SPURGEON ON "ORDINARY" JOBS

Am in Poland at the moment, visiting YFC here, and was reflecting this morning on what an immense privilege it is to be involved in this kind of work. I know many people who would love to do Christian work "full-time." I read this in Spurgeon's notes for today: (the language and images are 19th century, but the sentiment applies equally today)

"Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called."
- 1Co_7:20
Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler’s stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the Saviour’s love, aye, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where you are. Fill your present sphere to his praise, and if he needs you in another he will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content."

GROWTH IN THE BALKANS

Just leaving Rijeka today towards the end of a visit to Serbia and Croatia, (with quick visits to Hungary at both ends). Very encouraging to see how YFC is growing in both of these countries, which so recently have been at war with each other. The evangelical church in Serbia, which is a mainly-Lutheran country, with a strong Orthodox church also, is quite small, with perhaps only about a dozen congregations south of Belgrade, which is where the main population lives. YFC, led by Zvonko Valentini, has mostly concentrated on the northern, more Slovakian-dominated northern part of the country, with a centre in Pivnice, training for youth leaders, prayer events and a youth magazine. Whilst I was there we went down to the south to talk to someone who has been working with us as a volunteer, but who may now come on staff for that area, if we can find the finances.

In Croatia, a mainly-Catholic country, we have three full-time, very-creative staff led by Irena Dragas, with brothers Ruben and Mihael Secen, who are using to great effect the Labyrinth model of reflective prayer and meditation, Daniel Generation youth leader training, and alternative-worship youth services. They have just appointed as the National Board chairman a young female Lutheran pastor, Melanie Ivanovic, who studied with Ruben and his wife Daniella at Osijek Theological Seminary, and seem set for even greater things to come.

In both countries prayer was requested for the churches, who suffer a lot from politicing, infighting and jealousy.