Shock and Awe

Easter celebrates the greatest event in history—the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The resurrection proves that Jesus is who he claimed to be: God in the flesh and the Savior of Humankind. The resurrection also demonstrates to all who sincerely believe in Jesus that we have eternal life.

This is why Easter is such a big deal.

It also happens to be “the Super Bowl” in the annual church calendar. It’s the best day of the year to be a pastor.

This was our fourth Easter serving at English Christian Fellowship. And it was the best one yet!

It’s always a good sign when the Welcome Team whispers, “Steve, we’ve run out of chairs. The hotel doesn’t have any more. But I think everyone now has a seat.”

The Spirit was thick in the room. The congregation was pressing in. The worship was anointed. I can always sense when God is afoot in a gathering of his people. It is palpable.

But the best part, by far, came at the end of the message.

First, a little context.

I don’t fancy myself as an “evangelist.” I am leader. I am a teacher. I am an administrator. I am a missionary. But “evangelism” has never come up as a spiritual gift in my profile.

That said, I still “do the work of an evangelist.” Not every Sunday. But now and again I offer invitations for salvation.

Since arriving in Costa Rica, this has not proven to be fertile ground in my ministry. Most of the people who visit our church are wandering-Christians disconnected from fellowship…but they are already believers. As a result, since 2021 when we arrived at ECF we have seen very, very few first-time decisions for Christ. Three to be exact. Less than one decision each year.

Now, you can understand my amazement when eight (8) people indicated they received Christ as Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday. Hands kept popping up one after another. I’m glad most eyes were closed because my jaw was gaping. I was in shock and awe. I still am.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Jesus is risen! And he continues calling people all around the globe to be born-again into a brand-new grace-filled life.

What a joy to be his messenger. It never gets old. I want to keep doing this until my last breath!