A Word from the OAC International President
In this OACI UPDATE, you will see a glimpse of the extent of the work that OAC is doing worldwide. Some thrilling and wonderful things are happening on the front lines of evangelism. We have great staff and volunteers who are doing all this, sometimes on low budgets and in places where the use of only low-tech materials and methods is possible. It is very effective and highly appropriate for the situation. We really appreciate your part in making it all possible through your financial gifts, your practical support and your prayer. The part you play is vital!
But, as your heart is lifted by the exciting work that is going on, take a moment to think of what makes this breadth of ministry possible.
Consider the pigeon
Have you ever wondered why a pigeon walks so funny? It’s so it can see where it is going. A pigeon’s eyes can’t focus as it moves, so the bird actually has to bring its head to a complete stop between steps in order to refocus. It progresses clumsily — head forward, stop, head back, stop.
To keep our work for the Lord effective, we must consider our walk with the Lord and learn a lesson from the pigeon. We have a hard time seeing while we’re on the go. We need to stop between steps — to pause and refocus on God Himself, as seen in His Word. If our work for the Lord is to be useful, then our walk with the Lord needs to have built into it a pattern of stops that enables us to see more clearly before moving on. Daniel had a practice of praying three times a day (Daniel 6:10). It was an essential part of his walk with God. He knew there’s a certain kind of spiritual refocusing that we can’t do without stopping.
This is done, as Daniel did, by daily drawing aside with Him, by regular attendance at our own home churches, and by occasional (annual/seasonal) extended periods of reflection, review, and prayer. As French theologian Henri Nouwen wrote, “If we don’t have a hidden life with God, our public life for God cannot bear fruit.”
We learn a valuable lesson from the pigeon: “looking good” isn’t nearly as important as “seeing well.” So, enjoy the stories that follow, and remember what is behind them. Thanks, again, for the part you play!
OACI Update 2013