Church on a Cruise Ship

So my husband has us on another cruise ship. The dear man is not yet a follower of Jesus, but I praise God that he respects my faith. He understands that when we travel, I not only enjoy our time together, but I am also on another mission trip.

I typically wait one day before calling for an appointment with the cruise director. Will I be permitted to do the church service on Sunday? I pray. Two days later he has not returned my call.  I pray and attempt to see him without an appointment. He’s out. I’m told I’ll need to track him down on Deck 5.  I’m praying as I go. “Lord, help me bring honor to Your name. Use me.”

I find him and he tells me he’s been meaning to return my call.  “The church service is something I’m uncomfortable doing. I’m happy if anyone else is willing to take over. However, I’ll need to see your sermon notes.”

His secretary copies my sermon notes and three days later I have heard nothing from the cruise director.  I’m getting stressed. I’m praying. “Lord this cruise will be over on Monday!  Is this Your will or not?  Perhaps my sermon was too Christ-centered to meet with his approval.” I again pray as I walk to his office without an appointment.

He’s in!  He says, “I’m glad to see you!  Let’s get that church service scheduled!  I’ll put it in the Saturday night bulletin. BTW, your sermon notes were fine.”

I walk out of his office rejoicing. It’s going to happen!  “Thank You Lord!  You are working this out!  Please prepare the hearts of those You want to come. Draw them to Yourself. Anoint my words and use me to save souls. It’s all for You Lord Jesus, Amen.”

Postscript:  It could not have gone better!  I had Good News booklets for those who wanted to grow in their relationship with Christ—several came forward to receive them. One lady said she was a school principal: “I was trying to memorize everything you said. Perhaps I should have one of your booklets.”  A man who identified himself as Buddhist asked for a booklet. He said,  “Never in all my life have I ever heard anything like this.”

THANK YOU LORD!

• He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.   Mark 6:15
• The booklet I used is Would You Like to Know God Personally?  by Bill Bright: http://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html  On the back of the booklets I had written the website for Global Media Outreach for those who want to learn more about Christ and also obtain a free online mentor: http://www.godlife.com

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[This life is temporary. This life is short.  When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever.  Where will the “real you” live?  Will you live for all eternity separated from God?  Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven?   Learn more so you can make your most important decision:   http://www.godlife.com/gospel/  and  http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity