Steve Dangaran, May 29-30

We have been confronted with some very compelling messages over the past several weekends regarding God’s redemptive activity around the world. Steve Fowler made us think three weeks ago by asking if we see “dead people” when we interact with those who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Trey and Tabitha, international workers from the Middle East, told us their story two weeks ago of obeying God’s calling to Jordan. Josh Mann’s message last week got personal when he asked us to consider our role in taking the message to all nations, particularly those places where the gospel of Jesus Christ has been outlawed, as in Jordan.

In the closing moments of last week’s service, three bold words emerged through the bank of fog rising from the platform as a trio of dancers pulled off papers displaying all the reasons why we shy away from following God’s leading in our lives. The words were simply this: “I’m Ready Now.” The exact words sung by Jeff Brown and team were:

I’m ready now, I’m ready now, I’m ready now; do what you will, do what you will. Dozens and dozens of us then filled out response cards indicating our interest in giving to missions, in praying for international workers, in specifically praying for workers in the Middle East, in going long-term or short-term internationally and in developing our hearts for the work abroad. As my wife, Janet, and I sat in the balcony taking this all in last Sunday, I leaned over to her and said, “Look at all these people who keep stepping up to the plate; no matter what we throw at them, they just keep responding, and giving, and praying, and serving, and going and stretching for God. I love being a part of this!”

As we drove home that day, Janet and I couldn’t help but reflect on our own commitment to reaching lost people here in Salem and around the world. What are You asking of us God? Are there adjustments we need to make in how we approach people, our finances, our time and our resources? We are thankful to be part of a place like this that continually encourages us to obey God and follow His lead in our lives––no matter what, no matter where.

Steve has been serving at Salem Alliance since August of 1998. With over twenty-five years of experience in youth and college ministry, he took on the role of Associate Pastor of Outreach last year and leads a team of young, talented and committed people. Steve is a PhD candidate at Gonzaga University in Organizational Leadership, is married to Janet, and is dad to Ryan (24), Kelsey (21), and Jon Marc (19).