Just for the record, I do read books other than My Utmost for His Highest! But every time I sit to write another newsletter, I find myself quoting a spiritual truth from this great devotional writer. As some of you may have heard, our ministry has experienced a tremendous amount of crisis in the past few months. In fact, I have put off writing this newsletter because I felt that I had nothing to share spiritually. As of March, my boss, Dr. Lew Sterrett, has resigned his position at Miracle Mountain Ranch. His last act as Executive Director will be to give the commencement address at the Ministry Apprentice Program graduation in August. Sermon on the Mount will then function as an independent ministry.Due to the reality that we will no longer have a satellite apprenticeship program, Lew’s contract with French Camp Academy will end in August and SOTM is on the lookout for a new location.

 Since December, our staff has dwindled for a variety of reasons. Some have taken new positions in other ministries and some have left to tend to family needs. One left the ministry due to an issue of immorality. As heartbreaking as this was, there was still work to do. The phones did not stop ringing and the paperwork did not cease. All of our staff have seen their workloads and responsibilities grow. Even our four remaining apprentices (two were sent home) have had to carry more burdens and duties than was planned.

 I coped by burying myself in work – and there was plenty to be buried in! The weariness and depression continued to set in and I found myself finding little joy in life, much less in my relationship with God. As far as I was concerned, I was saved and working in ministry because it was the right thing to do, regardless of how I felt. Until last week, that is. Because last week the Gospel changed my life. Oh, sure I’d heard the great news of who Jesus is – many times, in fact. I’ve written, blogged, journaled, counseled, taught, shared, spoken, and lived it. I know the Gospel. But somewhere between getting saved and working in full-time ministry, I had forgotten the point of it all. It took a simple sermon and a passion play to remind me of the purpose behind everything I do: Jesus Christ. The quote from Oswald Chambers was aptly timed. The reality is that I will be changed by the crises that we have endured this year. The question ishow I will be changed.

 Standing in grace,

 Tekoa

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

That seems to be the question of the hour! I don’t have answers, but praise be to God, I have resolution. My internship with Sermon on the Mount ends on July 31 and I am currently pursuing a couple of different full-time ministry positions. I would appreciate your prayers as I seek God’s will for the next step in life. (And I promise to keep you posted!)