The Allure of Beautiful Feet
During the summer of 2004 I was working at Camp Manitoqua as a summer camp counselor. One weekend, over a campfire in a backyard with a friend, I finally realized the calling that I had ignored for so long. My call was to go into full-time vocational ministry. My call was to introduce people to a Jesus that the world has forgotten about.
When I was a young child I was obsessed with playing with the Bibles in the church pews. It was mainly because of the noise the thin pages made, but I realize now that it was for a greater purpose. I had a feeling, even as a young child, that doing something with that book and the good news found within it was in my future.
The reason that Missio Dei's vision and mission excites me is the importance that it places on being missional with a message. In college I decided to jump into the river to change it instead of staying on the banks yelling at the current. Instead of talking, I decided to get my feet wet. I wanted to be a light in the darkness, a beacon of light so others could see the Gospel shining forth. One such example was when I got involved in starting a fraternity that was focused on values and morals. That risky venture opened up the door for many interactions and opportunities to share with people that would never set foot in a church building. I took the opportunity to use my feet to spread the gospel through actions and sincere love instead of relying on words to convince people that God was true.
In Romans 10, Paul is talking about how the message of Salvation is for all with no distinction, both Jew and Greek. He goes on to say, "For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" Phrases like this really remind me that to bring the good news to this lost and broken world is an honor and privilege that comes with responsibility. I know that it is not by what I alone can do, but what Christ accomplishes in me that brings him the glory that is his. When I finally stand before Jesus in all of His glory, I can't wait for him to compliment me on my beautiful feet and hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."
As for me, I am excited about this opportunity to go through a mentorship program with Paul and Chad. These two men are two of the men that I respect most. Everything from keeping in contact with the people that visit Missio Dei to studying Systematic Theology will begin to train me to BE a faithful disciple, to KNOW the power of Christ that brings salvation and DO good works and seek out those that are on the fringes of society, but at the center of God's heart. I look forward to sharing this experience with you and seeing the plans that God has for Missio Dei Church as they unfold before us.
About the Bensemas:
In the process of finishing my degree at The University of Iowa I met my wife, Brooke. We graduated in December of 2006 and got married on May 5th of 2007. We are currently living in Mokena, IL. She is an amazing woman that has a heart to serve God. Her aspiration is to get a Master's degree in Counseling so that she can use her gifts to build up the kingdom of God.
How can you pray for us:
Please pray for our marriage! The focus is that God will grow us closer to each other while drawing us nearer and nearer to him. We are in a very emergent time and every day counts as we learn more about each other and ourselves. As Brooke goes back to school to pursue her passions, please pray the God will bless the time we get with each other so that our friendship and our love will become even stronger.
