I’ve been thinking about Frank and his last big heartbreak–the closing of the church he had been pastor of for 20 years.  Active members were around 35 when he began in 1993 – mostly seniors with 2 children and 3 teenagers.  Eventually those with teens moved to a larger church with youth ministries.  Frank led the church to canvas the neighborhood and share Christ as the opportunity presented itself.  We participated in the Jesus video giveaway.  The few people who visited the church did not stay. It was difficult with no children or youth ministry. Over the years our members moved away or went home to be with the Lord until we were finally down to 8 regular attenders in a building built for 400.  So the time came when we had to do the work of closing the church.  Frank was heartbroken and filled with grief. Questions about God and faith were attacking his mind and spirit.  This is not the way he had planned and prayed for his ministry to end.  Where was God in this?  Did He care about the church, his ministry, the people in the neighborhood?  Why wasn’t He listening?  So it was as we closed the doors for the last time.

Most pastors and Christian leaders think success comes in growing larger congregations, having large budgets, and large numbers of baptisms each year. In reading today’s devotional, I was reminded that God’s definition of success is very different.  God considered Christ a success when He obeyed God and endured the cross.  “Yes, in God’s eyes, crucifixion is a success.  So is persecution, hardship, and sacrifice….the issue… is godly character and eternal fruit.” (Journey, Lifeway, July 18, 2014).  This Frank was rich in.  He was (even in the midst of his own pain and questions) assured that Jesus is the only hope for men and women to know God and find life in Him.  Everywhere he went, he would share Christ with those he met.  I marveled at his ability to strike up conversations at the gas pump that led to his sharing Jesus with others.  He loved to go to Walmart, walk around, and look for opportunities to begin conversations with others usually leading to sharing the goodness and faithfulness of God even through his cancer.  He considered any opportunity to speak with others a divine appointment to speak up for Jesus and His love for them.  

He was faithful to the church and he loved the people to the end.  He died still loving those whom God had called him to serve.  Even while in the hospital those last weeks, he was sharing the love of Jesus with the staff and others.  I know the world will never recognize his accomplishments–even the Christian world–but God does.  I am assured by a dear friend (who learned how to share her new-found faith through Frank’s ministry) that he must have been welcomed into heaven by hundreds who came to know Jesus through the witness of those he trained as well as his own witnessing.  

Yes, Frank was a success in God’s sight. That is all that matters.

“Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved.” Proverbs 16:3