I am overwhelmed today...God is continuing to do something in my heart...I just began reading The Calling; A Challenge to Walk the Narrow Road by Brother Andrew. I highly recommend it. Over the last year or so God has been doing a new work in my heart. I have always said that I was called to be a missionary to the North American Church. Lately that call has taken new life...as a missionary to the North American Church I am hearing more clearly his call for the North American Church to be in the world.
Recently I was in Malawi where the church can freely operate...as I moved from village to village, town to town, and city to city I noticed a growing Muslim presence. There were new mosques in many places. Like much of Northern Africa if we don't respond as the Church by strengthening the African Churches the landscape will quickly change. Misunderstandings will take place...confusion will abound...relationships will be challenged....and freedoms limited. Now is the time to respond as Jesus would respond.
As I reflected on the world this morning I couldn't help but think of Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I am so thankful for those who lead the way in these hard places. God is at work. As the church we too must respond.
Yesterday we emphasized World Care at Mountain Lake Church. Many responded. I couldn't help but reflect on what it means to be missional. Over the past few years the word missional has replaced concepts like; church growth and church health. What does it really mean to be missional? Being missional is not about doing church in a cool way for the cool people...being missional is not about a certain form and expression of worship...being missional is about recognizing that as Jesus was sent, we too are a sent people. As a sent people there are no borders or limits to our being sent. We are sent to our families, coworkers, neighbors, friends, enemies, and to the world.
Being missional is about rediscovering the centrality and simplicity of Jesus and His ways. Here are a couple of ways you can respond to the world.
Malawi Water Project - This Christmas we are adopting a village and putting in a well in Malawi. We have printed up some tee-shirts and are giving 100 percent of the proceeds to provide this well. If you are interested you can e-mail at [email protected] I would love to tell you how to get involved.
Give Water. Give Life!
Egypt Vision Trip - I am leading a group of leaders to the Egyp
t in March for a vision trip to see how we can partner in that region of the country. If you are a pastor or a leader of a ministry I would love for you to consider going with me. We are currently encouraging and supporting several churches in the Cairo area and are looking to expand our base of North American churches that will develop long term relationships in Egypt with churches. You can e-mail me if you are interested at [email protected].
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