On Sunday, Oct. 11th, Mission 403 spent the entire day at The Rock Church of God of Prophecy in Rockingham, NC pastored by Bishop Steve Gilmer. Bishop Gilmer is the former overseer of North Carolina for the Church of God of Prophecy and long time friends of Stephen’s parents, Robert and Kathy Schaefer. We spent both services at Rockingham, giving a short preview of our ministry in the morning service and presenting our entire ministry within the evening service. For Sunday School, we were able to spend some time with the youth group at Rockingham, talking to them about missions and answering some very interesting questions. The youth group at Rockingham was very large and we had a really good time talking about all our adventures. We talked about some of the most exciting things that have happened to us abroad and the strange foods we’ve encountered while traveling. Everyone shared the most unique place they’ve ever been and what they felt God was leading them to do in their lives. I really wanted to encourage these young people to seek after their dreams with purpose because I believe that if I had not pursued the ministry of missions that I would not be who I am today. As I have said time and again, God places dreams and desires in your heart for a reason. Run after these dreams because you never know what path it may lead you down. God’s plan is always much better and far more exciting than anything you could imagine on your own.
After the morning service, Stephen, Robert (my father-in-law), Kathy (my mother-in-law), and I all went to the Gilmers’ house to relax a little before the evening service. By this time I was missing my dog Sampson so I got some “puppy love” while playing with Bishop Gilmer’s 10 month old lab- Smokey. While we played fetch, others in our group sat in the sunshine on the porch drinking tea and making good memories. I even got a chance to take an hour nap that Sunday afternoon!! We’ve been fundraising every weekend for the last few months and a quiet Sunday afternoon is a rare occurrence these days. The bed was soft and warm and I don’t think I moved the entire time I was asleep. I don’t think I even knew I existed- it was that good!
During the evening service, the sweet spirit of the Lord was present in our worship and people were blessed. We gained a lot of support that night and it was confirmed to me yet again that foreign missions is meant to be my path. I want to thank the Gilmers for inviting us to their church and also my in-laws for visiting with us. We were very blessed by the Rockingham church and we hope to partner with them in ministry and friendship for many years to come.