It's more than just a Dream!

Prior to my journey into pastoral work, I experienced a vivid dream—a lucid dream, where I felt conscious within it, as if I were awake. It began with me awakening to find myself seated on a bus descending a hill, zigzagging along the way. The speed of the bus was evident as I glanced out the window and saw trees swiftly passing by. Sensing that something was amiss with the rapid descent, I realized I was seated behind the driver. Urgency gripped me as I leaned over the driver's seat and discovered it vacant, the wheel spinning uncontrollably.

With little time to spare, I reached out, grasped the wheel from behind, and struggled to keep the bus steady on the road, knowing it was too late to move to the front and take control. As I maintained the bus' course, a fork in the road demanded a split-second decision: left, or right? Drawing on memories of my island home, I veered right, sensing it led towards familiar territory.

Yet, my relief was short-lived as the road led into a swamp, bordered by dense trees—a clear sign of its impending end. Recognizing my need for guidance, I spotted a shack ahead, smoke billowing from its depths. Strategizing quickly, I maneuvered the bus to a stop near the shack, intending to seek directions.

As the bus halted, the dream abruptly ended with a realization—I had erred in my choice of direction. I should have turned left. With this revelation, I awoke, fully alert.

Since assuming the role of pastor, I've witnessed parallels to the imagery in that dream. At its physical location, our ministry flourished, swelling to over 700 members despite facing challenges. Over the span of 19 years, we weathered transitions—some passed away, others faced trials, and a few simply drifted away. In the ebb and flow of ministry, there were triumphs and setbacks, moments of jubilation intertwined with profound disappointments.

Throughout this journey, the dream would resurface in my thoughts, prompting deep contemplation. Before the onset of Covid-19, our congregation had dwindled to a mere 150 members—a stark departure from the envisioned thriving ministry, with hopes for widespread salvation and the establishment of numerous local churches. I couldn't shake the notion that perhaps the church I'm called to shepherd paralleled that bus in the dream, and somewhere along the way, I made a misstep contributing to its apparent decline.

Then something happened.  Covid-19 arrived, and we were compelled to adjust.  Online streaming emerged as the fresh platform that empowered us to extend our reach beyond the confines of our GMC family. My first online sermon attracted over 5 thousand viewers, actively engaging throughout the session.  The GMC ministry was forever altered thereafter.

It has now become clear to me that the divine call was unfolding in two distinct phases:

The initial phase involves shepherding individuals entangled by their pasts, at our physical location, while the GMC ministry braces for the subsequent phase. The first stage harnesses the wisdom and expertise acquired through years of apprenticeship under seasoned mentors.

The subsequent phase, on the other hand, relies entirely on faith in God's guidance as the GMC navigates unexplored terrain. It also involves readiness for evolving cultural dynamics, transitioning from physical spaces to online platforms, and embracing the shift from the baby boomer generation to Generation Z and beyond.

Considering the transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that the world is experiencing substantial change. This period of upheaval recalls the message of Isaiah 43, where God encourages His people to let go of their attachment to the past and embrace the new things He is bringing forth.

This parallels the conclusion of the dream, where turning right was the essential precursor to reaching the left side, with only two sides to choose from. The first side has been explored; now it's time to move towards the left because that's where God is moving.  

I am grateful and uplifted by the dream, thanking and praising God. It's truly humbling to realize that our GMC ministry stands strong, with a promising future ahead.

Currently, change and progress have manifested across all facets of the ministry, sparking excitement among the people. Boundless possibilities lie ahead, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for everyone involved. Increased commitment has resulted in a greater pool of workers, contributing to the thriving state of the ministry. Since the advent of Covid-19, our average attendance has consistently grown, encompassing both online participants and those attending in person.

Jesus is Lord!

Until next time, God be with you!