Crisis and the Gospel

Before Tuesday, most people likely had no idea where Belgium even was except for maybe in Europe.  Admittedly I didn't know where Belgium was or if it was a city or a country before our survey trip in 2013.

This obviously has hit close to home for Libby and I this week.  We personally traveled through the Brussels airport in 2013 and know dozens of people that could've been there at that exact moment.  Praise the Lord that everyone that could've been there wasn't.

The migrant crisis that came to the surface of American media as of recent has been ongoing since 2013.  The strain on resources and governments has created raging debate over how to respond and handle this crisis.  With the attacks in Paris and Brussels every society is anxious to find a way to end the blood shed.

Where can hope be found in all of this suffering?  The Gospel.  In cold, hard Europe we find that the white fields of John 4:35 can be seen in these difficult times.  As these refuges arrive on the shores they arrive with questions and looking, craving for hope.  When we are prepared as the church to have people with resources behind them to show them where true hope can be found, lives are becoming radically changed.  As these horrific attacks occur, Europeans will be forced to answer a multitude of questions regarding God, life after death, religion, and the purpose of life on Earth.  They also may ask, "If these people claim the same religion as I, then why is my religion of peace murdering my friends and family?"  Doors are opened through this tragedy that Europeans and refugees alike that otherwise would not open themselves up to consider.  This is where we find that the Gospel seed can be planted.  In the book Deep & Wide, Andy Stanley identifies pivotal circumstances as one the five noted catalysts for faith.  This very situation could be labeled as such an event but we as the church must respond.  As a member of that body, what is your role?

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few . . ."  I urge all of us as the church not to miss the opportunity laid before us.  Let us join together to go forth in sharing the hope, love, and peace that Christ can offer this hurting continent and world.

October 2015 Prayer Link +

 . . . an addition to our October 2015 Prayer Link

Big Dreams, Bigger God

In last months Prayer Link we mentioned a time of rejuvenation as well as a project we're working on for new partners. During that time of rejuvenation we spent time devoted to prayer for the remainder of our deputation trail and how God would choose for us to complete it. Through prayer and discernment He has laid it on our hearts to target our arrival for May 2016. This is seven months earlier than we have previously planned on. This is an absolutely audacious goal, but we have an even more audacious God. We cannot accomplish this goal though unless we commit ourselves to Him.

On paper the math doesn't add up, but our God is bigger than mathematics. Please join us in prayer as we seek to fulfill His calling in our lives and that we work harder than ever before. This will only be accomplished through God bringing together the right partners in His timing.

August 2015 Prayer Link +

 . . . an addition to our August 2015 Prayer Link

Cultural Training

There is so much to share with you this month that we just can't fit it in our regular Prayer Link (what an awesome problem, right?).  Right now as I write this we are in Kansas City, MO for what has been thus far incredible cultural training.  Dr. Richard Lewis has been sharing with us how to identify and think through culture in context with reaching them with the Gospel.  This wraps up today.

Jetting Across the Country

Next, we head to New Mexico, then to Virginia, then to New Mexico (what?).  I'm sure you're asking at this point, "did he not think through this when he scheduled?"  I did!  But, when two pastors call in two very different states and want you for their conferences, I'd be crazy to say no.  But what is deputation if nothing but an adventure.  Please pray for our family as this will be Eleanor first flight and we truly have no idea how she will enjoy/cope with this new way of travel.

PROJECT: Connected

The time has come to retire my Mac.  He has had a long and faithful run, but just can no longer keep up with the pace at which I run.  So much of what we do on deputation is communication/technology related and a functional laptop is a must.  We are looking for one time partners who can come along side and give towards this need.  We currently have $200 of the $1300 for the replacement.  To give go to our website.

Missional Relationships

Tonight I read this line from an article entitled "The Top 10 Things Pharisees Say Today" by Carey Nieuwhof.

One of the reasons many church aren't growing is because Christians don't know any non-Christians.

This is an unsettling truth that has been unveild to me in the last few years and something that was driven home to me by a pastor I spoke with recently.

Its true.  How can we expect to grow the church when we, the hands and feet of Christ, don't develop relationships with those who don't know Him? How can the ups and downs in our lives be a living testimony to the world if we don't allow the unsaved close enough in so they can see His working in our lives through these situations?

Its an uncomfortable truth to swallow and one that I myself am just as guilty of.  When I was younger and in high school many times I surrounded myself with like minded believers and when I did encouter those with contrary beliefs I would debate them factualy about the Bible instead of displaying Christ's love that tranforms lives.  Christ's love changes lives, not facts.

Becoming a missionary in a 1st world country, relationships, friendships with those who haven't accepted Christ as their savior will be our primary avenue towards leading the lost to Him and building local churches.  This is why I consider this one of the most important spiritual goals in my life right now.  There won't be a mass amount of physical needs that we can meet to draw people in to share the Gospel with.  Our relationships will be the driving force.

My challenge to myself and to you is to consider your relationshipes with those who aren't saved.  Consider the examples in the Bible of Jesus loving those who showed a life of outright sin such as the adulterous woman who was about to be stoned.  Allow God to use our friendships with those who don't know Him to be an avenue that reflects His work in our lives through the ups and the downs.  When we allow our relationships with the unsaved to be used by God, He may in turn use those fragements our lives we've shared to impact hearts for Him.