Truly, God‘s word tells us in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” When I was a local pastor, not all that long ago, my title was “vision pastor“. I am positive many people did not know the true meaning of that title. I used the word “vision” as a synonym for the word “burden.” Unless we see the lostness of this world through the eyes of Jesus, we will fail miserably at ministry.
Today, my heart is torn and burdened for broken people and lost souls. Down along the North Carolina coastline, many of my friends and family are still suffering from the aftermath of hurricane Florence. I wish I could be there, but I am not omnipresent. My two brothers are focused there, and so I pray for them as they are able to go and to give attention to this great need. Please pray that they will have favor.
I am personally on my way to inner-city Philadelphia. How my heart cries out for this city. So many lost and lonely and broken people live in the city of brotherly love. Recently, Philadelphia was named as #1 on a list of our 10 largest USA cities when it comes to poverty. I have been entrusted, in part, to lead the distribution of hope and holiness to a seemingly hopeless people. Please pray that I will have favor in this holy endeavor. Pray that the churches I oversee will rise up together to help save this great city.
This morning, as I departed early for Philadelphia, I sensed that the great burden for eternal souls in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey has surely rolled onto my heart. With that burden, surely the Lord will give me His vision, yes, “the eyes of His Spirit and His heart of compassion to know.”
I pray the Lord will give favor to our inner-city ministry, Word in Action, as they lead the proclamation and the demonstration of the gospel on and around the steps of Philadelphia’s City Hall all day long. Kevin Griffin, my connections minister, and I, plan to be there for the last three hours. We will be present to help shoulder the glorious burden and to pray on the premises — as we stand on the promises — for those who are leading this holy event.
As I left for Philadelphia this morning, the Lord put his promise in the sky for a brief moment. A young farmer’s son pointed the rainbow out to me in the sky. And a child shall lead them.
Presence Matters Most!
That is... Presence. Unity. Souls. Love.
Pastor Kerry Willis
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