Dr. Scott R. Rainey, NDI Global Director
A friend of mine likes to live “on the edge” at times. One day, he asked his wife, “How many hours would it take you to prepare our family for a weeklong trip?” She said, “I think it would take about four hours to pack and be ready to leave.” Months went by as my friend secretly planned a family trip that included a flight out of their hometown. The schedule required that they would need to leave their home for the airport at 7:00 AM. At 3:00 AM on the morning of the scheduled flight, their alarm went off confusing my friend’s wife. He said, “It is 3:00 AM, honey. You have four hours to get us ready for our surprise family vacation!” Having no idea where they were going, she prepared the family to be gone for a week. Can you imagine?
I have recently considered all the times of preparation mentioned in the Scripture. The Old Testament is filled with instructions for preparing for festivals and sacrifices. In the New Testament (Mark 14:12-16), we find Jesus giving instructions to two of His disciples in preparation for the Festival of Unleavened Bread. These two men were to go into the city where they would encounter a man carrying a jar of water. They were to follow the man. At the house where the man entered, they were to ask the owner of the house, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” The owner would show them to a guest room where they were to prepare for the special meal. All of these details happened just as Jesus said they would. Can you imagine?
We are less than one year away from the 2023 NDI General Convention in Indianapolis (9-12 June 2023). Can you imagine?
Preparations have been underway for months. We are preparing space allocations in the convention center, plans for the exhibit hall, details of the NDI program, speakers for plenary services and mega workshops, online workshops, online regional forums, Children’s World Quiz, and special GA Kids services. The details of such an event are endless, and great care in preparation is necessary.
While teams of organizers prepare for “the event,” how will you personally prepare?
Undoubtedly, you will consider financial savings, travel plans, and packing for the trip. Please do not forget spiritual preparation. Let us prepare our hearts for all God is going to do when we gather. Come believing, listening, and watching for the movement of God among us. Consider such questions: How many people will God draw into a deeper Christian walk by His grace? How many people will God call into ministry by His grace? How many people’s lives will be changed for eternity by His grace? Did I mention our 2023 NDI General Convention theme? “By His Grace!”
