The Lord Opens Doors

Since I was committed to leaving my current pastorate by next Sunday, I have seen the Lord opening doors for me. During my brief attendance at the AGM to witness the vote count last month, I received invitations to preach. Even for Christmas more than 10 months from now. When I received the text. a few days ago, I thought it was a mistake since Christmas passed less than 2 months ago but it seems planning ahead for this year's Christmas is gathering steam. I remember as soon as Good Friday was over during my first two pastorates, we made plans for Christmas to give ourselves about 9 months ahead of time for preparations.

I have also been invited  to teach an intensive class in West Malaysia. I did that in May 2024, so alternate year travelling to Peninsular Malaysia is just perfect for me. And also it is practically confirmed that I shall take up the writer's residence scholarship in New Zealand for a month. Definitely, I plan to complete my commentary on John's Gospel (13-21) before then. 

Writing has been smooth, though, I did not do any work on Monday and Tuesday. Although I did not preach last Sunday, even talking to church members and praying for them after my devotions took considerable efforts and energy. 

I have no idea where I shall be next year. Personally, I do not know whether I have the energy to return to the Bible College in Namaus, some 2 and a half hours' drive from KK. Now it is even worse. The traffic jam from Kundasang to Ranau (20kms) especially 6kms from Ranau could take an hour or more instead of the normal 20 minutes' drive on the single winding road down to Ranau from the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Lord, have mercy. I should be satisfied to write full-time and as a side hustle (my youth used this term last Sunday), I preach and teach by invitation. All glory be to God!