St. Thomas & St. John Churches Unite for Beach Picnic!
Get ready for a day of fellowship and fun! Churches from across St. Thomas and St. John are coming together for a Church Wide Unity Beach Picnic. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow believers, enjoy the beautiful Magen's Bay, and experience a taste of "heaven on earth."
What to Expect:
Fellowship & Connection: Meet and mingle with Christians from different churches.
Fun & Games: Bring your favorite board games and ball games! Don't forget safety equipment for the kids.
Delicious Food: Enjoy a variety of Caribbean, Spanish, Haitian, and local dishes.
All Ages Welcome: Young, middle-aged, and seniors are all invited!
Event Details:
Date: May 3
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Magen's Bay
Contributions Welcome: Contact 340-244-2186 to contribute a dish, water, food, fruits, fish, chicken, juice, etc.
Whether you can contribute or not, we hope to see you there for this festive occasion!
They said to David, “the blind and the lame will repel you” (2 Samuel 5:6).
David gathers his troops to give a speech. It’s an opportunity to boost the morale and call for great sacrifice.
He stands and decrees, “Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites (the lame and the blind…), he shall be chief and captain” (2 Samuel 5:8).
Introduction:
Today, we're diving into a powerful story from the life of David, a man after God's own heart. This isn't just a historical account; it's a lesson for us today about claiming what God has promised us, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We're going to look at David's conquest of Jerusalem, a city occupied by the Jebusites, and discover the key to overcoming challenges in our own lives.
I. The Challenge: A Seemingly Unconquerable City
1 Chronicles 11:4-5, 2 Samuel 5:6
David, now king, had his sights set on Jerusalem. It was strategically important, and he knew God wanted him to possess it. But there was a problem: the Jebusites were firmly entrenched.
When David and his army arrived, the Jebusites mocked him. "You shall not come in here!" they taunted. They were so confident in their defenses that they boasted, "Even the blind and the lame can repel you!"
Jerusalem seemed impregnable, a fortress that no one could penetrate. This is often how our challenges appear: overwhelming, impossible to overcome. Perhaps it's a financial burden, a broken relationship, a health crisis, or a spiritual stronghold.
THE AUDIO TO THIS BLOG
II. The Charge: David's Call to Action
David, though faced with mockery and a seemingly impossible task, didn't back down. He knew God had a plan, and he rallied his troops.
He issued a charge, a call to action, to his mighty men. He needed someone who was willing to go above and beyond, to take a risk, to find a way where there seemed to be no way.
This is the call God gives to us today: to rise up, to be bold, to trust in His power, and to take action in faith.
III. The Courageous Act: Joab's Nighttime Infiltration
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 11:6
Among David's warriors, one man stood out: Joab. He answered David's call with courage and ingenuity.
The Bible tells us that Joab went in via the waterway. Imagine the scene:
The Cover of Darkness: Under the cloak of the night, Joab stealthily approaches the city. The moon is hidden behind the clouds, casting long, eerie shadows that dance along the walls of Jerusalem.
The Silent Descent: He finds the entrance to the water tunnel, a dark and narrow passage leading into the heart of the city. Taking a deep breath, he plunges into the cold, murky water.
The Subterranean Journey: The tunnel is claustrophobic and damp. The only sound is the gentle lapping of water against the stone walls and the rhythmic drip, drip, drip from the ceiling. Joab wades through the water, his senses on high alert. Every rustle, every splash, could mean discovery.
The Risk of Discovery: He moves slowly and deliberately, knowing that one wrong step could alert the Jebusite guards. The stench of stagnant water fills his nostrils, and the darkness presses in around him.
Unseen and Undeterred: Yet, he presses on, driven by his loyalty to David and his belief in God's promise. He knows that the fate of Jerusalem, and perhaps the kingdom, rests on his shoulders.
The Element of Surprise: After Joab exits the tunnel, as quickly as possible he quietly makes his way to the city gates. No Jebusite notices him so he walks right to the armored gates and with great force pushes them open.
The Gates Fall: On the other side, David’s soldiers were waiting and ready to move forward. As soon as the gates cracked open they rushed through and mercilessly annihilated every inhabitant in the city.
David's army poured into the city, and Jerusalem was conquered!
V. The Question: "Where Are the Joabs?"
Today, God is asking us, "Where are the Joabs?" Who will rise up with courage and ingenuity to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of God's promises?
God is looking for people who are willing to:
Go where others won't.
Take risks for the Kingdom.
Trust in His power, even when it seems impossible.
Be obedient to His call, no matter the cost.
Conclusion:
The story of David's conquest of Jerusalem is a powerful reminder that with God, nothing is impossible. When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we must remember:
1. God has a plan for us: Just as He had a plan for David to possess Jerusalem, He has a plan for you to overcome your challenges and fulfill your destiny.
2. We need courage and faith: Like Joab, we must be willing to step out in faith, even when we don't see the way forward.
3. God will give us the strength to overcome: He will equip us with the power and resources we need to break through every barrier.
4. Victory is possible: With God on our side, we can conquer any obstacle and claim the promises He has given us.
5. God is calling you: He's asking, "Where are the Joabs?" Will you answer the call? Will you be the one who steps out in faith, breaks through the barriers, and helps to usher in God's Kingdom?
Let us all strive to be like Joab, courageous and obedient, so that we can seize our promised land and fulfill God's purpose for our lives. Amen.
Pastors, Let's Unite in Prayer: A Vision for St. Thomas & St. John
Greetings, Pastors!
I'm excited to share a powerful vision that Pastor Trevor Campbell has cast for our community in St. Thomas and St. John: a unified monthly prayer gathering for pastors and ministry leaders.
Pastor Trevor believes that as spiritual shepherds of this region, we need to come together regularly in prayer, seeking God's guidance and intervention for our islands.
The Vision: United Prayer for Our Islands
To make this vision a reality, we're establishing a monthly pastors' prayer meeting, starting in January 2025. Here are the details:
When: The first Tuesday of every month in 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. for 1 hour
What: A time for pastors to share their hearts for our islands, the needs of their ministries, and specific prayer requests.
Where: The prayer meeting will rotate among the churches in our region.
How it Works:
Each month, the host pastor (the pastor whose church is hosting the prayer meeting) will:
Lead a brief devotional/sharing of the Word (approximately 15-20 minutes).
Provide water for attendees.
(Optional) Feel free to provide any additional refreshments as you feel led.
The other pastors in attendance will then lead out in prayer for specific areas, including:
Our churches
Our believers
Our islands
Our nation
Why United Prayer Matters
We believe that united prayer is a powerful force for change. When we come together in humility and agreement, seeking God's face, He hears our prayers and moves on our behalf. This is an opportunity to:
Strengthen our relationships with one another.
Share burdens and encourage one another.
Seek God's wisdom and direction for our ministries.
Unleash the power of prayer over our islands.
Invitation to Ministry Leaders
We encourage you, pastors, to invite other ministry leaders that you know to join us. Let's make this a beneficial and impactful time of prayer in the Kingdom of God.
Connect with the Visionary
Dr. Trevor Campbell of the Assemblies of God is the visionary behind this united prayer movement. If you have any questions or would like to connect with him, you can reach him at 340-776-7243.
Let's unite in prayer and see God's Kingdom advance in St. Thomas and St. John!
