I will never forget the day my flight instructor informed me that he was going to send me out to solo. My palms began to sweat, my heart rate went up, and the first words out of my mouth were "Are you sure?".

I just didn't think I was ready. I had a million excuses for why, as much as I wanted to solo, that was not the right time. Finally, the only thing I could do was tell myself that my instructor knew what he was doing, and that my thoughts and feelings on the subject didn't matter.

At times the Lord will also suddenly call us into a situation for which we feel totally unprepared. True, we desire to be used by the Lord in some way, but when He actually calls we shrink back and try to hide under a cloak of excuses: we aren't ready, we don't have the time, the money, the energy, the training, the ability, etc. "Who am I?", we say. "Send me?"

If we take the book of Isaiah chronologically, by the time we come to his actual commissioning (chapter 6), Isaiah was already functioning as a prophet. Perhaps this is the reason the Lord formally commissioned him in such an unusual manner. Scripture records that Isaiah "saw the Lord, high and lifted up", describing a vision of magnificent and terrifying beauty. This confrontation so assaults Isaiah's senses that all he can do is fall to the floor and cry out in anguish, "Woe is me! I am undone!" Translation: "I'm a dead man! My life is ruined!"

Isaiah obviously did not consider himself ready for this encounter. He continued by offering an "excuse" for his trepidation: "I am a man of unclean lips". Though he was already a prophet, the Lord's presence made Isaiah keenly aware of just how utterly sinful and unworthy he was.

However, notice the Lord's response. He didn't condemn Isaiah, nor did He dismiss Isaiah's claims. He simply commanded an angel to take a coal from the altar and touch it to Isaiah's lips; purifying, cleansing, and "setting them on fire" with the Word of God.

It was only then, only after this cleansing, that when God called for a messenger Isaiah uttered those famous words, "Here am I! Send me!".

What was it that caused this radical transformation, from quivering defeatism to confident volunteerism? The answer is simple: surrender. First, Isaiah surrendered to the Lord's purging of his heart and mouth. Then he surrendered to the Lord's call upon his life. Soon the very thing Isaiah deplored about himself, God began to use in such a way that centuries later his words still rock the world

Now, let's think of this in terms of our own experience. Has the Lord been calling you to a new work for His Kingdom? Do you sense His leading you to become more active in the propagation of the Gospel?

If so, what is your response? In one sense, it is very appropriate to be acutely aware of our weaknesses and unworthiness. No one is ever truly ready to encounter or serve the Lord. In fact, it's a healthy sign when, as a believer draws closer to the Lord, that he has an increased awareness of his sin and human frailty.

Ultimately however, the issue is not our thoughts and feelings. Instead, the question is whether we will trust the Lord and be willing to undergo whatever process He considers necessary to prepare us for His work. In other words, when God calls a man or woman into His service there are no valid excuses. He already knows our weaknesses. Therefore, when He calls us, He will also prepare us and enable us. Like Isaiah, we will have our lips purged, and a new message will burn in our hearts. Like Isaiah, the very thing that we offer as an excuse we will find He wants to use.

Perhaps you have been sensing God's call upon your life to serve Him in a given capacity. Don't be like so many, saying, "Not me, send another". If God is calling you, then you are His choice. He will enable you to do what He calls you to do. All you must do is surrender. "Here am I! Send me!"

In His Service,

Stephen Tecklenberg,
President

Ministry Report

Mission To Europe. This mission was probably the broadest international ministry we've had to date, both in scope and in duration.

Romania, Jan. 10-23. Steve Tecklenberg and Tony Rupp had the opportunity to teach courses on Apologetics and Soteriology at the Golgota Bible School in Talmaciu. Many of the approximately 40 students there are preparing for work in their local churches and villages. Steve and Tony also spoke at several area churches during their stay.

Republic Of Ireland, Jan. 23-Feb. 4. Steve then went on alone to the Cherith Baptist Fellowship in Athlone, pastored by Dominic Montgomery, who worked with Steve in India last November. Steve was able to speak at several of that church's meetings. He was also invited to deliver two lectures on the evidence for and relevance of Biblical creation at a local high school. The lectures were very well received, and resulted in emphatic invitations to come back to teach both at that school and others in the area.

United Kingdom, Feb. 4-8. Steve next took a few days to meet with and plan possible future ministries with various Christian workers in Ireland and Scotland with whom we have worked in the past.

Denmark, Feb. 8-15. Last fall, Steve had contacted one of his cousins, Levy Hansen, who lives on Bornholm (a small island in the Baltic Sea), to inquire about visiting with the family during his time in Europe.

In response, Steve was not only invited to visit, but also to minister in two local churches. First, he spoke at the Sunday Morning service at the Baptist church. This, in turn, led to an invitation to speak to a youth meeting that was sponsored by the Mission church. Additionally, Steve also accompanied Levy as he visited many elderly and handicapped people. What a joy it was to participate with him, and to see the love of Christ being expressed to these people who otherwise are so often neglected.

In retrospect, we are all awed at what the Lord did throughout the journey. Some incredible doors were opened for ministry, both presently and for the future. The responses of the people, not only in the churches but also in the schools, revealed a great hunger for the Word of God. We praise the Lord for allowing us to join His work in these needy harvest fields.

Seek Ye First...

One of the greatest dangers a ministry faces is allowing the press of ministry activities to lull us into relying on our own ideas and resources instead of simply walking with the Lord. Recognizing this, our Board of Directors took the weekend of January 4 to come together for a time of concerted prayer, asking the Lord to show us His will for Eagle's Nest.

Much good came out of that time together, but we also recognize that there is much work yet to be done. Therefore, we at ENM humbly ask for your prayers with and for us as we sort through what we believe the Lord has for us to pursue.

We would also like to express our appreciation to John & Naomi Brown for their warm hospitality in opening their home to the Board for that weekend. They provided us with a terrific living arrangement, outstanding food, and wonderful fellowship, and we pray that God would bless them abundantly.