Top view of hand holding teal ribbon on dark background with copy space. Cervical and ovarian cancer, sexual assault, pcos, ptsd, anxiety disorder, agoraphobia and scleroderma awareness concept.

By Tom Stolle
BCM/D Executive Director

At our recent family meeting (The Gathering), there was a scripture that we used repeatedly: ‘For nothing will be impossible with God’ (Luke 1:37). This is an incredible reminder of the awesome, unlimited power of God over all things.It is also a challenge to us in this way: Do we really truly, deeply, sincerely believe that to the core of our being? Or instead, do we believe that for some things, but not all things we face, maybe not the hard things or the things we consider impossible?

It is important for us to wrestle with this and be honest in our self-assessment and the assessment of this organization, our BCM/D. It comes down to trust. Do we really trust God? Do we really believe nothing is impossible with God? Do we really embrace the scripture that tells us we must trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and not lean on our own understanding?

God placed us in positions such as pastors, ministry leaders, BCM/D staff team leaders, and other ministry roles.That was God’s choice, and it is His design for this time. I routinely tell my staff that if we are obedient and humble before God, He can take us farther than we can imagine. But the keys are this: We believe He can do the impossible; we trust Him; we do what God says, and we make it about Him and not about us. These are essential characteristics of those who claim to follow Jesus. No matter our earthly position or job titles, we must understand and embrace that God is in charge and in control. He is the ultimate leader, not us. God has chosen to appoint us in various roles and give us various responsibilities to carry out His will.

It is vital that we recognize this because scripture teaches us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts“ (Isaiah 55:8-9)

So we pray. We make plans. But understand this clearly: we must do this for God, advancing His kingdom, His way, with His motives, with obedience and humility, and at the same time walking in faith and power that God’s purposes will be accomplished.

Acknowledging that it’s all about God, Let’s Look Forward to the new year! Let me tell you a few things I am really excited about as we approach 2025. This is not a comprehensive list; I am excited about many things. But here are a few!
 
• I’m excited about what will happen at Skycroft this year. Many young people will come to camp, encounter the Holy Spirit, and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. I’m also excited about their future, as God will use them to share Jesus with others! He may call them to be pastors, ministry leaders, secular business leaders, wives, husbands, fathers, and mothers, using the story of how Jesus changed their lives to impact the lives of others!
 
• I’m excited about what is happening in our men’s and women’s ministries. We continue to see more men and women seeking to become more equipped and walk more closely with Jesus. I’m also excited to see them inviting others who don’t know Jesus to our events.
 
• I’m excited about where we are heading regarding the holistic transformation of men and women so they can walk in the fullness of their calling. We are going to pour into this.
 
• I’m excited about our push into church planting as we work towards creating an indigenous church-planting movement in Maryland and Delaware. We need more churches and pastors. The lost are everywhere, and God prioritizes going into all the world to preach the Gospel. These future church plants are critical components of this mission effort!
 
• I’m also excited about our push into evangelism. We must tell the world about Jesus.  We can’t assume it’s someone else’s responsibility!
 
We will work hard. We will love hard. We will strive hard! Whatever the future looks like, we are in the best hands because those hands are God’s hands!
 
If we can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. 
 
Feature Photo by Dominic Henry, MezzoForte Photography
 
 

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