With so much planning and moving going on in the ministry, we must be careful not to lose our focus. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the task at hand, we forget why and for whom we serve. It seems that Jesus never faced this problem. He always knew exactly why he was doing what he was doing and he always attributed all the resources and glory to his Father in heaven. He knew why he was here. He set his face like a flint towards the cross and relied completely on his heavenly Father to bring him to that glorious hill. God wants to give us that same determination and focus in our own calling and mission. We are here to proclaim the good news of the Finished Work to those in darkness, with His faith, His motivation, His compassion, and His guidance. Only this way will we ever be able to fulfill our purpose as human beings in glorifying the one who created us, redeemed us, and commissioned us. Every morning I leave my house I need to be totally convinced that it is no longer I that liveth but Christ that liveth in me. He is my center. He is my focus. He is my goal. If that is my life then I don't have to be anxious about what comes next but I live in the spontaneity of His Divine nature within. There are too many options in the modern believer's life. We need to reduce it back to one: Jesus Christ. Only then will I find myself doing what I am called to do and with the right attitude and ability.
Things are going really well here in Helsinki, Finland. Our youth team is moving forward in every area, taking on more with a team of less. Last week we had a youth meeting with about 40 people and at least 3 new teens. Our youth are really looking forward to having Pastor Love here for our International Youth Event in July, as we know what an awesome time that will be.
Bible school is going well, with a full load of classes and around 15 students attending. We pray for more full time credit students, possibly some from other cities in Finland.
We are excited about what God will do here in 2011 in our church. The potential of expansion is so great and I pray that our expectation of faith can match that in this coming year. Keep our outreach in prayer as we pray about starting a youth outreach to go along with our regular outreach and Sunday school. It seems like a lot, but with God, nothing shall be impossible. And with you all supporting us in prayer, we may just see even more than what we expect happen this year. That is my desire.
Mathew Laflamme
