The Challenge to Come

As the "History of Religion" video in my previous blog entry demonstrates, Christianity has had phenomenal growth, especially in the last 200 years. But the task is far from done. Here are a few key facts to consider.

Jesus' command in Matthew 28 is to make disciples of every "people group." The focus was not on national boundaries but on individuals having a dynamic witness in their own language and culture. The best information right now suggests that there are 15,817 total people groups in the world. Of these, 6,505 are considered "unreached" (or "least-reached"). That means we still have 41.1% of the existing people groups to "make disciples." If you consider the same groups in terms of population, out of the 6.5 billion on this planet, 2.6 billion (40.1%) have yet to be reached. (“Unreached / Least-Reached” is defined as less than 2% evangelical individuals and less than 5% Christian adherents in the people group.) It is estimated that 3,700 of these Unreached / Least-Reached groups are small, under 10,000 in population, so the task isn’t as large as it first appears.

Clearly there is work to be done. So what are we doing to reach those who have had the least exposure to the Gospel? When you look at the current distribution of missionaries, there is a dramatic imbalance. Over 85% of all cross-cultural foreign missionaries minister among nominal Christian peoples. For every million unreached Muslims there are less than 3 missionaries. For every dollar of Christian giving to all causes, only half a penny goes to financing pioneer church planting among unreached people groups.

This imbalance exists for a number of reasons. Some of the least-reached live in countries that prohibit missionary work. Some of the people groups are so small, they are still being discovered. There has also been an understandable desire to reach everyone who has not yet put their trust in Christ, so many are slow to remove their support from work in nominal Christian peoples. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: We only will reach the unreached if we deliberately choose to make them a priority.

Our challenge as individuals, and as a church, is to be obedient to Jesus' command. My prayer is that in 2007, we may see the number of unreached people groups be greatly reduced.

[For more info on unreached / least-reached people groups, go to www.joshuaproject.org. Most of the data listed above is from various resources on this great website.]

History of Religion

Here is a really cool website that gives the history of the major religions: History of Religion (click on the name). It is a flash movie that is about 90 seconds long. You really need to see it!

(Thanks to my friend, Erin, for posting this on his blog: Thoughts from the Birdnest.)

A Missionary God

Our God is a Missionary God. He is a God who has always been about reaching all of the nations. He is a God who truly loves the entire world.

As we celebrate Christmas and look at the year ahead, I challenge you to be like Christ who was willing to leave the glory of Heaven, take on the form of a man, and live among us. Jesus said, “Just as the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21b NET). His final words to his disciples (including us!) were, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NET).

What does this look like? It starts with the Prayer / Care / Share focus that we have been hearing about for the last year. It involves us being involved in the lives of our neighbors and coworkers. It is as simple as giving someone a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus.

It continues with reaching out beyond the border of Cedar Rapids or even America. Jesus truly is the King of Kings for all peoples. He is as needed in Macau as the Czech Republic. In fact, there are still people groups who have never heard. That is tragic. Our desire at New Covenant is to strategically increase our activity in reaching those who are unreached. Your regular giving to the general budget (which funds our support for our 20 missionaries), your financial support for our various short term teams, your prayer and care for our missionary families, and your participation on a missions trip are all ways you are partners in God’s plan to reach the nations.

May we boldly proclaim as Simon did in the Temple: “For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32 NET).

Pray for Freedom of Religion

While Muslims in the West try to convert people to their faith, laws prevent anyone from trying to convert Muslims out of their faith. Morocco has a similar law, which has a German tourist in trouble.

According to reports, 62-year-old Sadek Noshi Yassa, of Egyptian descent, was sentenced to six months in jail and fined the equivalent of US $60, for sharing his faith. Reports claim Yassa handed out Christian books and CD's to young Muslims on the streets in Morocco's main tourist destination, Agadir. (From Mission Network News -- Click here to get the rest of the story.)

We are truly blessed to have freedom of religion here in America. I know it is not perfect, and I must not take it for granted, but I am glad that I have the freedom to choose when, where, and how I will worship. That decision is important (all roads do not lead to God!). But I am glad I am free to make it.

Pray that this freedom will grow in other parts of the world, and that we in America cling to it. This is more than an issue of whether someone chooses to call a Christmas Tree a "Holiday Tree" if that that is their choice. My prayer is that there never comes a day where I am told that I cannot freely proclaim to anyone who will listen that Jesus Christ was born to be my savior. That would be the end of true freedom of religion here in America.

