Spiritual Gifts

Pastor SolSol's Space

Remember SeptemBER

When I was growing up in the Philippines,  it made me excited to know that the month of September is approaching.  September is the first month with the “BER” in the end.  The first day commence our countdown (…OctoBER, NovermBER, DecemBER ) for the Christmas season which is the most awaited event in the human history especially to Filipinos considering that the Philippines is known to be a Christian nation. 

However, for me at this point in time, there is more to it… September is a significant month for those people who have helped shaped the faith of many Christians especially those who belong to the Methodist Church…Did you know that???

On September 1, 1728 -  Philip Embury was born in Ballingrane, Ireland. He was converted in 1752 and emigrated to America in 1760--the first Methodist clergyman in America. In 1766 he began preaching in his own house while he was constructing a chapel on the site of the John Street Church in New York City. The chapel was completed in 1768, and Embury moved to Camden, N.Y., the following year. The congregation he formed there grew into the influential Troy Conference.

By the way, two years ago, my wife Myrna & Connie (her sister-in-law) and I had the opportunity to see this historical church.  The building structure, furniture and the original setting of the church was maintained as it was.  It was located near the site of the then twin towers.

On September 1, 1785 -  Peter Cartwright was born in Amhert County, Virginia. He was raised in Kentucky; his father was an ungodly man who taught his son all the sins of the day; but his mother was a God-fearing Methodist who prayed daily for her wild son. In 1800, when he was 14, a revival swept Kentucky from Cane Ridge. Peter was under deep conviction for sin. But it was not for months that he obtained his "peace with God." He immediately began to preach, becoming a circuit rider, and rose in the Methodist denomination, becoming in 1824 a presiding elder. A rough, uneducated, and eccentric preacher, he possessed unusual stamina, a quick wit, and a clear perception of human nature. All his ministry demonstrated a profound devotion to God. His Autobiography has become a classic of frontier life.

On September 12, 1729 - John Fletcher was born in Switzerland, Fletcher was educated at Nyon. As a young man he intended to enter the army. A series of circumstances foiled his plans. In visiting England in 1752, he fell under the influence of Methodism and determined immediately to become a pastor. Five years later he was ordained. After assisting John Wesley and preaching to French-speaking Swiss expatriates, he threw himself into assisting the vicar of Madeley. Madeley was a hard town. He literally chased down sinners to share the gospel with them. No matter what the excuse they gave for not attending church, he tried to rob them of it, even walking through the streets ringing a bell loudly at five in the morning to deny them the pretense that they could not waken themselves on Sunday morning. He was a warm supporter of Sunday schools and set up one at Madeley.

I can’t end this article without mentioning two of the most influential women in my life and ministry.

O yes, they were born in September…

September 11-  My grandmother Maria’s birth date. She had the vision and prayed hard for me to become a Pastor.  She molded me and my other siblings in our faith despite all the persecutions she experienced being one among the few “Protestants” in our area.  She taught us to love God, read our Bible and value Prayer.

September 9 – Myrna, my wife’s birthday.  I thank the Lord that He allowed a very special person to be born on this day who was meant to be a Pastor’s Wife.  Myrna is a perfect partner for me.  She is a  very loving, supportive and a faithful spouse.  She love the Lord and is always willing and available to lend a helping hand when needed.  We have been married for 13 years now and I could only say…what a joy to wake up in the morning seeing my lovely wife and knowing that we will journey together in serving the Lord each day of our life.

Now, can you blame me if I get excited for the month of September?

Blessings,
Pastor Sol