Two contrasting but equally vital viewpoints took center stage during back-to-back presentations on the final morning of FCA Canada’s national convention.
Veteran missionary Ron DeVore gave an enlightening review of his work “at the ends of the earth” in such places as Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, and the tribal back-country of Bangladesh. Through a 13-minute video clip plus stories of close encounters with flesh-eating ants and snakes, he stretched the audience’s appreciation for what it takes to launch 120 churches, build two Bible colleges, and care for more than 500 orphans. Said host pastor Lorne Fisher at the end of the hour, “We’ve just heard from a true pioneer.”
Up next was young Paul Fraser, PAOC church leader, who turned the telescope around to zero in on the leader’s heart. “The condition of your heart will determine the condition of your tomorrow,” he said. “That includes how you lead your church or ministry.” He cited the familiar words of Hebrews 12:1 about throwing off “everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangles.” Said Fraser: “I grew up thinking I only had to worry about the sin part of that verse. But there are other things that hinder our work for God.”
He named two of them, as illustrated in the contrasting lives of Saul and David. (1) On his inauguration day, Saul hid in fearfulness; David on the other hand ran courageously toward his big moment with Goliath. A quote from a Marianne Williamson poem: “Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.” (2) Comparison/jealousy, as shown by Saul’s resentment of the post-battle chant about him killing only “thousands” compared to David’s “tens of thousands.”
These things contribute to “a sick heart, which results in sick leadership, which produces sick churches,” said Fraser. “We need to do what Proverbs says about guarding our heart.”
The convention day began and ended tonight with messages by main speaker Rick Parkyn, pastor from Regina, SK.
