Keimai

Keimai is a Greek word. In its purest form, the root has to do with lying down or reclining - but the word came to be used of an official appointment and sometimes of destiny. For those engaged in military service, the word was used to reference a special appointment or assignment. When I think of those God has called to this season of ministry in Porto Seguro, I think of this word. These servants are fulfilling their destiny... appointed... on assignment... and He who called is using them to be blessing to the people of Porto Seguro.


Yesterday was a day of preparation for the Pastors' Conference that would take place beginning Thursday morning. Work at the church continued while the Production Team made their way to the convention center to unload audio and video equipment. After a morning of setup, the worship team gathered for a time of sound check and rehearsal. Late in the afternoon, the team had to return to the hotel to shower and change before making their way to a church to lead in worship for a thousand or so Brazilian believers.


One of our ministry partners, on the way to a site check at the church where we would minister on Wednesday evening, called this particular part of the city a slum. The believers who gather here might not be wealthy by the world's standards, but they are rich in their faith and worship passionately. It was evident as the team led we were in the presence of God. The atmosphere was electric with His presence.

This ministry opportunity was not part of our original plan. We did not know we were to minister on Wednesday evening. We DID know it was an opportunity that was not to be missed. It was a special appointment. Keimai. The team responded willingly, rushing through the afternoon, getting cleaned up and ready quickly, and then walked into an environment that was less than ideal.

After the visit to this particular site on Tuesday evening, I remarked that, in thirty-some years of doing this, I had never experienced a venue as "live" as this one... sound reverberating everywhere... and a sound system that was hardly adequate... but the team stepped in and ministered effectively. The production guys in particular, faced with a daunting task of getting the team ready to lead with little time and suspect equipment, rose to the task. In the end, the team sang and played passionately. And I believe God smiled. I believed He smiled for several reasons: because His people gathered to worship, and He was pleased to inhabit the worship... because the truth of His Word was celebrated through teaching and preaching... because those He had called to this season responded to the call to serve enthusiastically and passionately... because none of those called allowed themselves to be distracted or discouraged by obstacles... It was indeed a special appointment. Keimai.

At the end of this wonderful time of worship, most of us enjoyed pizza and rest. Most - but not all. Jack, who is here with his dad on his very first international mission trip, is playing with the band and serves as a key part of the team pre the Gospel through drama. Jack had an allergic reaction to something and had to leave the worship venue to go to a clinic, and then on to the local hospital treatment. So Jack and Robert found their long day even longer than expected. Thankfully, the doctors provided the care Jack required, and he is fine and serving again. For most of us...

We ordered pizza. Here was the deal: due to the pace on Wednesday, and the need to get to the church quickly, the girls missed dinner. While the worship refreshed them spiritually, they were hungry physically, and started singing songs about pizza on the way back to the hotel. These precious young ladies convinced us to order pizza - and we did. Deciding what to order and waiting on delivery made for a late night, but the refreshment was oh so good!

Finally - after the pizza, and after allowing ourselves to be poured out in the work of ministry - we rested. Keimai. The root of the word means to lie down, or to recline, and this is just what we did.

Keimai. Appointed to the work of ministry. Given a special assignment. Fulfilling our destiny. And having served well, we rested. Here is simple truth: There is no better rest than that which comes when we lie down with a sense of satisfaction that God had, for this day, completed His purpose in us.

Selah.