YOU LEAD
Message from the Pastor
WIN - Al Ain 4th Youth Anniversary
April 20, 2012
Matt 4:18-22 (NKJV)
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
My family and I would like to congratulate Sis. Leonor Fernandez and the WIN - Al Ain Youth Ministry Core leaders and members on their 4th anniversary. May the Youth of this church serve their generations for many years to come until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One thing I would like to say about the youth is their unremitting energy and enthusiasm. At the spur of a moment they will set out to have fun anytime and anywhere they wish. They are not as calculating as us adults because experience tells us to be cautious and avoid the mistakes of the past. The youth has no such hesitations. They are willing to try almost anything, experimenting with new and creative things they can get their hands on.
Such impulsiveness should be found in every one of us who are willing to become disciples of Jesus. In Matthew 4:18-22, they first 4 disciples did not even hesitate when they heard the Master’s voice. The Bible tells us that they “immediately (mentioned twice) left their nets/boat and even their father” and followed Him.
This is not recklessness on their part. They knew in their heart the call of God. When Jesus came into their lives at the right moment, they knew it was time to leave everything behind and follow the path that God prepared for them to take. Notice that the call came at the middle of their work. It seems that God is not interested in lazy people who have nothing else to do. Some would probably follow God if only they have spare time or just plain bored. God is in the habit of calling hardworking followers who are willing to sacrifice their very livelihood and family just to heed the voice of the Spirit. I know for a fact that some brethren who got terminated from their job would assume that God is calling them into the ministry. This may be true or could it be that they are just covering up their shame of losing their job and using the call of God as an explanation. When Pastor Bayani Esguerra of WIN – Phillippines National Office was in the UAE conducting counseling sessions, he shared with me that one of the marks of a true calling from God is when you are doing great at your present profession. Just like in the case of Elisha as he was plowing the field with 12 yokes of oxen. He was hardworking and well-off. Yet he did not hesitate when Elijah threw his mantle over him, signifying that he would follow Elijah and become his disciple and eventually his successor.
My prayer for the youth is that while they are waiting for that divine call they would live fruitful, productive lives. They must prove themselves first of all inside their homes, studying hard for school and helping out with household chores. When they finally graduate and have jobs of their own, they will prove themselves before their employers and fellow employees alike in their faithfulness and steadfastness. Such attitudes must be there for the Lord to use in His kingdom. Will Jesus find them faithful in all things such as work? God is looking for hardworking laborers in his harvest fields. God is glorified with men and women who would give their 100% best! I pray that when Jesus calls them, they are also be willing to give up those things that bring them profit, only to profit the King and His kingdom with their sacrifice.
I call upon the Youth today to go and glorify the Lord of the Harvest by working hard and quickly follow Jesus as He leads them to fulfill their destiny.
May God bless us all today and forever more!
Ps Edward, Sis Marlene, David John and Sally Joy
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