This past June marked the ninth year that I have been actively involved in the ministry of St. Symeon the New Theologian. During this period of time many of you, beloved faith-partners, have witnessed the tremendous growth that the Lord has worked in my heart and life.
One thing I have learned for sure, that this ministry is not for the weak of heart. It is challenging and demanding. But I also know that there has been no other ministry that has served the Orthodox Church such as St. Symeons for the past 32 years!
Every ministry has its ups and downs, and this ministry has had its share. At times many doors of opportunity are opened to us to proclaim the Gospel, while at other times doors seem to close.
I am reminded of the time when St. Paul was hindered to preach in Asia so the Gospel could be proclaimed in Greece. No one will know why St. Paul’s ministry was cut short of preaching in Spain, or why St. Symeons writings were hidden for almost 1000 years. I have learned through these eight years that St. Symeons is a prophetic ministry, and like all prophetic ministries, the messages given through prophets are never popular ones.
Israel in the Old Testament was never eager to respond to the call of repentance proclaimed by the prophets. It is the same situation today with us Orthodox. We don’t like the word "repent", but that is exactly what we need to do. We don’t have to repent because of our doctrine, or theology, or liturgies, but because we Orthodox are failing to be salt and light in the unregenerate world around us, and because we are contented with a minimum of God’s great love and of His blessings for us.
So I am continuing to follow Father Eusebius here at St. Symeon's, as he follows Christ, because I know no other man as committed as he is and willing to go all the way with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and who is consumed with the love of Christ and the drive to give awareness to the Orthodox people of God’s abundant mercy and healing.
I continue to thank the Lord for leading me into St. Symeon the New Theologian Renewal Ministry, and for the healing and deliverance He has brought into my own personal life.
