I have been on the ministry team of Cleansing Stream Ministries Canada for 10 years. This awesome ministry has become part of my very soul during this time. It was at a Cleansing Stream retreat that I received my healing from Multiple Sclerosis (see March 2005 for a picture) in May of 1998.
This past weekend was retreat number twenty two for me ...
It was the most amazing experience, the best retreat EVER, although everyone laughs at me because I say that every retreat. But it is true, the retreats become better and better for me. Easier, more healing, and they bring me closer to the Lord than I could have ever imagined.
God has blessed me with increasing responsibility and servitude at these retreats over the years. For the last few years, I have been training the on-line ministry team and have had the honour of seeing and participating in the Lord's work of healing the church thousands of times. Often I have been asked to present some of the topics ...
I found out this Wednesday, two days before retreat, that the Lord wanted me to present on the spirit of Death. *eek*
I had initially requested to be freed of all responsibilities at the church which were voluntary and had barely been able to keep up with my pastoral counselling duties. This has been a very dark and trying few months for me.
One of the ministry staff contacted me early last week. She had been seeing my in therapy for a serious and painful issue which has plagued her for many years and we had been making good, but slow and painful progress. She asked me if she should still serve at retreat given the "mess she is in". Of course, I told her that the work on "the line" is the Lord's and not hers and that when she was so weak emotionally that the Lord could show Himself in a powerful way as strong in her life and to bring healing in to other's lives.
Great Pastoral response, right?
Well ... the Great Pastor gave me the same one.
I couldn't believe I was considering not going to retreat!
Our Canadian Director is my senior Pastor and he always seeks the Lord as to who does what at Retreat. I immediately called him and told him that I would do whatever the Lord wanted. Well, my usual responsibilities were what the Lord wanted.
Imagine my surprise when I was asked to speak on Death? *smile*
I had intimate understanding of how that stinker affects one!
Need I tell you how I am feeling today after ministering on my feet from Thursday night until Saturday night with about 8 hours sleep in the three days?
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God is Good .... more tomorrow.
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2 comments:
Hi Carolyn
This may sound so strange. But I awoke this morning and I was thinking about the comments you had kindly left on my blog a while ago. Now I honestly couldn't remember you nave but some of the coments. I took me awhile this morning to find your particular comment and then I had to come for a visit.
you can't imagine my surprise to find you are going to be speaking on death. The title of my blog Dying Man's Daily Journal sort of speaks to the nature of my journal and my obvious interest in the subject. I wish you well on you project and ask you please keep me informed of what you say.
Thank you
Bill
hugs Carolyn
I'll try to call you :) but know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
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