Live life forward, define it backwards.

In many ways today is a day that was called into being a long time ago… in my estimation, at least three years ago, but perhaps even longer in God’s mind. It was three years ago that April and I had begun seeking the Lord about where he was leading us. When we drove through southeastern Ohio it certainly seemed right to us and to the Holy Spirit that He would be sending us to Athens. When we drove uptown Athens it became even more apparent to us that our ministry would involve direct links to the campus of Ohio University.

If you were to ask me three years ago to define what that meant, I would have probably given you a much different explanation… if I gave any at all. Would it mean that we would start an Oasis in Athens that would meet on or near the campus and have a large college student constituency? Would it mean that one of us would work for Ohio University and therefore have direct links to the campus? Would it mean that we would be involved in starting a new campus fellowship at Ohio University? We just didn’t know.

During the last 3 years there have been many things that have not gone as anticipated. Some to our dismay, but some to our pleasant surprise and excitement. God has brought many people into our lives, and has allowed many to exit from our lives. What’s important is that HE has always remained. He is constant, and His plan is constant. He is persistent. He never fails. Even when we feel like we have failed Him, He keeps going, and for some reason He picks us up and brings us along. Sometimes we are dragging our feet in bewilderment, other times we are running along beside Him (or even out in front of Him at times… but that is another article), and sometimes He just needs to carry us for a while. But regardless, it is always good to be with Him. He never fails.

That is where we feel like we are today. We are with our God. Much has happened over the last three years, but another piece of His plan for our move to southeast Ohio is beginning to take action tonight! This is a significant time, and I am starting to feel it. My stomach is full of butterflies, wondering what will become of this campus fellowship. I don’t want to screw it up!

So many things have taken place that affirm to April and I that we are to be in Athens while continuing to encourage and lead the brothers and sisters in Meigs County. More than a year ago I received an email from a friend who had a word for me from someone in His fellowship (this person, by the way, knew very little of me, but God spoke to him concerning me). As he was painting his house he heard the Lord speak a word about Athens, and the ministry Oasis is doing “down there.” The word was “Go to the campus.” That has always been our desire, but receiving that word was a reminder that the desire did not begin with us, but God. It has always been difficult trying to find the niche for Oasis on the OU campus… but perhaps some of the puzzle pieces are finally starting to come together.

Yes, this vision is less about “Oasis” specifically and more about the kingdom of God in general in Athens… particularly on campus at Ohio University, and among all the churches of Jesus Christ in Athens. Maybe my representation for the Kingdom of God in Athens will not be as an Oasis Pastor, but as simply Chris Stewart… a guy who serves in a campus ministry, and loves Jesus, and loves the Church. I guess you just never know what’s in store for you. “Live life forward, define it backwards” (Soren Kierkegaard).

Comments

[Des]

Chris:
I will be thinking about you guys, and praying for you, as you take this next step of faith, on the OU campus. This is very exciting. I have a few butterfiles for you. I will take this as confirmation that God is going to do amazing things there. I am positive that He will.

love you brother,

Des

[chris]

Thanks a bunch Des. We appreciate your prayers. I look forward to giving a post-meeting report.