Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Bold (emotionally) (08/30/07)
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TITLE: So Send I You | Previous Challenge Entry
By Angela Posey-Arnold
08/31/07 -
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The last of the moving boxes were being unloaded and again she prayed. Ainslie prayed the same prayer she had been praying since the decision was made to move. Moving out of a zone of comfort, away from a home and community of 11 years, into a new community can be scary. Her prayer was simple, “Lord, send me to a church that needs me as much as I need them. Send me somewhere I can use this talent for You. Send me Jesus.”
Ainslie’s prayers are more like conversations with her best friend. Lately the conversations had been continuous. The hardest thing about moving to a new community was to leave the church family where she had been the resident pianist for the last 6 years. Everything was easier knowing that Jesus was going too.
Finding a new church home was going to be a challenge. Locating a church where they needed a pianist was going to be even a bigger challenge. Managing this task was something that she would have to do trusting in Jesus. There would be no one to go with her and facing new people alone would have been impossible. Having her best friend with her, made it possible.
“Jesus, it looks like it is just me and You. It is up to me to go to these churches where I don’t know a soul. I must find a place where I can serve. This may take a while and I may have to visit several places. I am ready when You are. You lead, I’ll follow. You know Rick won’t go with me yet. He will come along later, but I have to go first. Lead my path Lord Jesus and stay close by my side. I know I am not alone.”
The first Sunday after getting settled into the new home, Ainslie arose early. Missing the routine and normalcy of her old church and the love of the family there, she dressed and drove to the nearest Methodist Church. Driving to the church she kept repeating to herself, “I can do all things through Christ, I can do all things through Christ.” Being raised in a Methodist Church she found comfort in the familiar cross and flame.
The church was obviously very old probably built in the late 1800s. The cemetery gave her first clue to that. By the small number of cars in the parking lot it looked like there were more members in the cemetery than in the sanctuary. Morris Chapel United Methodist Church stood bravely as it had for many years nestled among huge oak trees.
“Well, what about this one Lord?”
That still small voice said, “Try it and see. I’ll be with you.”
Ainslie parked the car and got out, slowly walking up to the huge double doors. “I can do all things through Christ” She opened the doors and everyone looked. Then everyone moved towards her chiming in with their welcoming smiles and even hugs. It almost felt like home.
When Sunday school was over there was a time of fellowship. The small congregation was interested in her and she answered all their questions and introduced herself.
As the Preacher began to give the call to worship the music leader stood up and called out the number to the hymn to be sung. There was a piano, but no pianist. Before the music director could start the song, the Lord pushed Ainslie. He gave her some boldness that she didn’t know she had. She stood up and asked, “Does anyone play that?” pointing to the piano.
“Well, we have a pianist but she doesn’t always show up” replied the Preacher.
“May I play it?” Ainslie asked.
“Can you play it? May you play it? Of course you may play it. She is going to play the piano for us” the Preacher seemed exceedingly glad.
As she walked up to the piano she said, “Thanks Jesus—that was quick. Use my hands to be a blessing to these people, all the glory is Yours, I Love You.”
His voice was clear to her heart, “So sent I you.”
The music leader said, “Okay, everyone turn to page 572, ‘God Will Take Care of You’.”
Ainslie smiled. Her cup was full and running over.
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