A SHORT STORY by: Carolyn Sissom
SHORT STORY
Pastor Carolyn Sissom
May 1, 2025, the Year of Our Lord
Twenty-five years ago, the LORD spoke to me about Sunday Evening Service: “Carolyn if you will be faithful with Sunday evening service, it will be noised abroad that people can come here on Sunday evening and get prayer.” This was a calling with an “if.”
“Many are called, but few are chosen.” Through the many years of moving from Little White Church to Country Clubs, etc. (11 years on the road), I continued Sunday evening in my home, staying faithful to the call for Sunday evening.
I moved Sunday evening to the new building on Hidden Lakes two years ago amidst some grumblings and even naysayers. My home meetings had become comfortable. Also, if you have ever been to my home, there is a presence of peace. An angel of peace was given to me many years ago (another story for another time).
Those of you who have established new works know that you are going to burn flesh to plant that which is of the Holy Spirit. Well, about twelve of us have been faithful on Sunday evening first with burning our flesh, then with great joy as the sweetness of the Spirit is so precious on Sunday Evening. This past Sunday evening, LORD spoke to me, “The name of Sunday evening is “Sunday Evening Prayer Service.”
The call and commission have now been sealed in Heaven. The “if” is no longer an “if.” I count it all joy!!!!
Yes, Wednesday night prayer group was called by the LORD, “Carolyn, I want you to start a Wednesday night prayer group and pray for the nation and nations.” The LORD had already chosen the faithful group of intercessors who have answered that call for the past twenty-five years. (Another story for another day.) These are the called, chosen, and faithful.
Yes, we have been faithful to follow Jesus on the journey he chose for Eastgate Church, (another story.) The present building was prophesied by two of God’s prophets.
My addendum to this story is my early training in a small-town Missouri bank. When we received a promotion, we didn’t get the title or the raise in salary until we actually could do the job. This was not abuse. The wise leadership of the Bank were teaching us integrity. I know the generations behind me would not see it this way. But I am so grateful for that training. It is the way the LORD moves in His Kingdom. The Chosen are those who are faithful to the “Call.” So many want their own ministries. Many want other people’s ministries. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” It is the LORD who determines the call, the choosing and the commission.
I count I all joy!
Honored to serve the LORD JESUS CHRIST with whatever He approves.
Carolyn Sissom, Pastor
Eastgate Ministries Church