Area Director Dale Coad

The Midnight ride of William Dawes.   On April 18, 1775 two men were sent on a dangerous mission to warn of the impending British invasion of the American Colonies.  Longfellow immortalizes only Paul Revere while William Dawes fades into obscurity.  Incensed by the injustice, Helen Moore wrote a poem on behalf of Dawes: “I am a wandering, bitter shade, never of me was a hero made…this all very well for the children to hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere; but why should my name be quite forgot….why should I ask?   The reason is clear—My name was Dawes and his Revere.”  Perhaps you identify with Dawes.  Some of you labor in obscure fields where your names won’t make the history books.   I want to encourage you.    God knows your heart and sees your labor.  “Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  I Cor. 15:58 NIV

Area Director's March Devotional

Keep the main thing, the main thing 

Festus didn’t know what to do with Paul, purported by the Jews be a pestilent fellow.   What really stirred them was Paul’s belief in the resurrection.   Festus, trying to explain the situation to King Agrippa declares “their accusation turned out to be nothing more than arguments about ….a dead man named Jesus, who the prison claimed was alive (Acts 25:19 MSG).   When everything else is said and done, are WE still that clear about our message?   No matter the specific ministry that we have, our priority MUST remain crystal clear.   We bring the hope of the resurrection to a world that has none.   Dear colleague, I encourage to stay energized in your ministry while rooting that ministry in Jesus’ resurrection.    “Christ has been raised from the dead.  He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. “   1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT

News from the Coads

Patti and I were at a church recently that had reached a point of real stagnation.     The new pastor was trying to inspire the congregation to start dreaming again to not just maintain the status quo but to grow.    Two ceiling to floor banners declared: “Thrive!”    During the service, I had this thought.    2012 is going to be a banner year.    If I am alive, I want to do more than just survive.    I want to thrive.   For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  2 Timothy 1:6  NIV 

Dale Coad's Greetings

Dear Missionary Colleagues,

At the retreat we were reminded how God’s Call breaks through barriers. In an atmosphere of holy vulnerability, our colleagues shared how the power of God broke through difficult circumstances as they fixed their eyes on Jesus.  I count it a real privilege to serve with men and women of integrity whose passion for God, love for each other and ardent pursuit of God’s best compels them to excel in fulfilling His Call.  I encourage you to pray for one another in 2012 as you “spur one another toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24-26

Dale and Patti Coad

 Caribbean Area Directors