I pulled out of my wallet the Hilton post-it note and confirmed, "15048. 11pm." Knocked on the door; no response. I was a few minutes early.
As I waited by some nearby couches, I peaked out the window. From the 15th story I was able to survey the many tens of thousands gathered directly below for Houston's downtown New Year's celebration. A vast sea of pockets of people, many decorated by those flashing lights street vendors love to sell. I was struck with the thought, "So many; who will tell them?"
A moment later I was in the room. I heard about countries like Mali, Turkey, and India where only a tiny elect in a vast population knew. "So many; who will tell them?"
So with this group of missionaries I prayed. We prayed that the message of the Crucified, Risen, and Soon-coming Christ might be told. The message that gives hope, peace, and joy.
It's an impossible task. But by faith we claim the promise of Christ, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." He was lifted up on calvary. He was lifted up from the grave. He was lifted up at his ascension.
May also he be lifted up in his Church today. May he be lifted up through my life.
As I waited by some nearby couches, I peaked out the window. From the 15th story I was able to survey the many tens of thousands gathered directly below for Houston's downtown New Year's celebration. A vast sea of pockets of people, many decorated by those flashing lights street vendors love to sell. I was struck with the thought, "So many; who will tell them?"
A moment later I was in the room. I heard about countries like Mali, Turkey, and India where only a tiny elect in a vast population knew. "So many; who will tell them?"
So with this group of missionaries I prayed. We prayed that the message of the Crucified, Risen, and Soon-coming Christ might be told. The message that gives hope, peace, and joy.
It's an impossible task. But by faith we claim the promise of Christ, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." He was lifted up on calvary. He was lifted up from the grave. He was lifted up at his ascension.
May also he be lifted up in his Church today. May he be lifted up through my life.
