From the Community Lay Director
From the Lay Director
In past years, when planned Walks did not end up happening, I often felt that was because of a failure of some kind on my part. My heart knew that was not the case. It often took a lot to convince my brain. Now that Walks 152 and 153 have happened, it has been almost as difficult to convince my brain it cannot take any credit for the Walks happening either, much as it wants to. Walks happening or not, that is in God's hands and how and when He speaks to potential sponsors and pilgrims. The only role I really have in the whole process of Walks happening or not is to be obedient to God's call upon my life. I have been working on being joyfully obedient, not just being obedient because that is what is expected of me.
By all accounts that I have heard, Walks 152 and 153 were each a success. There were some glitches. Some opportunities to do better next time were made apparent. Most of those glitches and opportunities occurred outside the conference room so there were few direct impacts on the experience of the pilgrims. Your Board of Directors will be working on addressing those glitches and opportunities in preparation for Walks 154 and 155 in October 2025.
As I noted in last month's newsletter, I was on the Agape team for Men's Walk 152 and the kitchen team for Women's Walk 153. Both were work-filled experiences. Both were filled with joy as well. Each of the Walk teams I have been a part of since my Walk 89 have added another brick or two to the foundation that I try to orient my life to -- the two greatest commandments. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." In my mind, being part of a Walk team completes the Walk experience. Brings everything full circle and demonstrates the importance and value of service to the Lord. Your Walk would not have been the experience that it was but for strangers being willing to answer God's call upon their lives to serve Him and you during your Walk. Team formation for the October Walks will be starting soon, if it has not started already. Prayer for the team members and pilgrims for those Walks has certainly started. I strongly encourage you not to wait for a human voice to call you about serving on a Walk. Listen for that still, small voice during your prayer times. And if that still, small voice speaks to you, pick up the phone or your keyboard and let us know.
Looking forward to seeing you at the May Gathering.
De Colores!
Michael Watts
Mission Statement
Renewing Christian Disciples,
Strengthening Local Churches
Rejoice, Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!