The flames are roaring now

Standing before a flame engulfed grill with billowing smoke was not the original intent when Derek and I set out to serve our visiting team from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Tasked with grilling over 40 hamburgers and hotdogs, our progress began slow and steady. Sure, we had grilled burgers before, but never in this large quantity. As we pulled the hamburgers off, the grease drippings remained behind. When the hotdogs hit the grill and began expanding, so did our dilemma. Flames began to rise. Quickly the grill was ablaze in a small grease fire, with the hotdogs getting the burnt end of the deal! We evacuated the food as quickly as possible, dousing the flames. As the smoke cleared, relief and laughter set in as those who dined complimented how delicious everything was!

In March, the team from ETSU spent a week on NMSI's campus. These college students dedicated their spring break to come serve and learn more about missions. Yes, they went to the beach their last day here, which I am sure didn't hurt to entice them to come. But at the core of their time in Fort Myers was the desire to increase the multitude standing before the Lamb. The team spent their mornings learning from our different missionaries, hearing stories of transformation from around the globe. Afternoons were spent around NMSI's campus, making various improvements.

It is a significant and beautiful thing – the body of Christ. We didn't know any of the students or campus ministers who arrived with the team. Yet, they embraced and served us as family. Similar to our grease fire, one flame (one believer, one team) can ignite a fire within the body. When we pour Christ into one another's lives, the Kingdom grows. The natural effect is a host of humbled hearts dedicated to the Lord, investing in the unreached.

Whether it's participating in or leading worship sessions, grilling for a fellowship gathering, or playing a friendly game of NERTS (group card game) as we did with the ETSU team, making the investment of Christ in another will have an eternal impact that is priceless.

I cannot wait till that glorious day when everyone will gather before the Lord, standing with those they have shared and invested Christ in– people from every nation and tribe. Thank you for ministering with us as we invest in and transform lives for Christ together.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” – Revelation 7:9