Special invitation . . . special family. . . and special day.Sunday, July 27, 2008 saw the Poitras family in a town about 2 hours from Accra, with some great folks. Rev. Mac Ewudzie-Sampson and his sweet wife, Sis. Comfort extended the invitation. Their children, Jeremiah, Beatrice, Else, and Mac, Jr. were all present. This is rare, since the children are all studying in various parts of the country.
They were all home to help celebrate Jeremiah's completion of his Bachelor of Science Degree . . . HALLELUJAH!
Knowing that Melinda was leaving was another reason for our celebration. These children are close enough in age, they have grown up together during our time in Ghana . . . and all of them are loving and serving the Lord.
My hubby (an extra-ordinary man himself) delivered the message . . . for the kids . . . but actually for us all. I wanted to share my notes from his sermon, as they were so helpful and encouraging to ME . . . I think they will bless you too!
Rev began by talking about these six children, and then gave us six points to explain their special part in all our lives, and God's special plan:
1) EXAMPLE - during their lives, these children have been used many times as an example . . . in lessons, sermons, and life. 1Timothy 4:12 tells them to be an example to believers . . . in speech, faith, life, love, and purity.
2) EXTENSION - all these children have been an extension of their parent's ministry . . . all their lives. Now that they are getting older, doing things on their own, they need to remember that whatever they do in life, they will always be an extension of what their parents believe, teach and live (Acts 21:8-9; 2Timothy 1:5-6).
3) EXTINCTION - It only takes one generation for the faith of God to pass out of a family, church, and nation. Please, remember to walk in "TRUTH" because there is nothing more important to us (3John 4). 2Timothy 1:6-7 asks you to please fan the faith you have into a flaming fire of experience and power. Carry the TRUTH of this GOSPEL to your children . . . and their children . . . until Jesus comes.
4) EXPECTATIONS - Whether we like it or not, minister's children are expected to do so much more (or NOT do so much more) than any other kids . . . at church or anywhere else. 1Timothy 3:5 explains why . . . pastors have to control/handle/lead their family well, or they are not qualified to lead the church of God.
5) EXPERIENCE - Romans 5:3-4, NLT - "We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation."
Do these kids ever have experience! They have been through things that most people have never imagined. . . and just think . . . God was doing it to prepare them for something SPECIAL in His kingdom.
The "School of Hard Knocks" is not an easy place to attend, but it sure does help you with life. As Jeremiah Ewudzie-Sampson testified, "No battle . . . no victory. . . no cross. . . no crown." (Bachelor's degrees always come with a price . . . and I don't mean money.)
6) EXCEL - God has given these "extra-ordinary minister's children" the ability to be successful in whatever they decide to do. They will NEVER BE DEFEATED if they follow where God leads, using what God has already taught them.
(Hebrews 11:4) - Yes, there will be sacrifice, but a MORE EXCELLENT sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT - They will remain firm, immovable, superior, excelling, doing MORE than ENOUGH in God's Service; KNOWING and BEING continually aware that their labor in Jesus is NEVER useless . . . they have been prepared for something "extra-ordinary."
2 comments:
Glad to hit your blog news. Excellent, by the way!
LOVE the notes!
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