New Life Global Outreach Training-by Angelo

I feel like Joshua today on the edge of the promise land. When you know you are on the verge of something bigger than yourself. Today I had the honor to meet with the pastors and pastors-in-training of all the New Life Global Outreach churches. It was a preliminary meeting. I showed them a map of Ghana and shared with them that each region must be won for the gospel. Proverbs points out, “ . . . the tent of the upright will flourish” (Proverbs 14:11).

Surrounded by men and women flamed with fire. Half of them are in their twenties. Each ready to be molded, resourced, and tuned up to be a world changer. Each Thursday we will meet for Pastoral and Leadership Training. We will cover vision, integrity, ministry skills, fundamentals of the faith, and the list goes on. Today I was bombarded with Bible questions, from passages of the bible to doctrinal issues in the Christian faith. It was a delight to disclose scriptures and impart instruction from the God’s holy word. If we are going to cultivate fruitful pastors we must spend time with them.

I shared with each listening ear that we must obey the Great Commission. It is not only to reach Ghana, but committing to do more, moving on to West Africa. The Great Commission cannot become the great omission. All was well received with hearts on fire.

Feliza shared as well, setting our attitudes in one accord in regards to having a prideful spirit. As a matter of fact, when she finished speaking everyone clapped. I shared with the pastors, in good humor, now they know why she is the better half. People gravitate to Feliza, she has a way with Ghanaians, where people become butter. Feliza and Suleima prepared and served lunch. It was Puerto-rican food. The pastors liked it very much. They ate it all! The pastors were sharing how good they can cook. Men take pride in their cooking here. It is serious business. When I shared I didn’t know how to cook, well . . . let’s just say it got very quiet. Oh well, so the man of God is not perfect. Then Feliza shared how her father and brother are good cooks, the room became happy again, and the meal continued on.

Today in reading the scriptures I came across the words of Jesus. The master made a call, and he said, “Come, and follow me . . . and I will make you fishers of men.” Slow down for a minute and read Jesus’ words slowly.

First, “Come” - It starts with an invitation. Our Master and Savior makes this divine invitation. God always calls first because he is the initiator. If he is the initiator then we can be sure he will see to it till the end.

Second, “Follow me” – It leads to a person. Jesus is the focus. Everything we do should always keep Christ as the center. “Follow” is a call to discipleship. “Follow” is a call to be his student, his apprentice, in his steps. The thing about following is that you don’t always where you are going. “Follow” calls for faith. Every step taken trusting his call.

Third, “I will make you” – Discipleship leads to transformation. “I will make you,” such promising words. He will “make” you. This is a promise. The God who calls us – changes us.