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NET)

Remember Your Kingdom Partners

With Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is usually a fun time of year. We enjoy the fun times with our friends and families. But for some who are serving as Kingdom Partners (missionaries) around the world, this can be a difficult time as they can't return home to spend time with those they love.

Take a minute and send a card or email, or make a quick phone call to a Kingdom Partner you care about. I promise, you will be glad you did!

God's Perspective

Two thousand years before Christ, God told Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the world would be blessed. Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to earth to die for the world. Now, it’s been another two thousand years. Is there a connection between Abraham’s promise, the Messiah’s coming, and what is happening in our world today?

When William Carey stood before a room full of pastors and pressed the need to take the gospel to India he was told, “Sit down, young man. If God wants to reach the heathen He will do it without your help or ours.” But in 1793 William Carey sailed to India where he would start churches, oversee six complete translations of the Bible, and found colleges. How are we to respond to the Great Commission of Christ?

The Sawi people of Irian Jaya were headhunting cannibals, and treachery was their highest virtue. When missionary Don Richardson told them the crucifixion story, who should emerge as the hero but Judas for his act of treachery! That wasn’t the end of the story, however and today the Sawi have a growing church in their culture. How could this happen?

In the year 100 AD there were 360 non-Christians for every believer on earth. Now, in 2006, the number has shrunk to only 9 non-Christians for every believer on earth. Can the completion of the Great Commission be near?

Come join us for the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class to find out the answers to these questions and learn more about the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic aspects of fulfilling the Great Commission. We live in a unique time in history. God has given us a call with both global and local dimensions. This 16-week class will help you understand that call and your specific place within it. Hear from a different guest lecturer each week. Discover for yourself how to find your particular assignment within God’s ageless plan!

Perspectives will meet at New Covenant Bible Church (Cedar Rapids, IA) on Monday nights from 6:30 to 9:00 PM from January 15 through May 7. For more information or to register for this dynamic class, contact me at the church office at 319-395-0021.

Boasting in the LORD by How We Live

The LORD says, "Wise people should not boast that they are wise. Powerful people should not boast that they are powerful. Rich people should not boast that they are rich. If people want to boast, they should boast about this: They should boast that they understand and know me. They should boast that they know and understand that I, the LORD, act out of faithfulness, fairness, and justice in the earth and that I desire people to do these things," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NET)

There is a danger for us here in America (as well as for any affluent country in the world). We may have the illusion that we are in control. We may be tempted to think that we are good enough and smart enough to handle things. We give lip service to trusting in God, but the reality is we boast and trust in ourselves.

Jeremiah’s words were written as a warning to a nation not unlike our own. This passage is one of judgment because the people practiced the right rituals and said the right things during their times of worship, but they failed to be obedient and live godly lives throughout the week.

That is the danger we face. This passage is a warning that going through the motions and repeating the right words is not what God is after. A deep, passionate, love relationship with Almighty God who is faithful and fair and just is what matters. As we go about doing God’s work and seeing His kingdom advanced, it is empty and actually idolatry if it is done apart from him.

God is not quick to judge. In fact, the book of Jeremiah is evidence that God is extremely patient and gives plenty of warning to anyone who wishes to listen. God is a gracious God who is quick to forgive and restore. So let me challenge you as I have been challenged this week. Take time to examine your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any way that your life on Monday does not match your words on Sunday. Being a true Kingdom Partner is not simply a matter of what we do; it is a matter of who we are.

May God grant us the ability to live lives of integrity that make a difference for eternity.

Give Thanks

How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” (Romans 10:14-15 NET Bible)

There are many things for which we can give thanks this Thanksgiving. Perhaps the most important is for those who shared the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection with me and who today do so with others. So to all you true Kingdom Partners out there, both here in Cedar Rapids and around the world, thanks for proclaiming the good news!

Team Africa Friday (Nov17) Update

Dear All,

I am just dropping in to say all is well - Our team reunited yesterday at Nakuru National Park for our time of reflecting on our time in Africa before we return.

We have enjoyed seeing the African environment - big sky, sunsets, acacia trees, lions, flamingos, zebras, all sorts of 'deer' antelope family, giraffes and the lush vegetation along with the mushy roads that cause us to spin and sway as we traverse some of the paths in the park.

This afternoon we spent 2 1/2 hours sharing thoughts and feelings of our experiences with the various people we met with while here. A very rich time as we begin to process our experience.

