I had the following dream last night. It took place in a large city. In this city was a Middle Eastern population. As the dream took place, I was aware of the love and care for one another of this community.

A man took delivery of the large wooden crates. As he carefully opened each and every one of the crates, he lovingly took the pieces and put them to one side. He removed the pallets and covers from the building. One part of this cement floored area was clean and clearly something was beginning to happen. He took the pieces and began to assemble what I recognized as a printing press. It was all together over the next few hours. He plugged it in and soon the familiar click-clack was in the air. After a few short tests, he brought over some paper and loaded the press. Then he carried over the large containers of ink and added that. Soon, the room had the smell of ink and fresh paper. As the press gathered speed and with the pull of a lever, the paper was pulled into the rollers. Within moments the freshly printed papers began to stack in the bin. I went over and reached for one. Still “damp” to touch I looked at the handbill or poster. “Coming to a town near you!” That was it. No picture, no additional wording. Moments later a small child came and gathered a stack of these freshly printed handbills and ran out the door. He began to distribute them all about the community. Soon, he came back and gathered more, continuing in his quest.

I watched people read. Some looked bewildered, others cried and still others cheered.

Over time I watched this community grow and become know as a “center for print”. People brought their printing needs to this community. The work was quality, done in short periods of time and always perfect. People came from all over. The community grew and prospered. Others developed businesses and they grew as well.

I awoke. Something made a noise outside my window and there was a rush of air. So much so, I almost “lost” the dream. (Often I have a dream and I have to return to it by closing my eyes and letting it unfold. Too often I have allowed myself to open my eyes and be distracted, losing the dream or what the Lord is processing.) But there it was.

I thought, “how cool was that?”

I was impressed with the fact that out of community, when people step into their gift or their calling, things happen and places prosper. Because there is no striving or stress, just the understanding of what and who you are called to be. Each day this man joyfully interacted with the people, but his love was running the press. He was a master. He excelled and the spirit of excellence was upon him.

I wrote the following last night.

Today as I talked to numerous businesses, a consistent thread emerged. “Too much to do. Not enough time.” Ironically, technology was to give us “more” time. Without a proper perspective urgency will creep in and lead to fear.

Most people want to be more efficient. But true efficiency is only generated by tapping into the source of all. His name is Jesus.

Apart from me you can not nothing. Clearly He was not talking about miracles because there were sorcerers and such. So, it must be connected to the word fruit.

True connection results in efficiency that produces fruit. Not just maintenance or getting something “done”.

The man and his calling showed fruit. The community showed fruit. (Lots of people want to do something. Unfortunately, but a few will. Why-they push away from community and the lessons that come.)

And finally…what is “Coming to a town near you!”? I believe it is the person of Jesus, coming through the understanding of calling, His expression through His people and an understanding of community. Only when His people embrace His call, allow His move through them and grab hold of people will we see His name broadcast or printed about the world in a way that will undermine the enemy’s hold. Sickness and disease will release their holds. Poverty and perversity will unleash people and the Jesus will be glorified.