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Dr. Jo Anne Lyon



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Surprised by Vision and Courage

On a long plane trip to Sierra Leone, West Africa, a few days prior to General Conference, I read N. T. Wright's new book, Surprised by Hope. Once more I was challenged to see how the Holy Spirit ignites the imagination of His people in methods for redeeming the world for His glory.

At first, beginning the District Conference trek seemed a bit mundane. But, talk about surprised—yes, I have been surprised by the vision and courage I am finding at the grass roots of The Wesleyan Church. I am so full of joy and hope that I simply wanted to write down a bit of what I am seeing and hearing for you to have your imagination ignited and also to celebrate what God is doing and-even more-what He wants to do. This is only a sample of the surprises I have seen and heard along the way.

My first stop was in Wisconsin. I wish I could be in the Milwaukee area on July 13. This is the grand opening of a new Hispanic Church. The sign, The Wesleyan Church, is already up. A woman had been to a party and her car had a flat tire right in front of the church. She saw the sign and later reported that she became very convicted because she was an attendee of a Wesleyan church in Colombia, South America. She said, "Right there, looking at my flat tire, I cried and said, 'God I will go to church.'"

Westbrooke Wesleyan Church, Berlin, Wisconsin, has built their first baptismal. Previously, they had to go to lakes or rivers. They stated they were experiencing a "Sacramental Revival" for the first time.

The folks at Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, Superior, Wisconsin, have been experiencing a great ministry at the jail. As a result, a secular Recovery Center asked for materials from the church to use in the rehabilitation of the prisoners.

At Baker Street Community Church, Wisconsin Rapids, volunteers from the church have been doing after-school programs once a week in the public schools. They have been so effective that the public schools have asked them to expand the programs to two times per week.

A pastor from Madison made a very profound statement regarding my habit of encouraging people to "invade dark places." He talked about the suburbs where he is ministering and gave a story of a neighbor who described herself as a "Catholic Refugee." Inquiring about the pastor's church, she said, "I need to get back to church for my children." His unforgettable word imagery was, "This is invading dark places with shiny exteriors."

Speaking of dark places, the Wesleyans of the East Michigan District have opened a church in Port Huron named Restoration Ministry. Last New Year's Eve they decided to go to the bars and share the love of Jesus. The bars were not foreign to the people from the church as many had been there in deep sorrow only the year before. But now the grace and hope of Christ is radiating through them. Their evening became very profitable as they listened and, yes, prayed. One woman made a very compelling statement, "Thank you for coming to us because we don't have the courage to come to you."

I would love to be in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on Sept. 21, for the launch of a new church plant.

Detroit has been written off most people's maps—but not the map of Steve Adams of the Romulus Church and the East Michigan District. An entire new work is being led by a new couple from Detroit, who are well connected with the city. They are currently working with the Detroit school board for buildings and assistance. Yes, God wants to shine brightly in the dark places.

Well, this year, just from the Dakota District, there were 1,904 parties in heaven. Yes, the scriptures tell us there is rejoicing in heaven over one person accepting the Lord. Well 1,904 came to Jesus through the ministries of the churches in Dakota this year.

Although in sparsely populated areas, these churches remain faithful with the gospel. One such place has not had new converts for several years. The pastor has continued to preach and the people have been very open for God to open doors. This year, Bill-an older man in the community-came to Christ. He had a very vibrant testimony. But, this year Bill also died. I think maybe there were two parties here.

Another surprise to me: The second largest Native American church in the U.S. is the First Nations Church (Wesleyan) in Rapid City. This is part of the Dakota District—the pastor and laypeople were present at the conference.

District Superintendent Smith said, "We are developing faith to take risks and we are seeing the results. In addition we have had less conflict this year overall than ever before."

Frankly, they listed the churches that are planting churches so fast that I lost count. This is all on their new website www.DakotaDistrict.org.

Well, I am moving on and am looking forward to more vision and courage!!!

Reflections