I recently heard the president of The Francis Asbury Society speak at Beulah Camp. He made a quick, inspiring comment about the life of Francis Asbury, the first Methodist Leader in the United States.
Francis Asbury arrived in Philadelphia in 1771 and began preaching immediately. When the war of Independence from England broke out in 1776, Asbury was the only Methodist preacher to remain in the United States. Though this isn’t a direct quote from Asbury, his sentiment was, “My place is here…”
Asbury knew he has been called to preach in this area and he invested his life doing so. He traveled miles and miles preaching the Gospel and it changed the landscape and history of our entire country. Under his direction, the church grew from 1,200 to 214,000 members and 700 ordained preachers. Washington DC has noted the work of Asbury for his holy leadership in our nation. These words are inscribed on the Asbury statue that stands in Washington DC:
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The sculpture is inscribed on the front of the base:
FRANCIS ASBURY
1745-1816
PIONEER
METHODIST BISHOP
IN AMERICA
On the left side of the base it is inscribed:
HIS CONTINUOUS JOURNEY THROUGH CITIES VILLAGES AND SETTLEMENTS FROM 1771 TO 1816 GREATLY PROMOTED PATRIOTISM EDUCATION MORALITY AND RELIGION IN THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC Act of Congress
On the right side of the base it is inscribed:
IF YOU SEEK FOR THE RESULTS OF HIS LABOR YOU WILL FIND THEM IN OUR CHRISTIAN CIVILIZATION
And on the back of the base it is inscribed:
THE PROPHET OF THE LONG ROAD
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I’m inspired to stay where God has placed me. To serve faithfully and to be faithful to the call. There may be lots of places I can go, but “my place is here…”
How does this motivate you to serve faithfully where you are? Have you reflected recently on your place in ministry?
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