Free To Fly Ministries Fall Wrap Up

Swartz Creek (MI) Church of the Nazarene

 The fall of 2011 saw Free To Fly Ministries busy in ministry to churches in Indiana and Michigan.  It was our honor to speak to and meet so many wonderful people and leaders.  Every church was different with needs and strengths all their own.  Yet, while so different in make up there was one thing that was always the same.  They all had a strong group of believers who wanted all that the Lord could provide.  His presence in each venue was so very real and His Spirit was a consistent help.

 I freshly discovered that His Church is alive and well in this day.  It is not the same as it was when I became a part of the Church of the Nazarene in 1954 when I was six or when I began ministry in 1970.  But, after all, He is a God of new things.  I believe that He wants to do a "new thing" in the days ahead for His children.  Prayers are going to be answered and miracles are going to occur.  I want to be a part of His move in days just ahead.

Columbus (IN) First Church of the Nazarene

Rev. Dave Warren, Spencer, Indiana First Church of the Nazarene 

 The pastors who shared their pulpits with me were a group of men who "love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose".  To them, I know, that all "things will work together for good."  Each was facing his own unique set of circumstances with grace and faith.  One had been at his current assignment about 40 years and another had yet to complete his first.  Three were bi-vocational and five were able to fully give themselves to the ministry.  Three were under 40 and four were over 60.  Four had ministerial staff and four did not.  All were married with wives who were very supportive.  All were different yet all were the same.  What they all had in common was their determination to find and do God's will in their lives and in the life of the churches they serve.  I finished the fall tour with a new love and appreciation for the office of pastor.  It is certainly not an easy assignment but an assignment that is being fulfilled by a variety of pastors who strive to love and lead the people whom the Lord has entrusted to them.  Our church is in good hands! 

I was honored to preach the Word in each of the churches I served this fall.  I know, from experience, how difficult it can be for a pastor to surrender his pulpit.  I trust that their faith in me was justified and that the churches were encouraged and lifted.  I found that people are still hungry to hear the "thus saith the Lord" that He has for them in these troubled days. Our services were filled with testimonies and praises.  Hymns and choruses were used to great benefit and His Spirit was present as we spent time in "Praise and Worship" together.  Some churches were quiet and others not so much.  Alters were filled before, during, and after services as individuals sought to find His will for their lives.  After eight Revivals in ten weeks I have to admit that physically I am pretty tired but spiritually I, too, have been revived.  I know that I am right where God wants me to be at this time in my ministry and am excited to see more of our church and more of His workings in the year (s) to come.  I continue to covet your prayers and support. 



Alter service at the Union Lake, Michigan Church of the Nazarene