S.E.N.T. - Rev. Thomas Peretic

Day 4

2/27/2017

Today is a day of rest and preparation for the grueling schedule of the busy week. The South Team will leave at 2:30 AM. There will be up to six services per day plus a kids crusade to prepare for.

We are preparing breakfast for all to give our gracious hosts a well deserved rest.

Day 3

2/26/2017

Blessed Are They That Hunger

What a difference it makes when people are hungry for God!

Teaching the adult class on Sunday morning was a wonderful blessing. I had planned on teaching about the miracle of the new birth and the mighty work done by the Holy Spirit in the life of a convert. I was concerned that I might not be able to present the lesson in a way they could understand, so I focused on the blessings of being a child of God.

I began teaching about God's love and patience as He works to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.

I used the story of the Prodigal Son intending to teach basic principles such as repentance and the fact that as a true son we are heirs of all that God has. As I began to teach the need for true repentance, I worked my way through the Prayer of the Prodigal. When I repeated the prayer of this young man, the class seemed to latch onto two critical words that we sometimes overlook. While we focus on the prayer of the son, there is an overshadowing truth without which the entire story would be meaningless. The class latched onto those two simple words like no other group I had ever ministered to. You could feel their hearts reaching heavenward as these simple words were uttered. What were those two glorious words that we take for granted so often? What did this prodigal say that moved the class to spontaneous time of worship? Those powerful theological words were "My Father!" I will return to My Father! Their hearts seemed to melt as they relived the moment God embraced and welcomed them into His family. What a glorious time it was!

The evening service was wonderful.

I remember when the Sumners first visited FGBI. If memory serves me correctly nearly 60 students made their way to an altar and declared their willing desire to labor with this family. Some may have visited Honduras on a short term missions trip. However, none that I recall embraced the call to help this family on a full time basis.

How thrilling it was to see Bro. Ashton Davis (Class of 2015) laboring with the Sumners. I am especially thrilled to see graduates taking such steps of faith! Watching him lead the song service, work with the choir and minister at the altar was a real blessing! I understand other graduates are preparing to join with this great family to continue to evangelize Honduras. We must pray for and support our graduates as they labor for the Lord.

Sunday night brought a glorious answer to a 25 year prayer. One of the grandmothers in the church who had been seeking the Baptism of the Holy Ghost finally received a glorious infilling! I noticed the excitement surrounding this sister, but I did not realize the reason for their joy.

Each time we see another believer filled with the Holy Ghost, we are assured once again that Jesus Christ is still on the throne!