by Nicole C.R. Chapman

{Excerpt from my upcoming book, A Shepherd’s Heart}

Leaders, how well do you know your flock? Do you know each and every sheep by name? In the field, shepherds knew their sheep. They not only could distinguish between the sheep, but they also knew their names. Understanding those you lead is important, and for some it’s a matter of life and death.

Merriam-Webster defines relationship as “binding or connecting the participants involved.” Relationship is a connection between you and someone else. The more you spend time connecting, the stronger a relationship becomes. Genesis shows us from the very beginning God desired relationship. He never wanted man to be alone, which is why Eve was created. Ecclesiastics 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” People need friends and sheep need shepherds.

God knew companionship served many purposes, but, most important, companionship provided safety. Sheep that didn’t stay with the flock were prone for attack. Isolated sheep in the church and field are sitting ducks, appetizing prey for the hungry predator. Regrettably not everyone has the sheep’s best interest at heart. It’s from wolves like these that you need to protect your people. Not every enemy looks the same; some are wolves in sheep clothing. But one thing is certain, they want to steal, kill and destroy the dreams and destinies deposited within. You’ve heard the saying “there’s safety in numbers,” and this is true. Sheep are safer when the flock sticks together and the shepherds are nearby. If sheep aren’t watched carefully, one stray sheep can lead many to follow.

In Isaiah 53:6 we’re reminded, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way (NIV).” Shepherds must know where their sheep are, by doing a head count and making sure everyone is accounted for. Determine in your heart to keep the line of communication open and fervently bond with those that sit under you. Talk with them and learn about their interest, family life, occupation, accomplishments and disappointments. Go beyond the face and name, and try to understand them. God has made every sheep unique and if you take the time to connect, you can discover the differences in your people. Through this leading, you’ll not only know what to pray for but also how to lead correctly.

But, what about the sheep that appears to be fine? You know, those sheep that stay with the flock, obediently following the shepherd and does everything right. Yet as healthy as they may seem outwardly, inwardly they’re empty. Some sheep are spiritually bleeding and silently they deal with their pain. This is why having a relationship with your people shouldn’t be underestimated. Relationships open the door to accountability, thus closing the door to secrets. Relationships light up what the enemy would prefer to stay in the dark. Help is possible when relationships are formed. Understanding where your flock is physically and spiritually is an assessment you need to frequently make in order to lead properly.

As a mom I can always tell when my children aren’t feeling well, even if they’re playing, laughing and having a good time. It’s because of my relationship with them that I can recognize distress in their eyes, mannerisms, or voice. Simply put, something is missing. Leaders, if you sincerely connect with your people, you can understand what makes them who they are, and in return, they can understand who you are—a shepherd after God’s own heart.

Posted under Life Stories

When God requires obedience from us, it’s not always easy to oblige. Sometimes we want to run away and hide, like Jonah did with the people of Ninevah; while other times, as peculiar as the task may seem, we obey like Noah when he built the ark. ‘To do or not to do’ that’s the question. Patreice Johnson, this month’s testimony, has the answer. With Patreice’s story we’ll learn that not only is obedience not optional, but when God puts a demand on us, He will supply.

In 1994, Patreice joined Christian Life Center in Tinley Park.  Initially, Patreice worked as a teacher in the church’s preschool.  But eventually Patreice diligently served in various ministries throughout the church. In the late ‘90s, Patreice obediently became a youth minister, happily serving alongside her husband, Pastor Dan. Answering her many callings at the Tinley Park campus, surrounded by family and friends and enjoying the church growth gave Patreice the security she needed. But as comfortable as Patreice’s surroundings were, God had bigger plans for the Johnson family.  He wanted Patreice and her family to live in a town they’ve never heard of (even though He has), and start a church in an area they’ve never been (but God was waiting). Out of obedience, the Johnsons followed God as He led them to an area thirsty for His love.

Understand that when God calls us to do things, waiting until we’re ready isn’t always an option. Time is of the essence. Thankfully the Johnsons answered the call on their lives. Not knowing the outcome, through faith they stepped out and allowed God to do the rest.

Within months the Johnsons were able to find a church building for the second Christian Life Center campus, as well as form a launch team of 50+ people to help start the new church.  In just one year, Pat’s small step of obedience had reaped a multitude of blessings. Not only did the church membership triple, but the outreach ministry, particularly the Food Pantry, helped to lead 58 people to Christ.

