The Pilgrim's Passion: Marching Forward

Last weekend, these 2 verse caught my attention: "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Tim 2:3-4)

It got me thinking... Life as a soldier is not easy. As a matter of fact soldiers do not only go through tough times, they expect it! In the midst of a combat, they do not get caught up or twisted in the "normal" affairs of this life. They willingly detach themselves from things of civilian life in order to fight. On duty, soldiers keeps himself in readiness for orders from headquarters or their commanding officer. As I read these verses it hit me (again), that I am in a battle - I need to continue to fight the good fight of faith. God enlisted me in His army! But am I ready for whatever and wherever He calls me so that I can please Him? What in my life is holding me back / entangles me or what do I need to give up for serving and pleasing my Commanding Officer? I thought of a few things... As I pondered these things, I knew that is what I wanted to share in my next blog, but little did I know that just a few days later it would take on a different meaning - an added layer!

This past week I had to say "goodbye" to one of the best examples I know as a soldier for Christ. Phil Pechonis, our festival director, passed away and is now with Jesus in heaven. When I came to Creation Fest in 2012, the day after I arrived, Phil said to me in a serious joking way: we need to pray for your long term visa to England. That was the "joke" for the next 5 weeks before I left England with no plans to return to England for a longer term! Well, many stories in-between, one year later I returned to the UK with a one year visa (which since got extended) to work with Phil on Creation Fest, Creation Movement Roadshows, The Wave bus, but then also for a few months a "new or revive" church plant... And on top of that there were many more "plans" and dreams and godly ambitions! In the last year, I had the privilege to work alongside him (and his beautiful family). One thing of Phil was that he was always ready to please His Commanding Officer, Jesus... No matter the cost! Phil was always ready (in no particular order):

1) For his next "order" from Jesus and then obey it

2) For the next "opportunity" to share the good news of Jesus - whether to one or to thousands!

3) To teach the word of God simply - being ready in and out of season

4) To show grace, give second and third chances, encourage and bless those around him

5) To take steps (sometime it seemed like major jumps) of faith because he trusted God's faithfulness.

Phil knew and trusted His Commanding officer, Jesus... And God used him to touch many lives and making a big impact for God's Kingdom.

Although it is a big loss to his family, his friends, the ministry, England (especially the south west)... Phil fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. (And he did it well!). He set a great example for us and now, finally, there is laid up for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, gave to him on that Day...

How about you? Are you ready to face God, the righteous Judge today? If not... Why don't you get right with God today for "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Jesus, will not perish, but have everlasting life. You too can be with God forever - how? if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!

Although a big loss, we are marching on with Creation Fest! With only 13 days to go! The festival site will start to take form this week with marquees going up, equipment being delivered, building and setting up. The programme is also going to print this coming week. I've spent a lot of my time painting the décor sets and preparing all the "finer" details and will continue doing so. Its been fun and I cant wait to see all the pieces coming together, literally and figuratively, the week of the festival! I'm waiting in expectation to see what the Lord is going to do at this year's festival and I feel blessed that I can be part of it!

This coming Sunday, 27 July, we also have an outreach (Creation Movement Roadshow) to the community of Callington. There will be 3 great bands on stage, skate and scooter competition, kids craft and a lot of others activities. Pray that many will come and hear the Good News of Jesus and respond!

"But He [Jesus] said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”"