25 April 2013 by Adeline Lum CM-
Are you having a rough Wednesday?
Not surprising. Wednesday is commonly referred to as a ‘hump day’, a slang word used to describe the climbing of a proverbial hill to get through a tough week, according to the Urban Dictionary.
Well, well, well… that is why you should empower yourself by attending a much-needed FGB on a Wednesday!
And on this particular fine Wednesday (24th of April), Rev Terry Thompson was invited as a speaker for the Full Gospel Businessmen (FGB) chapter in Petaling Jaya, Damansara Jaya.
A passionate and dynamic vessel for the Lord, Rev Terry is the founder of the Global Network Leadership Ministries (GNLM) in Texas, established to train and equip missionary leaders.
After serving his stint in Vietnam War, Rev Terry returned to United States to work as a professional college basketball coach. His pinnacle moment was none other than kneeling at his basketball dressing room to accept Jesus Christ into his heart. Later on, he decided to serve Jesus full-time in ministry work after being touched in a college spring revival.
Desmond Frank, chapter president of this FGB welcomed the attendees for coming to this revitalizing luncheon talk. A common practice, attendees were invited to share how God has recently worked in their lives at the pulpit.
David Yap, group coordinator of the FGB, shared about his recent business trip to Pontianak, Kalimantan.
Empowerment by Brother David Yap
God has called David to close his firm three years ago to serve Him. With a heart prepared for full-time missionary work, David discovered that God has called him to continue serving in marketplace ministry instead. And how God provided! David is now working with another brother-in-Christ for a flourishing coconut business since it started.
Visiting Pontianak as one of his business trips, David shared how he felt encouraged with the thriving FGB there which comprise of predominantly young people.
“I was invited as the speaker in the FGB and I believe that God give us a different message to speak in different seasons. I believe they felt quite encouraged by my message. And at the same time, I also felt encouraged by sharing with them because I realized what God has been doing in my life,” said David.
“The message is very simple. We must be aware of who we are in God. Many of us are caught up in the minute and mundane details of our family and work life, whereby our vision is confined to doing our job well, going through life, and then going to Heaven one day. And that’s it. But as I travelled to many nations, I see how God moved amongst our brothers-in-Christ of other FGB’s in a different context. He is really moving! Looking at the bigger picture, I believe the full power of God is unleashed when brothers across nations work together for the Lord. FGB is found in 140 countries now,” said David.
Indeed, if everyone come together to complete each other in terms of experiences, skills, abilities and gifts in the Holy Spirit, can you imagine how powerful the people of God would be. And for all of us to move in the same direction, we need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
“The Holy Spirit does not only walk beside you but He is in you. If you follow Him, He would unleash your potential and place you in influential positions,” said David.
Empowerment by Rev Terry Thompson
Next, Rev Terry Thompson came to the pulpit to speak and empower the attendees!
Power in Your Voice Comes from Your Actions
“FGB is not only a place to listen to testimonies but I believe that this is the time for you to be His voice. It’s time for God to work in your lives so that you can share your testimonies with other people especially during exciting times such as these,” said Rev Terry.
Indeed, actions of faith speak louder than words. We should not be passive listeners but active doers of God’s Word. Referring to Venezuela, Rev Terry emphasized how we could empower our own country by becoming God’s voice through our ethical actions.
Nineteen years ago, Venezuela was one of the wealthiest countries in South America with the largest oil reserves in the world. Today, although it still has the largest oil reservoir in the world, the country is impoverished with a painstakingly high unemployment rate.
Power in the voice comes from those who practice God’s ethical standards.
Matthew 7:26-27
26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
God’s Ways are New Every Time
“How many of you know that God’s ways are new every day?’ said Rev Terry.
Recalling a 75-year-old priest in Egypt who found Jesus Christ, the priest would hold large prayer meetings out in the dessert every Friday, whereby there would be 15000 people turning up every meeting!
“It’s not testimony-sharing time but it is a meeting with the King. When FGB first started, the meetings were powerful and impactful. How many of you believe that powerful meetings like that can happen today again in FGB?” said Rev Terry.
God’s ways are new to us and required faith. In 1 Kings 17, when Elijah was asked to hide himself in the Kerith Ravine, the Lord provided for him in the most unconventional way. God made a raven to bring him meat and bread in the morning and in the evening (1 Kings 17:6)
“Was there a manual for ravens to make and carry bread to people then? What do you think Elijah thought when he saw the raven? When he saw it, he must have thought: did you see that raven? It’s carrying bread! I wonder where it came from,” said Rev Terry.
God works in new and unconventional ways. God separated the sea during Moses time but during Joshua’s time, God separated the Jordan River for the people to cross over.
“You have a great format for FGB over the years. But God is new every day and He is a Lord of transformation for you and me. Remember when God brought His people through the sea and river, His way is new. And when God works through us, it will be new as well and I can tell you that it wouldn’t be easy for us to follow Him because we never did it before. But obey Him and He would provide us a way,” said Rev Terry.
Lastly, Rev Colin Hurt, veteran missionary in Malaysia for over 30 years was invited to close in prayer.
“Father, we believe your Holy Spirit is going to continue to water the word sealed in us. We believe your church would impact the nation and many people would be your disciples,” said Rev Colin.
Yes. A delightful and invigorating luncheon is just what we need to get through the hump of the week! Are you encouraged?
Perhaps, you want to drop by to a FGB one of these days.
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you.
References for Pictures:
Pictures were acquired from David Yap, group coordinator for FGB
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