Celebrating 40 Days

By Sally Russell

When will I stop being totally amazed at God's faithfulness? This is the question I have been asking recently. As I look back over Central's journey during this extended interim period, I am thankful God has used it to prepare our congregation for the future and for the ways it has built up my faith for what lies ahead.

My story begins with a brainstorming meeting with our "2nd Sunday for the World" team early this year. We had many random ideas about communicating missions to preschoolers, but not a clue about which ones were best for developing our spring curriculum. God, in His infinite wisdom, answered our prayer for guidance. First, He led us to help Central preschoolers make quilt squares for families in Iraq without having any idea how we might get them delivered. Well into planning the project, we learned that Jonathan and Nicholas Shelly, two of the children in God's Big Backyard, have a grandfather serving as a U.S. Army Chaplain. Chaplain Bower's departure was delayed so he was able to fit in a visit to his family in Baltimore before beginning an assignment in Iraq. He agreed to talk to our preschoolers on a "2nd Sunday" and to deliver their completed quilts to families in Iraq. As 40 Days of Purpose kicked off, I was able to share with our preschoolers how much God cares about every detail of the plans He gives us and how He can be trusted to make things happen that seem impossible.

Three days later, Curt, my husband, lost his job. A job that seemed perfect. How could this be? Was this the same amazing God I was celebrating with our preschoolers and my 2nd Sunday team? YES, every detail of my life is in God's hands. Our 40 Days of Purpose study has taken on a whole new meaning. I have had days of uncertainty and doubt. I wonder if God has a new plan for our family and maybe new and challenging lessons for me to learn. I have confidence, though, that I don't need to be anxious about anything, but instead will pray knowing He will give me peace. My desire is to be like the great oak tree on the cover of The Purpose Driven Life, with roots planted deep in the soil of God's Word, watered by the fellowship of believers here at Central. I have no need to fear or worry. He will continue to use and bless me if I put my trust in Him. On June 1st, I will be celebrating alongside many Central "trees" planted and watered by God, who are growing and bearing fruit. Will you join me at the party to celebrate God's work in each of our lives during 40 Days of Purpose?

Celebration Sunday
June 1st, 2003
5:00 until 7:30 pm
Loch Raven High School