Donald W. Haynes, an instructor at Hood Theological Theological Seminary and a columnist for the United Methodist Review, regular writes a column, "Wesleyan Wisdom".

In a column (7-24-09) he tells of a remarkable service that took place at the Western North Carolina Conference meeting at Lake Junaluska.

The ordination service was winding down. It was a hot night and the service was lengthy. The guest preacher, Bishop William Hutchison of Louisiana, faced the tired, hot, and excited crowd, and he wowed them. 2000 rose to their feet. "Amens" echoed across the auditorium.

And then it happened! Bishop Larry Goodpaster stepped to the pulpit, presumably for the dismissal.

"I know the Worship Committee is going to kill me, but I feel the Spirit moving." He called the District Superintendents forward, gave instructions for the hymn to be played through twice. "If any of you among the laity feel that God is calling you to ordained ministry, come forward, go to your D.S. and make an appointment to see him or her next week."

"What if no one comes?" came a loud whisper. And then came a roar from the rear of the auditorium - someone was coming forward! More applause from another area and someone else came forward. Dry eyes were rare as they kept coming. The Bishop was running from place to place embracing those who came forward.

Thirty-seven came forward that night... "Where He leads me I will follow..."

And this all happened this summer of 2009.

John Wesley was concerned that Methodism might become simply a ‘dead sect’. There are many who fear that that day is fast coming, but this summer night in the mountains of North Carolina is proof that the Lord is not through with this people called United Methodists. And God can still give the ‘strangely-warmed heart’ as He gave to John Wesley that night that changed his life and gave fire to the Methodist movement.

God is not through with our congregation yet. While some think we are on our last legs, there are signs of fire still. May our hearts be continually warmed. May we accept the mission given to us: ‘to help people to accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and to live their daily lives in light of their relationship with God.’ 202 The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008.

And may we ultimately understand that God’s work here is not just dependent on our own resources. He equips His workers. Pray for His equipment and direction.

-Jim