Where mission meets the road Empowering, Equipping and Encouraging the People of God to make Christ Known
Nov.2010

From I-K Synod Bishop Bill Gafkjen

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

-Isaiah 43:19
In these early days of my time as bishop of this great synod, I find myself turning again and again to the book of Isaiah, especially the 43rd chapter. Through this great prophet God speaks promise and hope to people who have been displaced and find themselves wondering how in the world they can sing the Lord’s song in a radically new and unfamiliar place (see Psalm 137).
 

Do you find yourself wondering the same thing these days, in your personal or family life or in the life of your congregation?
 

All around this synod and with a variety of individuals and groups I am engaging in “Isaiah 43” conversations and I invite you to join in.

Read through Isaiah 43 – at home, with your Bible study group,at church council or committee meetings, at the coffee shop – and allow this stirring proclamation to connect to your life right now, wherever you sense discouraging dislocation and unfamiliarity. Spend some time reflecting and discussing questions like these:

• What are the signs of exile or dislocation in and around your life and congregation?
• Where do you see signs of God’s “new thing” springing forth?
• What are your hopes and fears about God’s new thing?
• How might you and/or your congregation welcome, nurture, encourage, and be transformed by God’s new thing? What might you need to change in order to do this?
Point out to others the new things that you see springing forth. Find ways to empower, equip and encourage one another to welcome the new things God is doing. If you think of it, drop me a note describing the new things you see springing forth and the ways we all might be called to welcome and nurture it.
God is making a way in the sea, sisters and brothers, giving rivers in the desert, that we might declare God’s praise.

Do you see it?

Bishop Bill Gafkjen