Welcome to The Lighthouse, a newsletter of First Light Ministries, showcasing the chronicles of daily challenges, struggles, progress and victories in the life of a servant of God.
My name is Mark Bevan, goat herder, writer, farmer and investor in the Kingdom of God. The Lord has asked me, in taking the lead role in organizing and composing this website (FieldsofZion.org), to allow others to see the everyday struggles, tests of faith, and yes the victories, which are the marks and scars of one whom has chosen to walk by faith and not by sight.
I won’t lie, I’m kind of struggling writing this part. In fact I’ve been hesitant and putting it off for about two weeks, because I wasn’t sure how to go forward. But…
But those who wait on the LORD
Isaiah 40:31
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
So I’ve been working on writing this website, doing my best to follow The Holy Spirits leading and it has been challenging. Those that know me, can attest that my schedule is pretty full already. I struggle enough just to keep our small farm, dairy and market operating in the black and balancing my free time, or lack there of between my family and my God. Where does a goat herder find time to work on a project like this? It’s tough, in 25 minutes I need to be ready when my employees show up for work, deal with all the unexpected daily challenges and keep my focus on God. There is simply not enough time in the day, but I am sure that I am preaching to the choir.
But the truth is, God has been speaking to me about this project for years now, and keeps showing me that He’s already provided everything I need to accomplish it. So here in this newsletter we’re going to do as the Jamaican’s like to say “Keepin it real!” This is my personal testimony of the daily challenges in trying to be the man God has said that I am. It’s real, it’s right now! Are you ready for it?
I’ve been struggling to try and explain some of the background for writing this website blog… but in truth, The Lord is saying it will all come in time. For many years I’ve felt like I had to justify my beliefs and actions to everyone, but again… does any of that matter? Or is my testimony, and the fruit that comes from it, instead the thing that plants the seeds of faith in others. The fact that I’m even trusting Him enough to step out, believing God will make time for and even bless this project, in itself is a testimony of my faith in Him and His promises. He constantly reminds me of these simple truths.
So setting aside the explanations for a little while, where are we right now? My favorite thing to ask other believers is, “What is God doing/speaking in your life right now?” I love to hear their testimonies of grace, deliverance, provision and divine wisdom. Anyway, putting aside my foolishness in thinking no one wants to here my story, here goes.
Seven months ago I found myself in Jamaica, alone at The Lords leading, wife and family at home. Despite what that may seem like, palm trees, beaches, beautiful weather… it was a extremely trying time for me, but also one where The Lord taught me much about myself. You can read about that experience more here...
That experience led me to a much deeper trust in Him and to relook at much of what He has told me over the last 10 years. It took me back to the promises He has spoken in my life, in who He has said I am, and His purposes for me in this life. It turned a page in my life, and I can’t go back. So here we are a new season, preparing for the beginning of a new race!
