The God of "Circumstances"

I must confess that I have never been as quick as I should be to acknowledge when the Lord brings something into my life to encourage me. I guess too often I chalked it up to "circumstance" as opposed to divine intervention. But this week I see how the Lord brought me a lot of encouragement.

At the start of the week I was a bit down about the Saints ministry. I was feeling bad about "spinning my wheels" while waiting for things to get launched. I even started to wonder if it will ever really get off the ground.

Then the Lord brought some neat "circumstances" into my life:

On Monday I received a call from Herbert Wayne Phillips, one of my Workforce Development clients. He had expressed interest in the ministry before so I sent him a packet to share with his church. While I was giving him some job referrals he told me he received the packet and I could count him "in" with the ministry. He is taking it to his church to share with others.

On Tuesday evening I received a visit from Ron Isles, Minister of Evangelism at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church. I had visited the church last month and left a packet with the pastor, but had not gotten hooked up with him yet. I had the opportunity to share about The Saints with Pastor Isles and he was taking the info back to promote it with his staff.

Late Wednesday evening I received a phone call. This one was from Eddie Mobley who has started a ministry called Mercy House. We met for lunch several months ago and I mailed him a letter about the launch of the Carolina Saints. He wanted to call and get together. He is interested in what we're doing and may be a great person for a "Lives in Transition" ministry in Charlotte.

Finally, today, I was meeting with another Workforce Development client. We were discussing what she wants to do with her life and she expressed her desire for ministry with youth. We got talking about church and outreach. It turns out she is a member at New Beginnings Community Church about 10 minutes from me. She took Saints info and will share it with Paulus Ford who serves in their prison and men's ministry. I have another great connection now for building a team and support.

It's been a very productive week for us. I have contacted Dan Southerland about nailing down a date for the "recruitment" breakfast. I also received an email from Scott Tyson at Southbrook saying he has the material and we may be able to get together next week.

With all the calls, visits, and meetings that I've had this week I know it is more than mere "coincidence" that these people came along. God is at work and we look forward to what he has in store!