Many years ago the great explorer, Sir Francis Drake, was attempting to recruit a number of young men for an upcoming exploration. He gathered them around and told the group that if they came with him they would see some of the most marvelous things their eyes could ever behold. He spoke to them of sandy white beaches, juicy fruits, foreign peoples, priceless treasures, and gorgeous landscapes.  And he told them that this wild adventure could be theirs if they came with him. Not one of them enlisted for the journey.

The next day a different group came out. Drake told them that if they came with him they would encounter storms that would terrify them into tears. Tiger winds would hammer them and blow them off course for months. Water would frequently be scarce. At times they would be so thirsty that their very souls would cry out for simply one drop of water. In short, danger would always be their constant companion. Drake concluded by declaring that if they could handle these things, the joys of exploration would exceed their wildest dreams.  Every single one of them in the group joined Sir Francis Drake that day… some did not even go home to say goodbye to their families, and they just boarded the boat eager for the journey.

What made the difference in these two groups? Why did the first group turn down the mission and the second jump at the chance? Was the second group different and more adventurous than the first? The answer is: No. It was not the men who had changed; it was the message. The first spoke of rewards; the second spoke of challenges. The first offered comfort; the second promised suffering. The first tempted them with things; the second seduced them with an experience unlike any other.

I like to think that Sir Francis Drake discovered what Jesus knew all too well. And that is this: The paths that are offered to us must promise to shape us, build our character, and change our world view, if they are to have any appeal to us at all. If we are presented with a challenge that will change us, we will be eager for the journey.

What is it about Jesus' message that made the disciples eager for the journey that was presented to them?

1. Jesus offered them a change.
2. Jesus told them that the mission promised to be a challenge.
3. Jesus promised them that their lives would never be the same.

Saints, New Leaf’s movement is ALL about change!  Those of us who have experienced Christ understand the change that has taken place in our lives… and as we make disciples, we see the change that Christ brings to the lives of others.  We see the change that Christ makes in our community!

And challenge?  Oh, my!  What a challenge it has been as we have left the familiar behind and pursued the mission of taking Conneaut for Christ!  Every element of our movement has been filled with challenges, danger, and risk… yet the ranks of the faithful continue to swell here at New Leaf!

Jesus was right… since the New Leaf adventure began, our lives have not been the same!  God is doing SO much as we fulfill our calling to love God, love one another, and make disciples of Jesus Christ! I promise that the New Leaf adventure will continue to be a difficult journey… but so satisfying and rewarding… as each of us and Conneaut is changed FOREVER —to the glory of Jesus Christ! 

 

Rev. Scott Walsh

Pastor