Out with the Old, In with the New!

I was reminded today, from a very good friend, what Philippians 3:13, 14 says.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

It is no secret that 2014 was a challenge for my family and I. No matter what age you are, or what age a parent is, losing one is extremely difficult. It has been just over two months, and there are times that I still reach for the phone to call Dad just to talk. I honestly do not know if that will ever change.

Although 2014 had it’s storms, I count my blessings as I was able to see God work in miraculous ways! He has met every need throughout this first year of deputation, we have seen many folks saved, and others challenged to carry the gospel of Christ to the world! I can honestly say, I have been blessed!

As we began the new year of 2015, we were able to take part in my most favorite event of the year… The Our Generation Summit! It was five years ago, while attending our first Summit, that God began working in my wife and my heart to serve as missionaries on a foreign field. One of the greatest highlights of this annual event is witnessing scores of young people surrendering their life to serve our King in foreign lands!

I can tell you now, that I am expecting God to continue to work and move within our lives throughout 2015! I am asking Him now to lead us to the right churches in order to present our ministry in South Africa. I am asking Him to use us to encourage and challenge others for world evangelism. And I am working diligently to make this the year that God is magnified in my life more so than any year in history! I want to “reach forth unto those things which are before!” I want to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!”

• Will you commit to pray for the Underwood family this year?
• Will you ask God to lead you in the direction He would have to reach the world with the gospel?
• And will you also forget those things which are behind and look toward what God has in store for this coming year?!

I believe with all of my heart, this is the year God wants to bring revival to our hearts, our churches, and our land!