Message Magazine Online - Vol. 53, No. 01, Spring 2005

In This Issue

• A Church on Every Block
  By Donna Messenger
• Preparing the Bride
  By Michael G. Loftis, President
• Tsunami Relief
• DNA and The Church: Biblical Church Multiplication
  By Norm Nicklas
• The Most Powerful Human Force in the World
  Dr. Michael G. Loftis, President
• Why Is Missions So White?
  By Bill Commons
• Invoking the Hand of God Together
  By Rev. Charles Ware
• The Missions Committee
  By Jim Ruff
• Equipping a Generation of Global Leaders
  By Jim Jeffery
• Global Access Partnerships: One Church’s Story - Part Two
  By Dave Livermore
• Missions Conferences With Impact
  An Interview with E.C. Haskell
• Women’s Missionary Groups: A Thing of the Past?
  By Dotty Ashley
• Into Life Eternal
• Children’s Corner

Preparing the Bride

Michael G. Loftis, President

One of the most profound experiences of my life was the recent privilege of walking my daughter down an aisle to be married. Her beauty radiated to all who saw her beaming with hope and love and joy. As we walked together, our thoughts seemed to be a universe apart. She expressed concern that I smile, not step on her dress, or walk too quickly down the runner covered in rose petals. She was right to think that way as my mind was filled with so many other thoughts, not to mention the huge lump that was swelling in my throat.

As we walked to the pace of the music, the crowd rose expectantly to its feet and turned to look in our direction. A lifetime of snapshots began to reel in slow motion through my mind as we made that measured walk toward the front. I mentally repeated those all-important words I was about to say in answer to the question, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” My answer still echoes in my heart, “Her mother and I.” Like most fathers, I wondered if I was really ready to make this statement. Throughout our daughter’s life, the focus of our time at home, our family resources, our efforts at character development, education, and spiritual training have all been directed toward this one task. My job, simply put, was to get the bride prepared, bring her to the groom, and then give her away. My part in the preparation process was basically over as soon as I spoke those words, placed her hand in his, and stepped aside.

Our task in missions is not so different from that of the father of the bride. Our Heavenly Father prepares us, Christ’s bride, so that one day He will be able to present us perfect to His Son. Our leadership team here at ABWE is focused on the task of encouraging, strengthening, planting, and facilitating vital partnerships between thousands of sister churches here in North America and around the globe, in order to prepare for the glorious day when the Groom will come to get His bride. These preparations will take all our energy, resources, training, and commitment. Then, in a moment, the work will be over, the eternal celebration will begin, and every sacrifice will suddenly become eternally significant.