Mattoon, IL May 22-23, 2016

It was a brand new kind of opportunity when my friend Casey Reece wrote asking if I would be available to speak at a baccalaureate service.  Providence Church in Mattoon, IL is one of those places where we have had a longstanding relationship and where Casey has been the pastor until recently.  I have been privileged to share at the church on a few different occasions. But the church was now taking on a new mission by heading up the baccalaureate service for their local high school graduation there in Mattoon.  For many years, they said, this service had been not much more than a presentation of some sacred music and possibly a few inspirational words. The church offered to take charge of planning for and organizing the service on the condition that they would be given freedom to make it truly a Christian service.  After preaching at the church on Sunday, I then came to Mattoon High School for this baccalaureate service on Monday evening.  Approximately 60 of the graduating seniors, along with their friends and family, attended this optional event.  Each received a Bible and a copy of our LifeMessage 365 devotional.  When it was time to speak, and according to the instructions I had been given to just preach the Word, I shared boldly from John chapter 15 on just abiding in Jesus and He in us.  I preached as if it were to any congregation.  Toward the end of the message, I shared my personal testimony about how Jesus reached me when I was 17 years old.  Afterward, the principle of the school shared that “you really had them with you.”  I did not get to speak to many of the students afterward, but it is one of those times again where we absolutely trust in the Word of God and the seeds that were sown and watered in their hearts by the Holy Spirit.  I praise God for this opportunity and am continually amazed at what He does and the doors that He opens. 
 
Running together in Christ,
 
John