Maine & Nova Scotia, Canada May 3-10

I go to Maine and Nova Scotia twice per year, but it could easily be four times per year or more because of the increasingly close relationships we have with these people and the work God is doing among these congregations.  To be quite honest, it is increasingly difficult for me to be away from my family for a nine-day stretch, especially without the use of my cell phone when I leave the country.  However, as a family we know it is where God would has placed me for these times and we believe in the eternal fruit that He is producing through it, not only among the churches, but also in our own lives.  So it is that, when someone asked me recently if I could stay longer, I replied that it is something we will need to pray about. :)

United Baptist Church of Milo, ME

God continues His mighty work in the little known place of Milo, Maine, where I was May 3-6 at the United Baptist Church.  Isn’t that always the way Jesus works?  He does so in the least expected places and times and often through the least and for the least.  “Least” is certainly a way in which many, even among those who live in the area, would describe Milo and this area of Maine, which has been devastated by the increasing closure of the lumber mills.  There is little to no industry in the area, which continues to become increasingly impoverished both materially and spiritually.  Yet, God continues to raise up a church in Milo which is a light in the community.  

Phil and Becky McGlauflin are true “Mainers,” but it has been their willingness to just stand and let Jesus work through the Word which is allowing Him an avenue through which to touch this community.  I wish everyone could see the way in which Phil continues to be the pastor of the town, and is known by virtually everyone there.  The consistency of the preaching and teaching of the Word is allowing Jesus to mold and shape hearts in the congregation, and the church is remarkable different to me than the first time I was there some 6 years ago.  As I see it, this approach is Milo is what the kingdom is all about: people just available for Jesus to work through, focusing on the Word, living among the people, and laying their lives down for the sake of the kingdom.  We had services Sunday morning and every evening, and I was able to teach my weekly online classes live from the McGlauflin’s guest room.  

Pastor Phil with kids in Sunday AM service

As is my custom, after finishing the services on Wednesday night, I get into the rental car and drive to Nova Scotia on Thursday.  This time, we had a Thursday evening service at the Nazarene church in Truro.  From there, we began the regular “marathon” weekend services in Lower Sackville, which took place May 8-10.  We had tremendous times in every service, and we heard the testimony that we seem to regular hear after these times, “This was the best time yet.”  Indeed, there was a real and powerful moving of the Holy Spirit through the Word in these services.  You may have seen me mention before that this is a small congregation, but it is pretty amazing to see the spiritual “reach” that Jesus has through this small church through the impact on people and other congregations in Nova Scotia.  After finishing the Sunday AM service, we made our customary trip one hour back up the road again to Truro to have the afternoon service with Upper Room Fellowship.  I just love these congregations and people who just focus on Jesus and leave everything to Him.  Upper Room Fellowship still meets in Pastor Terry Dryden’s garage and has the potluck fellowship afterward in their house, but they are in the process of possibility looking at a facility.  What a wonderful time we had there as always, and you can see the video here if you like.  After the service and potluck, we were on our way back down to Dartmouth for the evening service at the Nazarene church downtown there. 

 Eight days and thirteen sermons, in addition to five online classes, and hundreds of miles (or kilometers!) driven in a rental car.  It was a happy reunion at home at Nashville International Airport after a 20-hour travel day.  But our heart are full – full of love for the people of Maine and Nova Scotia, and full of joy for all Jesus continues to do in our lives as a family.  What a journey it is with Him!

 In Christ,

John