20 Years of Ministry
Written by Scott Anderson Tuesday, 14 December 2010 14:55
With great joy we begin our 20th year of ministry. I am constantly reminded of God's goodness and grace on my life that has enabled me to walk in the call of God for my life. There have been many good times, and many tough times. But through them all the Lord has been faithful to His Word and His people.
The last couple of weeks I have been reflecting on where New Life Victory Church has come from. I can tell you right now it has been quite a journey from a humble beginning in my basement, to the present day facility that includes 30.6 acres of land and an 11,000 sq. building. We are very close to closing on the remaining 5 acres and the 2,700 sq. farm house that that is located in the front of the property. But yet I know there is more to come. Yes there will be new battles, and many miracles and people being born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit. We as a church will stand in the grace God has given us and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying generation.
One thing is for sure, you don't celebrate 20 years of ministry by accident. We have learned many things along the way. Major adjustments as well as small adjustments were made. Thank God for a Dr. Mark Barclay who is of course my pastor for his wisdom and council that has empowered us along the way. Also I am very grateful for the strong anointed people the God has allowed to come into my life to help me.
On Sunday evening December 12th 2010 here at New Life Victory Church we had a 20th anniversary celebration banquet. The turnout was outstanding, the meal delicious, the the children and teens put on one of the most powerful plays in our history. All in all it was a great night to celebrate and give glory to God. This was the perfect time to thank all of God's people for all that they have done over the last 20 years to help this pastor preach the gospel to say thank you for your sacrifice and strength.
I took a few moments and shared some of the things I have learned over the last 20 years of pastoring God's people.
Nick was 9 years old, Morgan 4 years old, and Corey 7 years old when I started NLVC. I was 30 and now I am50. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Time goes by much quicker than you realize, so don't waist day on foolish things. Every moment is a gift from God.
My family has made countless sacrifices over the years for the sake of the ministry. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Heaven will be worth anything that we ever went without.
Concerning hard times or challenging seasons, if I will walk with God and be faithful to His call everything will work out for good.
Concerning good seasons, if I will walk humbly with my God and be faithful to His call everything will work out.
Many things have changed in church culture in the last 20 years, but God and His Word remain the same.
I have learned that even during the most painful times of my life, to keep trusting and praising the Most High.
I never imagined that I would need so many people to help me carry the weight of this ministry. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Yet there is a burden that only I can bear.
When I started I was sure I only needed a bible. Now we have multiple computers, cell phones, lap tops, fax machines, sound boards, tractors, inter-net, web pages, etc, etc. BUT I STILL HAVE MY BIBLE.
I cannot control your mouth or mood. I can control my mouth and moods. So control them.
Don't let the accolades of people go to my head. Don't let the criticisms of people stick to me and poison me.
In the USA 1,500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â I realize I need to stay alert everyday and stay close to God.
I have learned that if a man or woman desires to walk with God, that person will walk over hot coals to get to where there need to be with God. Also I have learned that if it is not in the man or woman's heart, than a half inch of snow is enough to make them quit.
Be sure there are many more things I have learned from dealing with God's people, and as well as the devils. The greatest thing I have learned is that one man cannot do great things for God by himself. He must be surrounded by family and friends who are strong and wise and love him very much. That I do have and I am eternally grateful to every single person who has ever helped me at any stage of the ministry to proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ.
So once again I say to you from the depth of my heart, thank you for all you have done and are doing for the kingdom of God.
For the harvest, Pastor Scott Anderson
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