My life is a walking catalog of testimonies of how God molds, protects, prunes, primes, promotes, preserves, pivots, picks at, prepares, and uses an imperfect weak vessel for His glory. My mentor Paul reminded me last month as I was preaching through Phillipians that this is what life's all about: “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” The biggest lesson learned in 25 years of preaching the Gospel, it’s that ministry is most enjoyable when we the people of God obey His prompting through the Holy Spirit and let Him deal with the consequences of our obedience to His leadership.
A month ago, I decided to pursue my passion as a “traveling preacher” with a greater level of intensity and commitment by walking away from two amazing opportunities, so that I may continue serving the body of Christ in Chicago and around the world. It has not been easy, I am not homeless, and God has been taking good care of me.
Preaching in Alaska was awesome and serving my church family in Belfair this past month was electrifying.It all came at a cost. Yes! It was incredibly difficult to forfeit two out of three monthly incomes so that I may travel and preach, and turn down full-time job offers to pursue my passion, which is traveling, preaching, and teaching teenagers on the southside of Chicago to follow Jesus Christ every day. It was emotionally hard and uncomfortable to say “No” to some good and godly people in my life to pursue my passion for global itinerant ministry.
So, family, by the end of this week, I would have preached 8 times in two different states, in three different, unique venues, to over 500 people between June 28 and July 8, 2019. It is beyond exciting to be used by God to travel and preach while still serving students on the southside of Chicago through Youth for Christ USA! As I continue this journey, here are five more things that I have learned:
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God is my main source of financial supplies, and therefore I should trust Him with all my fears.
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Contentment is the key to enjoying God, enjoying other people, and enjoying life.
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God will take care of your business if you will take care of His business.
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God’s people are generous when they see you serving Him.
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Honesty, humility, and hugs will get you a long way in ministry.
Hey Church, pray for me! I love you! Your prayers for self discipline and discernment to continue to grow in my life are appreciated.
James Owolabi
Pastor James Owolabi
1507 East 53rd Street Suite 846
Chicago IL 60615
United States
#travelingpreacher