Bigger Than Us

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

This past week, the students and leaders of the senior FYSH class made their annual trip down to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This year’s trip was a great one! Our team was exposed to the life/training of a Special Operations soldier, saw special aircraft and equipment, experienced the rotor wash of a Blackhawk helicopter taking off, and even tasted the goodness of field meal (MRE). We heard several stories of heroism, were challenged to think about the enormous sacrifice made on behalf of our country, and were invited into the sacred space of the memorial wall–a memorial of those who “gave it everything”. Our time with the 160th and the soldiers was a great experience and reminder of the cost paid to protect the freedoms we have here in the United States.

Although the time of learning from and supporting the soldiers will be one to always remember, there is something else I’d like to share. For the past 8 years, our youth ministry has been welcomed and embraced by the people of Spring Creek Baptist Church. The church encourages us to use their facilities, at no cost, as a place to lay our heads, fix our meals, and get a shower while we are there for the weekend. Each year we are greeted warmly with southern hospitality and even a few good ole fashioned southern meals. The hugs and handshakes are genuine and the people of Spring Creek Baptist Church are earnestly excited to host us each year.  

As a way to show our appreciation, our team spends a full day serving the people of the church/community while we are there. Whether it’s raking leaves for some of their older members, doing a deep cleaning of their church kitchen, cutting up firewood, laying new grass, helping run their trunk or treat, or even painting their youth room, this is our way of communicating our love and gratefulness for their hospitality. Serving alongside some of their youth and leaders of Spring Creek, this experience together only deepens our relationship with one another. One Lord, one Kingdom, one body, all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus! What a wonderful reminder!!  

On Sunday, before departing for home, we always have the privilege of worshiping with the church at Spring Creek. During this particular trip the church was celebrating the Lord’s supper. Although the music was a bit different and the liturgy was not exactly like ours, I was struck by the passion and the love the people of the church had for this celebration. Several shared praises, even with tears, of God’s work in their lives as we celebrated TOGETHER the amazing gift of God’s saving grace! Denominations and church affiliations aside, we worshiped together, we remembered together, and we were fed together from the same table, the Lord’s Table. It was moving and beautiful all at the same time, brothers and sisters of one Kingdom, worshiping the one true King! “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” 1 Corinthians 10:17

In a time of disunity, separation, pointing fingers, divisiveness, and even individual preferences…..it’s a great time of the year to be THANKFUL for the things that unite us together…..One Lord, one Savior, one church, and one Kingdom. 

Join me in prayer as we give thanks for our brothers and sisters of the faith who live all around the world! Give thanks to God for the powerful work of his Gospel which transcends culture, location, language, and any persecution. Lift them up in prayer, send them encouragement and love and always be reminded of the power that unites us all! Praise be to God for he holds all things together! His Kingdom is bigger than us!     

“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

Recent Updates