Mission...

New Bern, NC

Mission...

You know, the Lord says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19.

Most of us think that to be "On Mission" means those people that Jesus sends to Africa...missionaries that go and live in grass huts and sit on dirt floors. No electricity, no running water. Those people that Jesus sends to places where it's easy to see the hurt, the pain, the struggle to live full lives without the fruit of the Spirit...

"Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness, and Self Control." 

Well. The McCarthy Family was called to New Bern, NC. And not to any ole neighborhood, but to a GORGEOUS neighborhood, with manicured lawns and a golf course. Surrounded by older retired people. I asked the Lord early on..."Why New Bern, Lord? Why this neighborhood? You called us to Full Time Ministry, but why here and not Africa?" 

He didn't answer me immediately. He likes to wait, doesn't He? He is just SO WISE! 

As we have lived in this precious neighborhood and met so many amazing and beautiful people He has revealed that behind those gorgeous manicured lawns, and nice cars, are people who hurt. People who deal with great loss. People who have no stability or order in their spiritual lives. 

As I drove home tonight after talking with a dear new friend in the neighborhood hearing about his losses, I looked at my life. I looked at what our family has been given by a God who LOVES us and who we have CHOSEN to TRUST and LEAN ON and OBEY. He has BLESSED us with ABUNDANCE in the Spirit...Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Goodness, and Self Control. Still waiting for an outpouring of the "Self Control", mind you, but such ABUNDANCE in Him! And SUCH a HUNGER to share that "LIFE" with all those He places in our lives. 

It's easy to think that having a good education, a good job, money, can give you Life and Security, but without Life In Christ all those things are empty and meaningless. Solomon can attest to that. They can make life more convenient and easier, but the emptiness of our own limitations without the depth of the Love of Christ and His Power in our lives is very linear. 

Mission...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart all your mind and all your strength and 

Love your neighbor as yourself." 

Jesus...thank you for the heart of passion you have given me to share YOU with others and to anticipate Your Power being made manifest in their lives. Jesus...I pray that the quiver full you have given us will be given that SAME passion and hunger to be Your hands and feet to share the Truth of the Gospel with others...more and more and more. May many come to know You and know Your peace that passes understanding. 

I love you.