We have just completed our GIC week at LifeWay. This was our 13th year to take not only a week, but several weeks leading up to it. As I have said many times recently, this GIC that we began so many years ago has truly shaped the DNA of our church. I am proud of this of course as it was by design, but I feel that the job is in no way finished… it is now just stretched into a whole new generation.
I believe maybe the most profound part of the entire week is our altar call time where we individually or as a family bring up our commitment card and ask a missionary to pray for us. My wife and I participate for sure, but I get the privilege of also taking the time to sing prayer songs and watch some of it from the stage. One of the young teenagers in our church reported to a church leader that she is 13 years old and every year of her life since she was an infant she has been at the GIC. This year this young person was one of those who came at the altar call prayer time and presented her commitment card and ask for one of the missionary guests to pray for her as she put her life in God’s hand. I am in awe of the eternal impact on this young generation. My wife and I are far from this being in that generation, but I have to say that both of us were powerfully impacted by the calling that God has placed on our lives this year at that altar call.
Was the GIC this year a success? It is a good question to ask of course. We are putting together the details of known commitments that people made and even the financial pledges of support that we are able to give for work around the world and we will share those with our family very soon. But I made it clear that Sunday morning that this is not to be confused with a fund-raising campaign. The true measurement of success is when a life comes and lays it at the altar of the Almighty and says… “Wherever you lead God — I will go!” I believe this is what God did this year.
Now, I want to thank the amazing missionary guests that we had this year. The Johnson’s; the Shaw’s; the Lauderbacks; Mike Coggins; and Mario. What amazing and inspiring group of Global workers and friends. Having a GIC each year just seems to enlarge our friendships around the world. If you missed participating in this years GIC, then I have to say that you missed the incredible opportunity to rub shoulders with these inspirational men and women.
But let me say this. We are NOT stopping at 13 years of GIC. We are going to do it again, and we will have another group of amazing global workers. Right now, mark on your calendars the dates for 2025.
Global Impact Celebration 2025
October 15-19, 2025 May God use our offerings and may it glorify the name of Jesus Christ. I ask you to do the same.
Fall 2024