“Expect the unexpected” and “Roll with the punches.” These are two phrases we have heard many times and more than likely said several times. The message being conveyed is that we do not necessarily know what is going to happen and yet we can manage ourselves in a way that we navigate the unexpected moments as they come. I believe there is something bigger going on in those situations which I will get to in just a moment.
As you know, an unexpected change recently took place here at The Francis Asbury Society. In August, President Ron Smith was asked to serve as interim president at Ohio Christian University (OCU). This was a development no one expected and yet we believed it was important to “roll with.” In turn, I was asked to serve FAS as the Chief Operating Officer, facilitating the day-to-day operations while Ron is in Circleville. It is in that role that I am writing this issue of the President’s Post.
As we are about two months into this new development, we are beginning to see a deeper purpose reveal itself. The Francis Asbury Society is a society of believers who covenant together to receive, model, and share the transforming and sanctifying love of God for the redemption of the world. We believe God has called us to do this through Empowering the Nations, Engaging the Church, and Emboldening Disciples. Dr. Smith’s role at OCU has opened an opportunity for FAS to link arms with a like-minded denomination that has a local and global impact for the gospel of Jesus Christ, sharing the transforming and sanctifying love of God. We are excited to see how God will use this partnership to further spread the message of holiness around the globe. This undertaking was unexpected, and while we might have considered ourselves just to be “rolling with it,” it seems God has a bigger purpose.
Closer to home, FAS has been blessed to partner with 4Kids (www.4kidslex.com) here in Jessamine and Fayette Counties of Kentucky. 4Kids exists to provide leadership training for middle school students. 4Kids wants every child to believe in their own potential, learn to take responsibility for themselves, and see themselves as contributors to the global community. Currently, this program takes place in four public middle schools. Two schools allow the program to happen during the school day so that every sixth-grade student participates. The remaining two schools provide an afterschool club for students to join.
Beyond the teaching this program offers, a team of mentors participates to build relationships with the students and to mentor them individually as they are engaging with the teaching. FAS has linked arms with this vital program so that we can love the children of our communities. Specifically, FAS is facilitating a council of local churches that will provide the mentors and finances needed for this program. This was an amazing opportunity for us to Engage the Church in making a kingdom impact right here in our communities. This unexpected partnership was God-ordained, and we were more than happy to “roll with it.”
Could it be that these unexpected events are part of a deep work of God to help us fulfill the mission he gave us? God does not call us to something that he will not equip us to follow through on. When unexpected developments come our way or challenges seem insurmountable, it is refreshing to remember that since the beginning of time, God has been inviting his people to partner with him for rather big purposes. When we obey and trust him, we begin to see the puzzle pieces fall into place and can give God the glory for how good his ways truly are.
In closing, we want to invite you to join us in ministry in two practical ways. Every Tuesday evening FAS hosts a Bible study here in our Ministry Center. Currently, Dr. John Oswalt is leading us through a powerful series entitled “Death and Resurrection: A Study of Ezekiel.” The sessions are recorded and made available on our YouTube page HERE. We know that most of you are unable to join us in person, and it is our joy to offer this great teaching to you in this way.
Second, we praise God for the responses that are coming in from our summer appeal. If the Lord moved you to give financially based on that appeal, thank you! After learning even more of the ways in which God is working through FAS, we hope you are led to consider a financial gift above your regular giving to continue advancing this important work. If the Lord leads, please go to our website and send your contribution today.
These are exciting days for us at The Francis Asbury Society. They are not without their challenges and questions. However, we are seeing the church engaged, disciples emboldened, and the nations empowered. Thank you for “rolling with us” through these unexpected times!
Until the whole world hears,
Joshua Hallahan
Chief Operating Officer