One of the churches I know that
has become iconic because of their films is Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany,
Georgia. I have watched all of their masterpieces including Facing the Giants,
Flywheel, Fireproof, and Courageous. But one of the questions left in my mind
is, how did SBC come up with this, producing Christian Films? Then, there’s the
book “Prepare for Rain” authored by SBC’s very own Senior Pastor, Michael Catt
which answers it all.
What I enjoy the most in this
book is that it is more on conversational approach; as if Pastor Catt and I is
in a room and he’s just speaking to me. With this, I didn’t notice the time as
I read. The entirety of the book is so light yet so profound on its message. So
relax yet so filled with wisdom, and pure biblical.
I adore the heart of Pastor Catt
for leadership, revival, for the church and for the people and specially his
full-submission and obedience to the call of God. It is so much manifested in
this wonderful book. He don’t need any flattery, his fruit speaks for himself.
I like how he started the book by
asking four “how” questions. It stirs up the thinking and the curiosity of the
reader to read on. The story goes on. It is amazing to know how the Sherwood
Baptist Church has become one of the most influential churches today, and it is
all because they BELIEVED God for the impossible.
The journey which Pastor Michael
and SBC have taken before they become who and what they are now isn’t easy. From
their organizational formation, to conquering legalism and gossips inside the
church. From the worship songs they are going to sing on Sundays, to having a
Christian School, and even to the issues on clapping, they have overcome it all
by the Grace of God. Truly, to have a pure gold is to refine it by fire.
My favourite part in the book is
chapters four and five, which is about the importance of prayer and focusing on
the vision in leadership. I will never forget what Pastor Catt said: “The
prayer ministry is the heartbeat of who we are as a church. If it weren’t for
the prayer ministry, the rest of this book would be little more than a
flesh-peddling and bragging for who we are.” His humility speaks to the heart
and it points you to seek more of Jesus.
I love everything about this
book. It inspires me to live a life of obedience and full trust in the Lord
whatever He has prepared for me. The revival which has taken place in SBC could
also take place in you, in me, in our churches. Indeed, there is no such thing as
victory apart from God. The life of Pastor Michael Catt and the people in
Sherwood Baptist Church, known and unknown are clear and living testimony of
God’s wonderful plan and work. Like them, we should know how to prepare the fields
of our hearts, for God will send and out-pour the rain when He is ready. Learn
to trust in Him, even in the times we think He is not around; and believe
Him for He is going to do the impossible!
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I hope to see it also in theaters!
“In a prayer environment God can
make the impossible possible…” –Pastor Michael Catt
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