Obedience always reaps blessings. Not only does the obedient one get rewarded, but like Christian Life Center in Shorewood, the entire congregation and community has benefited as well. Patreice’s testimony is an inspiration for those that hesitate when God says, “Go!” Know that if we do our part, God will definitely do His.

Posted under Life Stories

Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, is here.  As exciting as Christmas time can be, it always seems to come and go so fast. I wonder how many of you have even thought about what and whom you’re giving gifts to this holiday?  Gift giving can be a stressful experience if you let it.  And, even worse, this kind of stress can take the focus and joy out of the season.  As you finish your Christmas shopping, I’d like you to think about the ultimate Christmas gift that the world received when Mary stepped out on faith and said “yes” to bearing God’s Son, Jesus. Mary became a mother before she became a wife.  This young lady was brave and obedient as she gave the world a gift that keeps on giving. And it’s Mary’s faith that makes this month’s Heart Story a timeless testimony.

In Luke 1:26, we see a young teenage Mary ready to get married.  However, Gabriel the archangel appeared to tell her that God had other plans for her.  Gabriel had good news.  God had chosen Mary to carry the Messiah.  As wonderful as this news was, Mary didn’t leap for joy.  Like any woman, the preparation for marriage can be both exciting and stressful, but in the end it’s worth it.  But everything Mary imagined was being altered.  Initially, Mary was troubled by the news. Yet despite her concern, she agreed to become a virgin mother for God and the world.

Bravely, Mary accepted God’s gift to her.  But just as Mary accepted God’s gift, she gave God a gift too.  She gave herself—what an awesome gift exchange.  And what a joy and honor it was for Mary to be handpicked by God to do such a great thing.  Mary’s life was changed forever, but I don’t doubt it was better than she could ever imagine.

I’m sure Mary’s modest testimony would be that out of all the women God could have chosen, He chose her.  Pushing past fear, criticism and her own plans for her life, Mary became a vessel.  What will your 2008 testimony be?  Is God trying to bring one single thing or multiple things through you?

Like Mary, God needs us to trust Him.  And know, as Gabriel said, “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Doubt and fear may arise, but like with Mary, faith can overcome it all.  You may feel inadequate like Mary.  Or you may have other plans for you life, like Mary.  Yet when you partner with God, He can let what He’s planted in you come to pass.

Posted under Life Stories

In every woman’s heart beats a story.  Whether it’s one story or many, women all around the world can speak on how God brought them through something.  Montrica Meeks is no different.  It is through her son Micah that we see how perseverance and favor can sustain one through the difficult times.

Montrica’s third pregnancy was as healthy as pregnancies can be and on November 3, 2000, Micah Floyd was born.  Reaching every milestone, Micah crawled, walked and said “Dada” and “Mama” on schedule.  Also, Micah had received all his immunizations; however, prior to his 16-month shot, Micah began pulling on his right ear. After a visit with the pediatrician, he was diagnosed with a slight ear infection and given antibiotics to treat it. Despite this one ear infection, Micah had a healthy infancy.  But by the time Micah was two, family members began to question his quietness.  Granted, Micah could say a few words, but other than that he was silent.  Montrica tried not to be too concerned; she chalked it up to his personality.  Perhaps Micah was going to be a quieter child, she thought.  However, in 2003 Montrica decided to test her son’s hearing on her own.  One day when she came home from work, her handsome toddler greeted her at the door.

“Say ‘Mama’,” Montrica pleaded as she looked into Micah’s eyes.

Obediently, Micah obliged.  Staring into his mom’s eyes he mouthed “Ma-Ma.”  Montrica was crushed.  Pulling Micah close to her heart, she tearfully shouted, “Lord, my baby can’t hear me!”  It was then Montrica knew God had given her a special child that needed immediate attention. 

As Montrica reflected on the thought of her child not being able to hear, the Lord brought to mind a prophecy given while she was nine months pregnant with Micah.  The prophet said the child will be a boy (which she already knew thanks to the ultrasound) and he would be a prophet of the Most High God.  With this in mind Montrica knew Micah would hear, talk and fulfill the prophecy of God.

Without hesitation, Montrica had speech therapists and audiologists examine Micah.  Instantly, Micah was diagnosed with a mild hearing loss; but, after further testing, he was identified with having moderate to severe loss.  Intervention had to occur fast, but the school that could help him was full.  Everything looked impossible, but with God’s favor all things were possible. Kathy Irving, the school audiologist, pulled some strings and Micah soon became a student of The Magnolia Speech School in Jackson, MS.  Isn’t God’s favor on time?

