2020, I love you, but don’t let the door hit you as you leave!!!

by | Dec 27, 2020

I have been sitting here thinking about how 2020 is NOT what I expected it to be. Come to think about it, I am not sure there is ANYONE who thought 2020 would play out as it has. Fifty years ago, I graduated from high school. A year later I took my first church. From that point forward I have considered myself to be in active ministry, albeit in different venues than I expected. When I first started pastor

al work my idea of foreign mission was to go to the adjacent county to weatherize homes! Yes that was and is mission work, but I never dreamed that this small beginning would eventually lead me to working with mission groups nationally and internationally, and have me committed to continue doing mission work until my body just can’t anymore. Then, I will continue to pray for those who do.

Back then digital spreadsheets, virtual worship, smart phones, the internet and the list goes on, were not a thought, and the word “pandemic” was a distant event in early 20th century history. Today, all of these are realities, and the latter has made 2020 a year we soon will celebrate closing. During my nearly five decades of ministry I cannot remember our country and our world experiencing as much fear, distrust, and anger as we experience now. When I dwell on the negative, I become despondent and afraid for my grandchildren as their life is just beginning. It is easy to just want to give up.

But recently I keep hearing in my head two passages of scripture

John 16:31-33: “Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 6:31-34: “Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

As I prepare to turn over the reins of Crosslink Memphis in retirement, please join me in supporting the continued and future work of this God-honoring ministry. We have a year’s end dollar for dollar match challenge ongoing and I am thrilled with the response from so many already, even in the time of uncertainty. Nothing would thrill or honor me more than for us to exceed our giving goal as I step into a new mission roll, encouraging new caretakers to take on the mantle of servant leadership. Thank you for your past, present, and future support through prayer and generosity.

Dr. David C. Lewis
Executive Director