from March 3, 2015 prayer update

Last month I shared with you about a class I am taking this spring through Columbia International University titled “the mission of God”. I shared a little about the mission of God in the world from one of our texts, edited by Mike Barnett and Robin Martin titled Discovering the Mission of God. I would like to continue with that theme in this month’s personal reflections.

My class is divided into four sections, with a focus on God’s mission in the Bible, God’s mission in history, the role of culture in God’s mission, and the role of strategy in God’s mission. We have wrapped up the Biblical and historical sections of the class (some great stuff) and are now considering the role of culture in God’s mission.

As I reflect back on this past month, it has been a wonderful adventure in joining with God in a marvelous variety of ways in His mission in the world. I am convinced that each month can be a wonderful adventure in joining with God in His mission in the world for each of us. All it requires is a basic understanding of what that mission is, followed up with a resolve to intentionally seize opportunities that He provides. Mix in some focused prayer, meaningful relational engagement, and a willingness to extend yourself outside your comfort zone and you have the makings for an exciting and purposive life. A life that aligns with what God is already at work doing.

In January I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting of Hispanic leaders in the San Antonio area. Last weekend we had a series of similar meetings with Hispanic church leaders in the McAllen area. We had a number of wonderful opportunities to connect with Hispanic church pastors wanting very much to see their churches meaningfully engage the lost and make life-long disciples and laborers of those who come to faith. We may even have a new NCM staff member coming out of these meetings who will significantly expand our ability to impact Hispanic churches in Texas. Did you know there are nearly 10 million Hispanics in the state of Texas?

Back in January I also had the opportunity to begin developing a relationship with Xuebin, a graduate student at UT from central China. Xuebin is a newlywed (separated by ten thousand miles from his new bride) and does not yet know Christ. But he is seeking. Last time we met he had just had his first long distance fight with his new bride over Skype and was still stinging from the conversation. We talked about marriage, forgiveness, and he gave me permission to pray for he and his wife (which I did with him). Xuebin and I connect again this evening.

In mid-February I spent a few days in snowy Manhattan, Kansas speaking three times as part of Grace Baptist Church’s annual missions conference. A medium sized church with a long history of sending workers into the harvest fields of the world. A church currently partnering with a denomination in Ethiopia to send African workers into the 10-40 window.

A week ago, I had the opportunity to help with a training clinic for the Houston area, focused on one of NCM’s excellent disciple making resources, The Ways of the Alongsider. The clinic was a great mix of pastors and laymen, young and old, men and women. It was fun to interact with two older widow women who had roots that go way back into Navigator history. Individuals, who many would write off as well past their prime, but are still walking with God, living a vibrant faith, and are continuing to learn how to be more useful Kingdom servants.

Since September I have been meeting at 6am every Wednesday morning in a study with a couple hundred other men in my home church. We are studying Gene Getz’s book, The Measure of a Man. We are spending a week on each of the 20 character qualities highlighted in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 that should be present in the life of a church leader. I facilitate discussion for one of the small groups. A good time with these men every week.

This morning, I had the opportunity to participate for an hour with 15-20 others as part of a 24 hour prayer time for the persecuted church (think ISIS martyrs) sponsored by my home church. We prayed for the persecuted, the persecutors, for government leadership, and for the Church. Doing what Jesus told us to do, “pray for those who persecute you”.

Life is an adventure, an adventure that can have the mission of God right at its center. Would love to hear from you regarding how you have been joining with God in His mission in the world.