Steve was honored to return and share at Abundant Life Church for both morning services on Sunday, February 19, 2017. During the 8:15 a.m. service, 299 people heard the message, and during the 10:15 a.m. service, 366 people heard the message. A total of 665 people enjoyed hearing from Steve.
Before Steve shared his message entitled “The Lamps of Life,” Vernon Zook, Senior Pastor at Abundant Life Church, introduced Steve as his “spiritual father.” Vernon continued: “God has put him in some very, very special and unique places. … When God asks you to do something out of the ordinary, what do you do? Steve says yes, let’s go for it!”
Steve started by providing stories about Victory Weekend. “It is unbelievable the response we’re getting, and the openness. … I do covet your prayers … I try to walk 10,000 steps a day. For a race weekend, it is about 25,000 to 30,000 steps.” Then, Steve explained that to be NUTS is to “Never Underestimate The Spirit (of God).” Steve shared this acronym and then encouraged those in attendance that they should be NUTS for God by sharing Jesus. Before the main message, the whole congregation participated with Steve as he led them to pray: “Lord, speak to me. That’s why we are here.”
Steve mentioned that God has entrusted us with this one life. “Every minute is God’s minute.” He then followed up with a question: “What are you doing with the time that God is entrusting to you?” Steve later visually showed that the happiest people in life walk around with their hands open, while the most disgruntled people walk around with their hands in the shape of fists.
Steve encouraged the church to choose to serve God now. “Don’t miss opportunities for today. That lamp has already gone out. Use what God has given you this day now. … Get busy and do something. Don’t sit around and wait for someone else to do the work.”
Multiple points resonated with the audience, but one of Steve’s strongest statements was how we are called to respond. “This thing called life is rescuing the perishing and caring for the dying. … That is what life is all about, and the question is, ‘What are you doing with your life?’” In response to the message, Steve was pleased to see 30 people either receive Jesus Christ either for the first time or through rededication. The angels rejoiced gladly with us to see so many people choose to light their lamps with the oil of Jesus’ salvation on Sunday, February 19, 2017!
Steve enjoyed having a few special guests at Abundant Life Church. Before the message, John Schmid, a Memorial Day Community Celebration performer and a great friend of Steve’s, shared music and stories. Also, Ivan Stoltzfus, who drives a John Deere tractor and is promoting Across America for Wounded Heroes, is riding across America through the Southern United States from coast to coast, and he stopped in to visit with the congregation. Pray with us that John and Ivan continue to have God’s favor in the work that they accomplish for the Kingdom!
After the service, a couple of people commented that Steve had the preaching itch. Steve further stated: “It was an excellent day with two fabulous services. God showed up at these full services, and there was an awesome spirit of worship. The presence of God was over the top!”
Steve even felt blessed that Sunday continued into Monday, as he enjoyed breakfast with a few of these church friends. Pray with us for Steve to have God’s great favor as he shares the gospel at Daytona International Speedway through Victory Weekend this weekend.
Photos Courtesy of Abundant Life Church and Steve Wingfield
