Wow – I can’t tell you how much I love when we gather together at events like District Assembly and Family Camp!    I agree with Peter as he says, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here!” Matthew 17:4  I always feel like that when the MINaz family is together.   Good preaching, amazing worship, and loads of the three “Fs” Nazarenes are famous for:  fun, fellowship, and food!  I thank God every time I remember you!
 
It was great to hear how God is moving in the Michigan District and around the world.  Pastors Mark Fuller and Nate Smith did a great job bringing us the Word.  The NMI council displayed how God is moving around the world.  Seeing 9 people commit to their call to vocational ministry and 7 begin that journey with their first District Ministerial License is a good reminder that God still calls, and people are still obediently responding. 
 
We ended with a bump in the road of a COVID infection (just the time you think we’re past that…)  While that was disappointing it’s a reminder that there will always be a challenge to the journey we’re on following Christ. 
 
The Matthew account of Peter, James, and John experiencing a spiritual mountain top where Jesus revealed Himself as the fulfillment of all the Law and the Prophets, reassuring them He, the Messiah, also carries a reminder for us.  Peter wanted to build a shelter to stay there and continue the spiritual high moment.  But that was not the intent.  Rather, they were to let that moment, at the right time, inspire them to proclaim the message to their circles of influence. 
 
We too are to benefit from our time together and go from there to our areas of interaction and share the transforming story of what a life of “surrendered, empowered obedience” can do for a world looking for hope and meaning. 
 
I personally want to thank you for the vote of confidence as your District Superintendent and for your generous love offering to Deb and me.  We love serving MINaz and appreciate your patience as I continue to learn this assignment.  I believe God is moving among our churches.  Some have struggled and are still in the challenges of ministering to their communities.  Others are seeing God work in powerful ways and riding the wave of His provision.  All are seeking to be the church he has called us to be – know this; Deb and I pray for you daily and are blessed to be Michigan Nazarenes. 
 
pbd

Pastor Brad Dyrness