A time for refuelling

Merv Boschman

The years are flipping by, and 1997 marks 25 years since Carol and I first entered full-time Christian ministry. We praise God for His mercy and grace toward us, and His faithful, guiding hand in our lives. God has blessed us and our family, and we are grateful that He has also blessed our efforts in His service.

Over the years, I have at times sensed the need for what I now call "major refuelling". Major refuelling is something other than periodic enrichment conferences, pastors' retreats, faithfulness in personal spiritual disciplines (prayer, worship, reading, reflecting, journalling, etc.) or even "seminary on the run". While all of these play an important role in "ongoing refuelling", we have come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial for Carol and me to set aside some time that would be fully dedicated to reflecting, retooling, refocussing and refueling.

Our world, our cities, our workplaces, our communities and our ministry challenges are in constant flux. Would it honour the Lord if in our church pews, among our church leaders and in pastors such as me He would find a more spiritually refreshed people? A people with a deepened love for Jesus, a clearer understanding of our times, a need-meeting orientation and a greater dedication to personal, local and global mission?

The ongoing stresses in life and ministry are draining, and they take a toll. This is true for all Christians, not only pastors. As a pastor couple, Carol and I are grateful that our tank is not empty. However, we believe that a year of study at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, California will be valuable and re-energizing. We are praying that these months focussed on refuelling will help us to be among those who by God's grace are able to finish well in their life and ministry. May it be so.

If you are fortunate enough to have a major refuelling opportunity offered to you, take the opportunity. If not and you know you need it and ongoing refuelling won't do, when the time is right and God gives the green light (test this with your trusted advisors), make the opportunity. In the meantime, let us give ourselves to ongoing refuelling. Running on an empty tank has too many risks for both the driver and the passengers.

Merv and Carol Boschman recently resigned as pastor couple of Fraser Heights Community Church in Surrey, B.C. They will spend the next year studying at MB Biblical Seminary, beginning in September, 1997.

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