Does God work best through good planning or spontaneity? As coordinator for the speakers and worship at Celebration of Church Life (CCL), I sometimes struggle to find a balance between carefully planning and allowing space for the spontaneous work of God’s Spirit.

In the weeks leading up to Celebration of Church Life, I wondered (okay—maybe even worried a bit) how the overall theme of “Enjoy God” would come together. Our main speaker, César García, lives in Bogotá, Colombia and our plans to meet in January did not work out. I was concerned whether our correspondence by email provided adequate information for César’s preparation on the use of John 15 as the basis for the theme. Could I trust God’s Spirit to work through the information and scripture text or should I give more input?

I was amazed at God’s faithfulness as I met with César the day before CCL. I experienced anew what it means to trust in the work of God’s Spirit—especially as César shared his thoughts from John 15. God’s Spirit had clearly been at work in César’s prayers, discernment, and preparations in a powerful way. As César and I talked, I sensed almost immediately that God had something to say to our conference through our brother.

So does God work best with good plans or spontaneity? Yes and Yes! I hope you enjoy this issue of Shalom News. It is a FULL issue with many good reflections.