The Vietnamese National Convocation of the UMC was over. Everyone is going back to their homes, their places of ministry and service. I am glad to be home. I want to recap some of the things I saw happen there. I am sure everyone has learned something new, something useful, something challenging them to grow stronger in their walk with God.
I have to say that the fellowship is great; no doubt about it. People connected with one another; old and new relationships were established and strengthened. Some still needs more time, patience, effort and work to heal. People are people. Each has come from many different walks of life. Each is unique.
The food is extraordinarily wonderfully tasty and delicious; Thank you to Mr. Hoa Khanh and the wonderful staff of assistant cooks, helpers and servers. Great jobs everyone whose wonderful hearts of service and great attitudes shown, serving with a smile is evident.
The local praise team is great; new songs, new flavor of praise and worship music were introduced. Powerpoint presentations needs to flow; the screen needs to be in a better position, and microphone system needs some improvement; More microphones for worship leaders needed to improve quality of sound. We must learn to lead the congregation into the presence of God where He is truly worshiped by His people.
The preaching in the morning have different speakers who shared some personal stories and messages; however a few individual points seem personally expressing a certain hurt, struggle and frustration. More time for group prayer is needed.
The preaching at night was beautifully written, eloquently delivered with many personal stories and illustrations; however it did not yet bring people fully into the presence of God; where his power is demonstrated. Definitely, we need more time for altar calls, for recommittment of faith, for new dedication to service and ministry.
There was a special prayer time for a missionary which caught the attention. That was when we were really exposed ourselves becoming more transparent and real and allowed the Spirit of God to enter in and minister to us.
There was a prayer after the morning session when one couple was prayed for healing of demonic influence. It may signal a new beginning for the fresh move of God in the life of the church.
Prayer for deliverance is done in the name of Jesus casting out demons out of the life of this couple who had been harassed by the evil ones. Afterward some pastors came to help them clean the house of demonic influence and more prayer of deliverance took place. There was another request for prayer for deliverance.
There was a prayer for healing where Jesus was asked to heal a group of about 30 people coming up to the altar area for prayer.
The new song sheets were introduced. Great translations of new hymnal music.
The youth and young adults volleyball games were excellent. Good involvement from everyone participated.
We need to think of a strategy which will help us start new churches and ministries in America. We must learn to do it right to avoid unnecessary pains and conflicts. We must be willing to wait for the right leaders to step forward, those who are called and chosen by God to lead. We must raise up our own leaders who fear God and who walk in His way. We must learn to work together.
Did God really have His way in our lives through this Convocation? Did the Holy Spirit have a prominent place in the life of the believers and of the church? Did Jesus show up? Is He fully welcomed and actively working among us today?
We may still have a lot to learn how to lead the people of God into His presence. His power has not yet visibly shown or demonstrated. More healing and deliverance need to take place.
Overall, we give thanks to You Father. We thank you Jesus and the Holy Spirit for a new beginning. We give thanks for the past leaders who served faithfully. Bless the new leaders as they learn to discern your will and feel your heart and follow your guidance. We shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free.
Lord, we still have a lot to learn from you. Teach us always to walk in your way oh Lord we pray.
Pastor Linh
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