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When We "Can't Not"

By: Rick Harpel

Senior Pastor, West Side Church in Yakima

Co-Chair, Yakima Valley CityFest

I am aware that double negatives are a no – no. But we have found this one to be a great blessing in our church. As leaders, we are flooded with needs, ideas, challenges, opportunities; all the issues that make reaching our world with the Gospel of Jesus the most important, and often the most difficult, calling. How should we wade through it all to decide what to do? We pray. We seek the Spirit’s leading. We wrestle with the stewardship of God’s resources and the deployment of His people.

A blinding light from heaven would be nice, but the Lord’s leading isn’t always so straightforward. He does, however, often lead us to what we call the “CAN’T NOT DO IT” moment. The call is obvious. The obstacles are removed. The excuses are insufficient. The benefits for God’s kingdom are evident. And you just "can’t not" go forward. To hesitate or turn away would be nothing short of disobedience. This has happened for us recently in the areas of church planting, facility changes, staffing, and giving. It has happened again with Yakima Valley CityFest.

The Palau team has a proven record of Spirit-empowered evangelism. Their outreach model of "Love! Serve! Celebrate!" is one that young and old can embrace. The event includes a biblical message with integrity, an English-Spanish combination, and partnership with gospel-centered churches. There is a great need in our Valley. And this event is our "can’t not" moment. What a glorious Yakima Valley summer this will be!

What’s holding you back? What are your reasons? Seek the Lord and say you are in! Don’t miss this opportunity.