Developing Skills in Leadership, Bible Knowledge,
and Christian Servanthood
THIS YEAR’S LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR CHRIST THEME
An ancient proverb says, “The longest journey begins with the first step.”
The book of Genesis tells the stories of men and women who were struggling to find their way in a world that was broken and yet filled with wonder and adventure. Each step they took in their journey defined and shaped the world that we know today. Sometimes their actions demonstrated selfishness and rebellion, random and impulsive. Often their actions showed they understood that theirs was a Journey of Faith, intentional and disciplined. Adam and Eve understood the consequences of their actions and accepted their role in establishing a world that would not forget their God. Men like Noah and Abraham took God at His word and obediently walked were He led. Joseph and Moses were people of deep faith and when things became hard, they kept on the journey. God was able to use each one of these people, people like you and me. These stories and more inspire us to overcome adversity and walk the journey with confidence, knowing that if we go where God leads, it just might change the course of history. Such is the journey of faith.
It is our hope that as students and parents of the Lord’s Church in the Pacific Northwest study the book of Genesis, they will dare to walk the Journey of Faith with enthusiasm and hope. From preparing for Bible Bowl to creating a bulletin board, students, parents and even leaders can learn the lessons of Genesis and know that God blesses those who live their lives by faith. Working together creates unity and community. It can prepare us to serve God here and now and equip the next generation to lead the Church into an uncertain future, knowing that if we hold together, we can make the Promised Land.
The most important message our students can learn from the book of Genesis is that the Journey of Faith is not one that we make alone. Over and over again we discover that God journeys with us, encouraging and strengthening us. God encouraged Noah when those around him ridiculed him for building a giant boat. God was with Abraham’s servant when he traveled to a far away land to find a suitable spouse for Isaac. God protected Hagar as she and her son Ishmael fled from their home and faced uncertainty and fear. He was with Joseph in the prison cell and when he was at the right hand of Pharaoh. God walked the journey with those who were willing, and He is always with each of us, too.
As you can see, we have high hopes from our time together in the book of Genesis. From the weekly Bible Bowl Quizzes, to diligent preparation for different events, to the final product that will be presented at the Convention in April of 2012, much good will be accomplished. May God bless us as we prepare our students for the greatest journey they will ever take: The Journey of Faith.