Well….here we are, back in the saddle. I like it. There is something very settling to a soul to be doing what you believe God has called you to do. I’m extremely thankful for the privilege of being a minister of the gospel and a shepherd of Christ’s sheep here at Harvest. It was great to have some time away for reading, rest and reflection.  But it’s great to be back to preaching and pastoring.

I’d like to share some things I’ve learned while I was away (with a few random photos just for fun.)

1. I learned a great deal about foreign missions.  I grieve the fact that, in the past, this has not been an area of strength for me.  I’ve always been convinced of the necessity for foreign missions. I’ve had the privilege of making mission trips to various countries (Haiti, Brazil, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Uruguay).  But I’ve never really studied the “science” of missions. Over these past months, through classes, conferences and reading books by missionaries and about missions, I’ve discovered a whole new realm of Christian thought and practice. It’s been wonderful. It’s like stepping for the first time into a recently discovered room in your house.
   
   The Church has been thinking and talking about missions for almost 2000 years now – and I feel like I’m just getting into the conversation. I’ve learned so much already and am fully aware that I’m only scratching the surface.  J.H Bavinck’s “The Science of Missions” has been my primary textbook. He addresses issues that I’ve never really thought much about and yet missionaries need to address on a constant basis. For instance: how do you plant a church, as an American missionary (often with unexamined baggage from our Western culture) in a tribal context (with all the entwined baggage of their culture) so that you end up with a church that is distinctively Christian; a church that is “in” the native culture but not “of” that culture? How do you handle polygamy when it is an entrenched part of the economic structure of the community and deserted wives would face incredible hardship if they were divorced by their husband? What about tribal feasts that are historically rooted in pagan beliefs but have become secularized (sort of like our Halloween)? Etc. etc. It has been fascinating reading and I’m excited about seeing Harvest grow as an intentional sending and supporting missionary church!
   
   
2. I’ve learned a bit more about evangelism and the non-negotiable importance of it for a Christian life and a biblical church.  “The Soul-Winning Church”  by J.A. Medders and Doug Logan was probably the most helpful in this. I’m looking forward to reading this with the pastoral staff and elders. I’m convinced the Lord will bless us as we commit to His calling on our church in this.
   
   
3. I’ve learned some things about myself and my calling.
   1. Being away helped me to realize afresh what a privilege it is to be a Christian pastor. When you are in the week-to-week toil of preaching and teaching and counseling and visiting and answering texts and emails, you can easily forget the privilege of the calling. But when you get the chance to step away, it is easier to see what a blessing this calling really is.  I’m increasingly more thankful for the Lord’s grace in calling this country bumpkin from the outskirts of Coopersville to be an ambassador of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s an incredible pleasure and privilege. 
      
      
   2. Being away helped me to gain a fresh perspective on the wonderful work God is doing here at Harvest.  This is by no means a perfect church – but it is a wonderful, vibrant, spiritually mature and loving church and that isn’t common.
   3. The sabbatical was wonderful for spending time with my wife. Joanne is an incredibly kind, gracious, joyful companion. She is my best friend and 35 year companion in ministry.  I would like to reserve some time in the coming years to spend with her, doing the things we love to do.
      
      

Final Thoughts:

1. I am deeply thankful for Pastor’s Wayne and Adrian and Intern Brennen for so flawlessly moving the ball forward while I was away.  It’s an honor to serve with these brothers.
2. I feel like we have some great work ahead of us as we seek to move forward in missions, evangelism, and church planting. I’m excited about where we are going to be in 3-5 years from now – Lord willing!
3. I am profoundly thankful to you, the congregation of Harvest, for your prayers and encouragement – and for the welcome back. We feel tremendously loved and blessed and can’t thank you enough.  May the Lord magnify His Name as we continue to labor in His cause.

Gratefully,
Pastor Dale