message revolved around his testimony and the great things that are happening in Greece but what really struck me was what seemed to be this man's heartbeat.
He spoke of some of the projects and ministries that he has in the church in Athens. Social networks, community centers and other great ideas that have been my personal focus for the past couple of years. As he was speaking it was like I was nodding to myself in a way of affirming that this man was hearing God tell him almost exactly what I feel I have been hearing! He spoke of how relational evangelism was affecting real people in really difficult circumstances in Greece. People who most thought impossible to reach were willing to listen because a relationship was already built. "Zone Pastors" and other innovative things that puts the Church out in to the community.
I had the chance to speak to Jonathan Stickland afterwards and can honestly say that he has inspired me. Maybe it isn't the red car syndrome... perhaps God is just doing something in the Church globally. Maybe the end-time revival is at our doorsteps and this is a means to a "supernatural" end.
Dan Ponjican
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
Sunday morning I was struck with a case of red car syndrome... well sorta.
Misionary Jonathan Stickland from Greece was our guest speaker at Heavenview UPC on Sunday. As he started into his message I have to say I was captivated! If I can recall it correctly, I believe his title was "I Found My Relevance in One". The message revolved around his testimony and the great things that are happening in Greece but what really struck me was what seemed to be this man's heartbeat.He spoke of some of the projects and ministries that he has in the church in Athens. Social networks, community centers and other great ideas that have been my personal focus for the past couple of years. As he was speaking it was like I was nodding to myself in a way of affirming that this man was hearing God tell him almost exactly what I feel I have been hearing! He spoke of how relational evangelism was affecting real people in really difficult circumstances in Greece. People who most thought impossible to reach were willing to listen because a relationship was already built. "Zone Pastors" and other innovative things that puts the Church out in to the community.
I had the chance to speak to Jonathan Stickland afterwards and can honestly say that he has inspired me. Maybe it isn't the red car syndrome... perhaps God is just doing something in the Church globally. Maybe the end-time revival is at our doorsteps and this is a means to a "supernatural" end.
Dan Ponjican
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail!
# posted by Dan Ponjican @ 11:58 AM 
