The Works of God

On Sunday I had the great privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies for Bethlehem College and Seminary.  It was a God-centered evening that accentuated why I am so grateful to God for this vision of a church-based seminary and college.

One of the graduates recounted how, during their orientation, Pastor John welcomed them all to the ‘seminary of suffering’ that is Bethlehem Baptist Church.

What a picture those words create.  I had never heard that phrase before but immediately liked it.  And Pastor John was right – Bethlehem is full of hurting people.

But not a defeated people.  The suffering is real, and the rejoicing in the power and worth and beauty of Jesus Christ is even more real!

Another student spoke of Pastor Tom Steller, who is the original architect of The Bethlehem Institute which has become Bethlehem College and Seminary.  This student recounted Pastor Tom exhorting them to ‘have a painward ministry.’

Again, what a picture!  And how appropriate to encourage these young men to orient themselves toward pain, for the sake of the people with and to whom they will minister.

I know he means it.  Pastor Tom was the first of Bethlehem’s pastors to walk up my front step the day after our Paul was born, with a note from Pastor John.  These men know what it means to walk into the fire that is human suffering, trusting in God to provide what they will need in that moment.

So I’m grateful to God they are preparing the next generation of young leaders to walk with us as we deal with disability.  The pain is real, we are not always going to be the nicest people with whom to minister, and God uses it all for his glory and for our good.