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Dr. Jo Anne Lyon



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What Else but Joy...Is Strength?

Last Sunday, in twenty below zero temperatures and blowing snow, Joliet Wesleyan Church in Joliet, Montana, filled with eager worshippers. As Pastor Sam Smith lit the third candle for Advent, I was struck with the text he had chosen—"The Joy of the Lord is your Strength." He emphasized the fact that, throughout scripture, "joy" is the only description of where we will find strength. As I pondered these words, I realized this congregation was living them out. Cattle ranchers, rodeo experts, engineers, medical professionals—and the list goes on—have formed the largest Protestant church in Carbon County of Montana.

Sam shared with me how recently God had once again broken his heart for the hundreds of lost and hurting people in his county. Rural areas have the same issues as urban areas—incest, child abuse, domestic violence, broken families, poverty, drugs, alcohol, gambling, loneliness, and, yes, wealth that seems to imprison people. Sam rode through the county on his four-wheeler, praying over each home he passed—from the large ranch owners’ homes to the most dilapidated mobile homes. God is moving in these families' hearts.

An after-school program is reaching some of these families. I listened as one family described their efforts to reach some young adults who were literally homeless, supplying them with jobs and helping them to become stabilized. And, yes, they were there on Sunday morning experiencing "joy." Sam and the Superintendent of Schools have an excellent relationship and are working together in transformation of the community.

Wesleyan Day in the park has brought in hundreds of people—during the summer of course! Then, during the Christmas Season, Joliet Wesleyans are part of the "Christmas Stroll" in upscale Red Lodge Ski Resort. They give away over 1100 bags of kettle corn.

A section of the church on this Sunday morning was filled with bright, active youth. I watched Pastor Sam on Saturday night open his computer and connect with these kids via Facebook. I then made the link as to their commitment to the church and to God. They were finding community and responding.

Yes, rural ministry is impacting lives and through the power of the Holy Spirit will transform the community.

Truly, joy in the Lord is contagious and spreads strength.

Reflections