I have taken notice of the small things this past year. The small moments with God, the small acts of God within my own life and the lives of those around me, and the seemingly small decisions in ministry that have proven to have great significance.
Zechariah 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
Like the Levites, I found it difficult in 2020 not to complain about the hard things. The work was difficult, there were hard days, and the uncertainty around whether the work had any significance made it hard to push forward.
As 2020 moved along, I noticed our ministry partners around the country shouting for joy like some of Levites in Ezra 3. I began to take notice. “Their joyful shouting, and the weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.” (Ezra 3:12,13)
God was reminding me not to despise these small things, for He rejoices to see the work begin. (Zechariah 4:10) It is not by force nor by strength, but by My spirit. (Zechariah 4:6)
These small things were adding up to incredible significance. These small steps forward were impacting the lives of children and adults across Canada. The participants in these programs were being transformed. We were seeing and hearing reports about young adults engaged in scripture study over zoom small groups, Church Planters Training was taking place in small zoom groups, training leaders continued virtually, new churches started, adults and children were coming to faith, baptism were happening, and children were participating in camp ministry despite the Covid-19 restrictions that were in place around the country. This joyful shouting could be heard.
The small steps that our ministry leaders were taking every day were leading to incredible transformation. God was at work and continues to be at work through our partner ministries during this pandemic.
Almost one year ago, One Hope Canada, a ministry partner of Converge Canada began to discuss the development of a digital tool for post-summer camper follow-up.
After many weeks of hard work, the MyCamp app rolled out to camps in July 2020, allowing leaders to safely connect with campers through online events, activities, quizzes, Scripture memory, chats and more, in a virtual setting. This summer, several camps used the app as part of their summer ministry.
And then, this Fall, when the summer season was over and campers returned to school, sports and other after school activities, through the MyCamp app, they could attend a weekly chapel service through their personal device, and the relationship between cabin leader and camper continued year-round.
The MyCamp app will reach children with the Gospel message throughout the entire year.
As we continue to celebrate the new year and embrace 2021 for all it will offer, may each of us celebrate the significance of the small things, knowing it has great potential to lead to eternal transformation.
