Jonathan Manafo

I heard 2 things that just blew my mind this weekend…

First:

A pastor, from his pulpit, in a church that isn’t too far from the one I serve at said,

“If someone brings you to church, don’t judge the church by the person who brings you, because he isn’t a reflection of the church or me.”

Wow, I really thought that every member is a reflection of each other. That’s what community is all about - we’re a body and each member reflects the other, including the pastor. I’m not sure why any leader of any church would say something that stupid in public. The only reason I can come up with is that they are more worried about their own image than that of the church.

Second:

I was driving by a church near my home and read on it’s sign, “We welcome unbelievers”. I’m glad they do, but does this really welcome them. 2 things about this is wrong. First, everyone is a believer…we all believe in something…God, Money, work, education, science, etc. So in essence there are no unbelievers to welcome. Second, there’s gotta be a better way to welcome those who presently are not part of your local community than an ostracizing sign that points out their non-followership in the ways of Jesus.

Just thought I’d drop these thoughts on you…take them as you wish.

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At lunch today I asked my son Jacob what he learned in his class at church this morning. His response was priceless…

“Um…blah, blah, blah…Moses floated…and…ya, that’s what I learned”

Hilarious!

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We’re back form Montreal and into the regular grind. What a great trip. It was so cool to be able to help the Westside Gathering with there kids camp. A total of 26 kids were registered for the week (a WSG record). The team of students and leaders exhibited such servant hearts. They worked hard and used there energy and skills to help a community in need. We not only ran the camp, but helped distribute promo for WSG’s ‘community fest’ happening in a few weeks and put on a free car wash in the community.

Of course it’s always great to be in Montreal. What a great city. So much life and action. I miss living there. Everytime I go I’m reminded that Quebec is a huge area of need for spiritual health to be communicated. WSG has been up and running for 3 years. They have about 40 adults, plus children, who gather weekly to learn about Christ’s message and live out his pirniciples. A church like that in Ontario could easily be at 150 by now, but the ground in Quebec is much more resistant to the gospel.

Please pray for WSG and other communities of faith that are living out God’s kingdom and letting people know that God loves them.

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