Passing the Baton
Two months ago many of us sat in our living rooms cheering on our home country as they competed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. As the games came to an end, the country of Brazil handed off the Olympic flag to a representative of Japan, symbolizing the passing of the games from their country to the next.
The Apostle Paul frequently used this same illustration in his letters. The book of II Timothy is a testimony of that "baton passing," in which Paul uses the example of finishing his race. He then exhorts Timothy to continue on in the work, doing "the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry." (II Tim. 4:5)
In 2010, we handed off the ministry in Alausi to our son-in-law, Daniel, and the other leadership of the church. Since then they have continued on in the ministry: leading home Bible studies, holding church services, building a church building, and baptizing and discipling new believers. It has been a joy to watch the church continue to grow and reach the people of Alausi.
Wednesday marks another passing of the baton, as Daniel and Melissa and family head to the United States to begin the process of getting Daniel's United States citizenship. As Daniel steps down from leadership in the Alausi church, Klever, one of our first Bible Institute graduates, will step up to lead. We know the ministry there is in capable hands, and look forward to seeing God continue to use Klever and Katy and their family. Pray for them and the ministry in Alausi and outlying towns.
