I Saw Bold

Over the last couple of weeks, I saw what bold looks like.

I visited a single young lady (my daughter) living in a gospel-restricted area of the world. She fell in love with a people and country that threatens those who do not believe the same way they do. This young lady's calling led her to live among the people and demonstrate the love of God. She is living with others who are called to make a difference by reaching out to the broken and hurting of that country and bringing the hope and deliverance that only Jesus brings.

In the same country there is a community of believers that live bold for Jesus. They sing loudly of God's grace and preach God's Word, even though every day, their way of life is threatened, yet they stand firm in their faith.

Shortly after that, I saw the Fairfax County School Board look directly into the face of hundreds of frustrated parents and dismiss their voice. The arrogance of that board was unbelievable as they gave into political correctness and a governmental ungodly agenda. However, there was one who stood up to her peers and spoke with passion and reason, her name is Elizabeth Schultz. At the end of the meeting, the majority voted to move forward with their agenda, but Elizabeth stood her ground and demonstrated a strength of heart like few others.

In the same week, I saw bold again. This time it was found in the students of Freedom High School along with some friends from other schools. Early in the year, the students of Edge Club and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes joined together to pray for their schools. In prayer, God put it on their hearts to hold an event where they could invite their friends and share the message of Jesus' love. They called it "Culture Shift". Their prayer is to see their culture shift to loving God and loving each other. With only a little guidance from pastors and leaders, they used the Freedom High School auditorium and almost two hundred of their friends attended. They boldly worshiped God, shared stories about God, prayed for those who were sick and hurting and invited their friends to receive Jesus. They held nothing back. At the end of the night, many students were drawn to the love of God and proclaimed Jesus as Lord of their lives. There are no words to describe how proud I am as a parent and a pastor of these young people.

Recently we have heard how Christians are losing their influence in this culture. However, if what I have seen over the last three weeks is any indication, signs of a great spiritual awakening are all around us.

Many years ago God said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
 
May the Lord help us. We need more BOLD.