Billy the Baptist (a.k.a. Desert Willy) understood very well his God-given assignment for Newman. The Heavenly Father raised him up for that very purpose… for that time.

So, with the Father’s purpose clear in mind and heart I was like a busy bee looking at connecting with every person associated with the Newman Baptist Church – believer or otherwise… onside or offside with God… soft or hard hearted… everyone! The pulpit, dear friends, is not the place to do this, but ‘The Dome’ was! The Dome is a very popular, franchised café meeting place, situated at the town centre of Newman. Strategically, the Dome became my relationship ‘bridge building’ site! In the first sixteen days of being there, the Holy Spirit enabled me to make 40 meaningful connections (mostly one-on-one).

As I travelled to meet with people, known or unknown to me, I prayed the following prayer: “Father, help me to have no preconceived ideas. Bridle my mind and mouth and help me to stay out of the way of Your Spirit through His prompting of my mind and guiding my senses that He may accomplish whatever accords with Your plant. I am Your available glove. Fill me and use me for Your purpose.”
This is what I call my prayer-pared operating mode… guaranteed mistake-free!

Friends, every day that I was at Newman I had difficulty sleeping. One morning I was up-and-at-em at 1 am! Problems? Yes and no! The situation was this – miracles abounded all about! Almost every connection I made turned into spiritual gold. I couldn’t shut down because I didn’t want to shut-down… lives and marriages were being impacted by the Holy Spirit: hope in place of hopelessness; confidence in place of doubt and despair… God’s Truth; informing, rebuking and correcting His little ‘lights’ that they may burn righteously brighter in their circles of life!

How much did God love me? Let me answer that question this way: The Lord harnessed me with six godly, easy to like and love leadership team members. We operated together with one mind, heart, and purpose… overcoming daunting obstacles and challenges. My time with each of them was an investment, not an expense. My desire for each of them was that they would permit the Holy Spirit to raise them up to their full potential, Christ-like leaders, not followers (1 Cor. 11:1). I was at Newman for many reasons, but mainly to work myself out of a job by preparing the way for God’s New Man for Newman. (One more instalment next week.)

Best wishes

Bill Joukhadar