Dr. Scott R. Rainey, NDI Global Director
We are only one month away from the Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) General Convention in Indianapolis (June 9-12, 2023). So much planning has gone into this event. I can promise you that you will NOT be disappointed!
Recently, our NDI team from the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas, was discussing the arrival of the 1,610 NDI delegates from around the world. As we were thinking about the final destination of their trip, we remembered that in a very real sense, Indianapolis is not their final destination. What is our final destination? That question certainly leads us to think of images of heaven. We know, however, that eternal life includes heaven but actually begins the day we repent and receive Jesus. You can have eternal life today… as you live where you are now. So, to be most accurate, the journey IS the destination.
We understand the global Nazarene discipleship framework defines that journey as a “Journey of Grace.” God is the initiator of our journey through His gracious love for us. Jesus came to us while we were yet sinners and died for us (Romans 5:8). His grace awakens us to the realization that we need Him… prevenient grace. His grace enables us to repent and believe… saving grace. His grace transforms us into the likeness of Christ, and in a moment of full surrender, we can be filled with the Spirit and our heart can be purified and cleansed… sanctifying grace. The Journey of Grace is our destination, walking with Jesus as the way, truth, and life.
Speaking of destinations… You will likely have some “destination moments” during the month of May 2023. Kids and grandkids will be promoted into the next class in school and in church. Celebrate! Some teenagers will even graduate from high school this month. Celebrate! Children’s quizzing on each district is concluding. Celebrate! Each of these destination moments are not the end of the journey but doors opening to a new beginning. We could say in these and many other cases that the journey is the destination.
Speaking of kids… Have you heard about GA Kids and the World Quiz 2023? General Assembly and Conventions will offer age-specific worship services for early childhood and elementary kids from June 9-11, 2023. These worship experiences are called GA Kids. You can register your kids at ga2023.nazarene.org/kids. If you would like to volunteer with GA Kids activities, email gakids@nazarene.org. World Quiz 2023 is gearing up to be a HUGE day on Saturday, June 10 with around 2,400 kids quizzing on 1 and 2 Samuel. Registration is through your district and will end on May 8. If you would like to volunteer for the World Quiz, please contact Dorothy Whipp at dwhipp@nazarene.org.
See you on June 9 as we journey together!
