Almost There!

We are so thankful to the LORD for all of the opportunities God has given us to fellowship and worship with so many gracious sons and daughters of the Most High! We have traveled during the month of May to Maryland; Clayton, New Jersey; Columbus, Georgia; Miami, Florida and back to Philadelphia. Throughout our visits, we have heard some awesome preaching, singing, and testimonies. We have experienced the move of the Holy Spirit as He confirms the call on our lives and the direction of God. It is both encouraging and reassuring. We thank all of the pastors, congregation and individuals who have committed to God’s call with both prayer and financial support. Our Heavenly Father loves us and we have claimed the words God spoke to the Israelites through the prophet Jeremiah; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God is good!

Things to Share!

We want to share with you some of the exciting events that have occurred during the past month. Our two youngest daughters made some life changing decisions and we are very proud of them. May 16, LaChish graduated from Columbus University, Columbus, GA with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. We celebrated with her and friends.
May 22, Michelle and her fiancée Mr. Kourtney A. Marshall were married in Miami Beach with a lovely beach ceremony officiated by the mother of the bride (Debra). It was a glorious celebration and Michelle made a beautiful bride on the arm of the proud father of the bride (Pete). It is our prayer that our children and their children will draw close to the LORD and live out what we have taught them by example. (More pictures will be posted on our website: http://www.worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/McClurkin_Pete_Debra.html)


Ministry Opportunity in Mali

In the months ahead, we will seek opportunities for ministry in West Africa. We will assess the needs of the communities on the fields of Mali/Senegal, West Africa and see where we can do the most good as we build relationships and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With 75% of our 100% financial goal met, we anticipate leaving for the field as we continue to develop partnerships.
We are planning to spend one year serving in Mali in the city of Bamako. How wonderful it is that God has given us the opportunity to prepare for Senegal while ministering in Mali! Acquiring language skills (French) and cultural absorption will be flanked by creating an atmosphere of peace and renewal for traveling missionaries as guesthouse managers.
More importantly, we will look for opportunities to share and live out the love of God, to plant seeds of salvation and to help those who are in need. Pray with us that God's wisdom will fill our minds and hearts that we may be instruments to fulfill His will for those we will serve in West Africa.

Thought for the Month:

“Doing It God’s Way”
Reading: Leviticus Chapter 10 and Hebrews 9:11-14

Lev 10:1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command.
2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.
3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD spoke of when he said: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ ”

As I read the scripture text, I cringed from the many times I have not done things God’s way. Most of us do not have to think back far, when we may have handled a situation our own way to justify the end. Our conscience should be pricked by the Holy Spirit, and we should repent and seek the LORD for forgiveness. We need God’s mercy and grace through the blood of Jesus Christ, to cleanse our sin. This was not the case with Nadab and Abihu. They were punished immediately, by the same method they sinned, for coming before the presence of God drunk with wine and profaning the Holy Place with unauthorized offering (strange fire). They were an example to the community of God of what happens when people willfully disobey God in doing things their way. People do things they would not ordinarily do when they are under the influence (drinking or drugging). However, there are other ways a person can become drunk in the presence of God. We can become drunk with pride, envy, jealousy, vain glory, self centeredness, hatred, and lust, of any kind. Or, just under the influence of others and wanting to do things their way.

We can find solace through the shed blood of Jesus. According to Hebrews chapter 9 Jesus was the only, perfect sacrifice and atonement for sin, past, present and future. It is through His life, death resurrection and ascension that we have access to the Holy Place. Although Jesus’ blood cleanses our sins we should not take God’s grace for granted. Let us be persuaded by the Holy Spirit to live in obedience with a clear conscience in His presence in order to serve the living God; a life in service to God!

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We pray for God's continued direction in your life as you strive to please HIM!
Blessings,
Pete and Debra-"The McClurkins"
Reaching the World for Christ