Dear John,

Sometimes life can seem overwhelming.  For example, I don’t know that there has been a time in the 30 years that my wife and I have been married when we have had more people on our prayer list who are dealing with cancer. From my own father to a young man who was active in our youth ministry years ago, to people we know locally through church or work, and even some on this email list who have shared their diagnosis with me. 

Then, there is the global and domestic political landscape.  From war in Ukraine to Iran’s ongoing aggression and commitment to perpetuating terror, the “wars and rumors of wars” around the world seem to be a constant of modern life. Here at home, skyrocketing inflation and predictions of food shortages, coupled with rising crime rates and the lingering effects of the government’s response to COVID all seem to feed into the stress and fear so many struggles with.

Lately, I have found myself drawn to the old hymn, “It is Well With My Soul.”  Actually, I’ve been more than drawn to it.  When it has been sung at a service or conference lately, I have repeatedly found myself overcome with emotion as the power of the lyrics penned in 1873 speak to the reality of life in 2022.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

As believers, we understand that this world is not our home and that because of the resurrection we are not only able to look forward to an eternity with God but also to enjoy a vibrant life between now and then.  As Jesus said in John chapter 10:

I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
- John 10:9-11

What an added blessing to know that Jesus came not just to offer us eternal salvation, but also to enable us to experience an abundant life here and now!  It is a timeless story of good news that we need to share as far and wide as we are able. 

Recently, I was visiting with my youngest son, who is a communications major at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, about communicating a timeless message to his peers.  I asked him to give me a couple of insights from his perspective as a member of the demographic, and as someone who is studying communications.  I thought I would share his reply with you.

•    Understand that you are speaking to a generation that often feels hopeless and needs Christ. My generation has a crisis of identity and depression. According to the World Health Organization, “In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%.” The report further states that the spike is worse among younger people, and is likely linked to “constraints on people’s ability to work, seek support from loved ones and engage in their communities.” 
•    Use stories to connect with a younger audience.  We serve a God that loves telling stories, and he made us with that love for creative communication. According to documentary film director, writer, and narrator Paul Jenkins, “storytelling is essential because of its central role in human experience, culture, and history since the dawn of humankind.” The Gospel is a compelling story, it’s just up to us to tell it in a way that grabs the attention of the people we are trying to reach. 

The story of Easter is a pivotal point in history.  The circumstances surrounding us may at times seem overwhelming, and the challenges might at times seem insurmountable, but the resurrection changes everything.  Jesus offers not only the opportunity to spend eternity with Him, but also life “more abundantly” in the meantime. 

This Easter, I am compelled to echo the words of Bob Kauflin and the concluding verse to his hymn “It is Well With My Soul:”

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul.
 

Your brother in Christ,
    Bryan English
    Director, Church Ambassador Network

Bryan English
Director, Church Ambassador Network

Juda Attkisson
North Texas Church Outreach Coordinator

Pastor Jorge Tovar
South Texas Church Outreach Coordinator

If you have a fellow pastor or church leader that would like to learn more about the Church Ambassador Network of Texas, please contact me at benglish@txvalues.org.