January 2014

Blessed new year to one and all! As I crossed into 2014, I moved into the greater plans that the Lord has prepared for me. And I am praying that it will be the same for you too!

A New Season. Without doubt, the biggest piece of news – and very likely the biggest surprise too – is that with effect from 1 Jan 2014, I am no longer a pastor at Covenant Vision Christian Church. If you did not get to read it on Facebook, here’s the link to the blog post: “A New Year. A New Season. Stepping Down As Pastor.”

Since this announcement on Sunday 5 Jan, I have received many words of encouragement and just as many words of affirmation too. These are all very much appreciated as you can understand how challenging it has been for Serene and myself to process this instruction from the Lord since hearing from Him about three months ago. All we had then was a word to “cross over”, followed by, “you have not gone this way before.” Sure sounds like the Lord, doesn’t it?

Every responsible fibre in me wanted to question, to clarify and even to protest, “I hear you, Lord, but we’re talking about an entire household of nine here, y’know? Surely, You can be clearer with the direction and the details. How about a ten-year plan with all the how’s, the where’s and the when’s?” And yet, somehow, I knew better, having faced a similar crossing 10 years ago when I stepped out of my business and into fulltime ministry. All I had was a word from the Lord and a phrase of assurance, “Have I not shown you I am faithful?” that has held us in good stead all these years. Although our family size and needs have changed, my God has not and He will continue to be faithful. My part is simply to obey.

So what’s next? One thing is clear to me: I have been called to teach and to preach and that is what I will keep doing. More specifically, as expressed in my bio-data, I have a growing and deepening desire and “a passion to spur others to rise above mediocre Christianity that they may live lives worthy of their calls in Jesus Christ.” I believe the Lord has asked me to relinquish my pastoral portfolio and duties so that I may be released to develop this ministry more fully, to minister on a broader platform across churches and organisations, and God-willing, even regionally. Serene will be involved more and more with me. And in time, the children too.

All this sounds really exciting but where and how does it begin? I know the Lord will open the right doors at the right time. Over the next weeks, I will be devoting much of my waking hours to penning these thoughts down. As Hab 2:2-3 says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Yes, I will endeavour to write it all down – my ministry manifesto – as the Lord leads, inspires and enables. Although challenging, this will prove helpful and needful when the time comes for me to share it with others that they might catch the same vision. It is not unthinkable that this may later be published as a document for wider distribution. Without doubt, this will require discipline and diligence as I concurrently fulfil other ministry engagements. Thanks for praying for me.

Checkpoint 15.04.14. Whilst I do not wish to run ahead of God, I am fully aware that the time is short and the days are urgent. I had originally given myself a six-month timeframe to produce a manuscript of the ministry manifesto I have received from the Lord. I have since revised this to three months, with a deadline of 15 April 2014. To those who are prophetically aligned and astute, that is the date of the first of four scheduled Blood Moons to come between 2014 and 2015. We don’t know what will happen to Israel or when the Church will be raptured. All I know is that I want to be doing what the Lord has tasked me to do that I may be found faithful. For this reason, I am reflecting this date openly for accountability.

Partner Me. The Lord has shown me that I will not be doing this alone. To this end, I am so thankful that Serene stands in agreement with me, the Lord having impressed on her heart very clearly too. In addition, I am praying for God to lead me to like-minded men and women of the Kingdom, and them to me. There will be divine connections and I am already beginning to see these take place. We covet your prayers especially in this gestational stage of the ministry. If you feel led to support our family or to sow financially into this ministry, send me a private message at brohenson@gmail.com. If you want to know more, or explore how I can serve you and your church, let’s catch up. I will prayerfully consider each and every opportunity that is presented.

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Thanks for reading this update and for standing with us in this next leg of our journey with the Lord. We may not be entirely clear of where or how He will lead us but He has assured us over and over again that His Presence will go with us. Along the way, we truly appreciate your love and co-labour in the Lord. We pray that you too will experience His Presence, faithfulness and goodness as you walk with Him.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

In His love and for His glory!