During the month of September, our Children’s Ministry has been focusing on the theme “God & America” - a topic that feels especially relevant given the events of last week.
This past Sunday, we had a guest speaker, Nate, share his testimony. You can watch his testimony here . His testimony is summarized below.
Nate started off by sharing the backstory of his favorite hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" and about the life of Job and how God can use suffering as communication. He talked about God's control of Job's situation throughout the whole book, ending with Job 42:2 "I know that [the Lord] can do all things; no purpose of [the Lord's] can be thwarted."
Nate then shared his personal testimony - one that started in 4th grade at 10 years old with his parents' divorce and many more trying times to follow. With years of everything crumbling around him, being broken and lost, Nate stated he had control over only one thing - his faith in Jesus Christ. God shepherded him and kept him close darkness and pitfalls surrounded him. Nate's faith in the Lord was his life jacket through many storms.
Now, at 25 years old, Nate leads 400+ staff and 3200+ kids with stories similar to his as he serves on committees and boards in the area with a Christ-centered motive and heart of servant leadership. "The past does not determine your future - it is your faith that does," Nate boldly proclaimed, introducing himself as "a passionate servant to my community, my party, and most importantly, my God."
Nate feverishly reminded us that we each have a story of calm waters, high tides, and raging waves. We each have a unique ability and opportunity to create an impact on our communities.
"Our communities need faithful leaders that will stand up against the world we live in... Communities are ran by councils that will allow for celebration of sin and have turned away from moral values... [and] our school districts are ran by boards that literally control the minds and the hearts of our future lawyers, engineers, even your fast food workers."
He encouraged us to run for something in our community and to enter into the arena to protect our students and to build values back into our communities.
You don't feel equipped?
Nate disagreed stating, "It's you guys - people with a God-fearing mindset, with strong morals and wisdom, that must choose to go out into the community and make a difference. Do not hide! Go out and speak! We look around and wonder what's going on in our society and what can be done. You need to look in the mirror - you need to go out there, you need to make a difference, you need to be a part of something greater. Not hiding behind social media, in the front of it."
Nate shared how hard it is working in politics as a Christian - with many against him every day. "But you know what, that's the fight we have to do - God never promised us an easy life. He promised us the ability to endure it." He encouraged those who feel called to serve in politics to pray and reach out, and "If there is an open door... that you trust in Him and walk through it, knowing that it's all for Him."
He finished by reminding us of the hymn "Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me" and that it is God who is in control and who orchestrates our lives. We must give all glory to God.
To those who have not placed faith in Christ, Nate emotionally stated: "Only accepting Jesus as your Lord will carry you through, as anything otherwise means you are destined to perish eternally. Like the end of Matthew 14, Jesus is waiting to pull your drowning soul out of the water, onto the boat destined for eternal life. All you have to do is reach for him and accept him."
What an inspiration it was to listen to Nate's testimony and encouragement. It was Hebrews 10:23-25 in action. May we be convicted by the verses he shared from Matthew 5:13-16, and may you join us this Sunday, September 21st, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and hear more testimonies of what God has done in our church.
1 Timothy 1:17 "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
#buckeyebaptistchurch #GodBlessAmerica #testimony #25thAnniversary #celebration #inspiration #YouthLeadership
