Reflections from Recent Travels

PHIL NOORDMANS, WEST REGIONAL PASTOR

Travel with me to CA Inland Empire and interact with OMF missionaries, Scot and Sheryl Myhr, who are impacting China for Christ without leaving America. Among other things they lead a ministry called “English Corner.” Teaching English to Chinese scholars and students opens a door for evangelism.

Stephen and Karen Sloat live in Indio, one of the hottest spots in southern CA. Although COVID took its toll on their little church’s attendance, their spirits remain strong. Their ministries reach beyond the walls of the church. Stephen serves as Chaplain for the Indio Police Department and Karen, an attorney, leads a group of 12 attorneys, paralegals and support staff who are committed to building an ethical practice in their area. The community is their mission field.

While visiting Scottsbluff, NE, I preached at Salem Congregational Church, a small, aging congregation meeting in a big, beautiful sanctuary. Pastor Dale (and Jan) Brown have served at Salem for 22 years. They love the congregation! Heart-felt worship is a vital part of every Lord’s Day. Someday, perhaps soon, they will retire, and when they do, they dream of stepping away from a flock that is thriving in all ways.

The Elder John’s exhortation to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor is as relevant in our day as it was in his day: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  Revelation 3:6, ESV. The Holy Spirit is still speaking to pastors, parishioners, and churches. When we listen and obey, God’s work gets done in God’s way and in God’s time.