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Set Apart

Set

Dear Faith Family, 

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off, (Acts 13:2-3). 

Mark and Sheila Shelby have served the Faith Family and this community well for over 20 years!  On staff, Mark has served this body for over 10 years.  A couple of years ago, Mark and Sheila began to sense that God was calling them to trust Him, maybe in new ways.  The movement of God through His Word and prayer resulted in a call to serve as Executive Pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.  Mark will continue at Faith through August 22.  His new call formally begins on September 1. 

It is noteworthy that the call to set aside Barnabas and Saul came while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting.  For Mark and Sheila, the journey was marked with worship, the preaching of the Word of God, and much prayer. 

This Sunday we will have the opportunity to join with Mark and Sheila as we send them off with prayer.  Our sovereign God has connected us to a body of believers in Billings, Montana.  The link?  Mark and Sheila? 

A couple of thoughts.  I’m sure that the church in Antioch was both sad to see Barnabas and Paul go and excited to hear how God would use them as they went.  My hope is that as Mark and Sheila visit (to thaw out) SC in the future, we will be eager to hear how God is at work in Montana.  You might want to read Acts 14:24-28!  There is tremendous opportunity for ministry in Montana (They will be right next door to Idaho!).   

Second thought.  Even as Barnabas and Paul departed, the work of God continued in Antioch.  Look at Acts 15.  Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33).  Marvel together that our sovereign God is able to work in Ballentine, SC and Billings, MT at the same time.  And, He is able to connect the two of us through His calling on the lives of His servants, Mark and Sheila! 

Thanking God for you, 
Pastor Karl