Well, the staff aggressively worked with Micah to help build his language and listening skills.  And after a thorough evaluation to find out where he needed the most help, Micah was given intensive speech therapy.  Yet during their evaluation the Magnolia school learned that Micah’s hearing wasn’t moderate to severe, but severe to profound!  Micah needed better hearing aids if he was going to improve, but Medicaid wouldn’t pay for the new aids. 

Once again, things looked bleak for Micah.  But God’s favor wouldn’t allow Micah to be denied.  It was Kathy Irving that came to Micah’s defense again.  She called Phonak, the hearing aid company, and explained Micah’s situation.  They switched his hearing aid out for free–$2,000 difference!  God moved again.  The Meeks rejoiced in knowing God cared and that Micah was getting the help he desperately needed.

It’s been five years since Micah was diagnosed.  The Meeks have since moved from Mississippi and now live in Minooka, IL.  In June 2006, Micah had a cochlear implant put in his right ear.  Cochlear implants are implanted electronic hearing devices that help produce hearing sensations.  After the surgery, Micah’s hearing was tested.  The results were awesome.  Micah went from severe-profound loss to normal hearing! 

Montrica knows that Micah still isn’t 100% better, but with God’s help she is strengthened and encouraged that Micah will be healed.  Isaiah 35:1-6 is what Montrica hides in her heart believing that the ears of the deaf will be unstopped and one day Micah will fully hear the world around him.

Posted under Life Stories

I still get inspired when I read the miraculous stories of Jesus healing a multitude of people.  Probably as fast as the internet service is today, the good news of Jesus traveled just as fast, causing many to come far for their deliverance. 

Over and over the Word reminds us that God heals. Yet sometimes when you’re in the valley, it’s so hard to believe God is going to help you.  From January 11th to January 27th 2006, I doubted God when my then five-year old son, Timothy James, suffered a severe asthma attack.  But God, my Shepherd, led us through this dark period and gave me a heart story in the process.
 
My testimony began on January 11th when Timothy had trouble breathing.  That winter he caught many colds, even pneumonia.  But this sickness was different.  He was not only was congested, but his abdomen kept retracting.  So after seeing him suffer long enough, I rushed him to the ER. There the doctor and four nurses frantically worked on my son.  They checked his vitals and gave him a nebulizer treatment to open his airways.  As I helplessly watched, my heart raced. 

“How long has he been this way?”  The doctor questioned.

“Well, he’s been having trouble for two days.”  I numbly responded.

“Is your son asthmatic?” 

Asthmatic?  Was the doctor serious?  I pride myself on the fact that I know a lot about my four kids.  I know what foods they like, their best friends, even their favorite colors, but I never knew my son was asthmatic.

Hesitantly I answered, “I don’t think so.”

Within thirty minutes, I saw my son rushed to the ICU where he remained for two days.  After taking x-rays, the doctor informed me that Timothy was battling bilateral pneumonia, which probably triggered the severe asthma attack.  So along with Timothy’s nebulizer treatment, he was also given antibiotics.  However, by January 13th Timothy’s health had deteriorated, and my faith was fading. Yes, God’s word reminds us that faith can move mountains, but this mountain seemed enormous.  I felt hopeless.

Then my husband Larry and I worried even more when Timothy was suddenly intubated.  The doctor said Timothy was going into respiratory failure and had to be put on a breathing machine.  We paced the floor praying.  It was through my time alone with God that I was led to have Timothy transported to another hospital that was used to severe asthma cases like his. 

By the end of the night my husband and I were again pacing and praying, but in a different hospital.  The nurse was honest; Timothy’s vitals didn’t look good. She explained that the next few days were going to be shaky.

So I went into prayer.  My husband and I read scriptures and played praise & worship music.  We were declaring war.  Friends and family prayed, and gradually Timothy began to improve.  While the doctors and nurses remained baffled about Timothy’s turnaround, Larry and I rejoiced.  God is a healer!

By January 20th, Timothy was extubated, and two days later he was moved from the Pediatric ICU to the regular Pediatric floor.  I could only praise the Lord again.  For fourteen days we had many scares, from the doctors thinking Timothy could have hepatitis to Timothy possibly needing a blood transfusion. But God fought every battle. Even though Timothy had to go to rehab after he left the hospital to learn how to walk again, he’s made a full recovery.  Indeed, God is still performing miracles today.  Timothy is a blessed example.

Posted under Life Stories