Know Your Story to Know God's Call - Henry's May News
Know Your Story to Know Your Call
Hello Friend,
Mary is just about finished with her second-level training in Transformational Prayer. She offered to meet with people for prayer and suddenly got a half dozen appointments. She’s pretty busy, and I’m proud of her. In addition, the two of us are taking an Emotionally Healthy Spirituality class at church, examining the stories of our family of origin. This kind of reflection is deepening our ministry and message.
Last month we both spoke at Cypress Creek Church in Tampa, FL. Mary stood confidently to share how God heals emotions through transformational prayer. I spoke of our ministry to university students through our DISCIPLE course at Stockton University and our monthly open worship gathering for students from several colleges in Philadelphia. We wrapped up the Stockton course with a public worship gathering on campus. Very few attended, but God says we should not despise the day of small beginnings. God loves beginnings.
As you know, our ministries aim to help students discover God’s call on their lives. Because of what God is teaching us, I have revised that focus when I speak and teach. I am still teaching students that they “have everything [they] need for life and godliness” (2 Pe. 1:3), but now I am also acknowledging that everyone has trauma and wounding. Wounds fracture our memories and our understanding of our stories. Mary and I declare together that “You cannot know your calling if you do not know your story.”
Last week we went to see the stage production of Moses with my brother and his wife, Rob & JoMarie, at Sight and Sound in Lancaster, PA. The play showed Moses’ weakness and wounding, which likely caused his speech impediment. God called Moses at the burning bush to return to his story. God knows our stories. He heals our wounds so he can transform them into crowns for his glory.
As you might guess, this has been a season of deep reflection. I have staffed seven Marked Men for Christ weekend retreats, helping hundreds of men find healing from emotional wounds. Mary and her sister, Madeleine, will be at the Women’s Walk with Christ retreat next weekend. I believe God is wanting all of us to dig deep, to find healing, and to know the hope of our calling.
Speaking opportunities are increasing for us. Last week I shared at an International Missions Night at Praise Tabernacle. I was one of several pastors speaking at the National Day of Prayer gathering at Ocean City Tabernacle. A retired pastor, friend, and mentor I have been meeting with for 30 years recently told me that he believes God wants me to be a teacher and speaker in this region. He said, “We don’t know how God will do it, but that’s up to Him.”
Mary and I also finished leading another book discussion group, Our Bodies Tell God’s Story, by Christopher West. This book summarizes Pope John Paul II’s study of the Theology of the Body, which has a profound theological revelation about our sexuality and marriage. Marriage is a crucial part of God’s Story being told through generations. God cares very deeply about our marriages because we are both physically and sexually a reflection of Christ’s ultimate marriage to His Church and the communion of the saints. Anything that mars the image of God on our identities, sexuality, and marriage is missing the mark of God’s ultimate dream, the wedding feast of the lamb.
Mary and I hope to spend quality time with you sometime soon. Contact us if you have time to talk on the phone. We would love to hear from you.
Would you join us in praying for us to reach full support, especially as Mary steps more fully into ministry again. This has been our prayer for years, and now we sense the time is coming very soon. This transition is a big faith step for us. We hope you will join us in it.
Let me know if you have questions or want a copy of our 2023 ministry plan. Thank you for your interest and prayers for this ministry. Thank you!!
We love you!
John
For Mary
Our Bodies Tell God's Story, by Christopher West
This book provides a redemptive rather than repressive approach to sexual purity, explores the true meaning of sex and marriage, and offers a compelling vision of what it means to be created male and female. Get the book at Amazon.
For Justin, Nathan, and Rebecca to receive a fresh experience with Jesus.
For Mary's ministry of Transformational Prayer and for those she prays with to find healing
For new ministry partners who adopt us as their missionaries for their stewardship of God's resources.
Pray for students. God is pouring out His Holy Spirit at Stockton and in Philadelphia!
For more DISCIPLE Courses on campuses around the world.
For Converge Internships in Florida, Kenya, India, and Colombia.