If any on you are interested in more details about this trip, may I suggest that you schedule a coffee/Coke time with any team member of your choice. It is important for the team to have people ask about one story they would like to share or a favorite 'picture' they have in their mind from their experience. This first answer will be 1-2 minutes, if you are interested in more then ask questions. Their experiences are as varied as the weather in Iowa!! God has done some amazing things and it is to Him we give the glory.

We will be leaving tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 18) for Nairobi late morning, travel 3-4 hours on, needless to say, bumpy roads, have lunch then do some shopping, dinner and arrive at the airport by 8 p.m. for an 11 p.m. flight. This will begin our airplane journey back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If you are in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 10 we will be sharing at New Covenant beginning at 12:30 p.m. (pizza lunch) along with the team that is returning from Mexico. We would love to see you there!

Thank you for your faithfulness in praying. The Lord has kept us all in pretty good health, safe travel, and a heart that continues to be open to more of Him.

One of the members said that our 'mission trip' is not over until we see Christ face to face. May we all be faithful in our mission trip here on earth to give Christ the credit for all!

As the Lord permits we will see some of you at the airport in Cedar Rapids on Sunday around 4:30 p.m. [See the post below for complete info on their flight into Cedar Rapids.]

Blessings to each of you!

Pat for the team

Men's Mission to Mexico Update

I just received a call this afternoon from Bob Sevier. The Mexico team had a great time -- and they also got the house built! Everyone is well and they are back in El Paso. They return home Friday with lots of stories to tell. Thanks for your prayers.

Mission Teams Reports & Return

For those of you in the Cedar Rapids area who have been following our teams in Africa and/or Mexico, here are some dates and times to note on your calendar:

Team Reports:

On Sunday, December 10 at 12:30 PM, we will have a pizza lunch ($2/person) in the Activity Center at New Covenant. Team Africa and the Men's Mission to Mexico will each give a report about their trips. No reservations are needed.

Men's Mission to Mexico Return:

Friday, November 17 at 5:45 PM at the Eastern Iowa Airport
(American FL# 3579 from Dallas / Fort Worth)

Team Africa Return:

Sunday, November 19 at 4:19 PM at the Eastern Iowa Airport
(Northwest FL# 2956 from Detroit)

God's Blessing

May God bless us! Then all the ends of the earth will give him the honor he deserves. (Psalm 67:7 NET)

There is no question that our nation has been blessed. We generally enjoy financial prosperity, religious freedom, and physical health. The issue is not whether we have been blessed. The issue is what are we going to do with that blessing?

From the beginning, God has given blessing for a specific purpose. As you look at Genesis, God blesses the animals and mankind with the goal that they would be fruitful and multiply and fill all of the earth (Genesis 1:22, 28). God blesses Abram (later called Abraham) with the purpose of bringing blessing to all of the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). In case you miss the implication, Psalm 67 spells it out in black and white: God blesses us in order that all of the earth would praise His name.

God wants us to enjoy the fruit of our blessing, the prosperity that comes from our hard work (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26). But that enjoyment only comes from knowing God and therefore knowing His plan. The Great Commission was not a new plan! It was God’s intention from the beginning to reach every ethnic group (see Revelation 7:9). When we join in that plan, we have the joy of participating in the greatest adventure available in this life!

So what are you doing with your blessing? How are you investing it in something that has value for eternity (Luke 16:9)? Let me get personal: This starts with your regular giving of your time, money, and talents at your church and to other worthy ministries. It continues with your prayer for and encouragement of those who are doing the work of the ministry (both here and overseas). It is only truly done when you are one day in heaven.

You have been blessed. Now what will you do? Choose wisely. Your decisions will have an impact for eternity!

Team Africa (Uganda) Tuesday (Nov 14) Update

Hey All from Jinga, Uganda!

Jan and I made the trip to Uganda this past Saturday (Nov. 11) and began meeting the women that night and then began training Sunday a.m. through evening and then finished today at lunch time.

It was a glorious time as each woman attending was hand picked and personally invited. Each woman who attended serves as a leader in the church or in Hesed Ministry. The group was a mixed group from various churches and ministries - the first one of its kind. Harriet, our point person was anxious to hear how the women would respond. She was very pleased with each woman who came as they responded positively and got to know other women in different situations. ANSWER to PRAYER!

Jan and I were able to connect and communicate well with each woman attending - PRAISE!!

Thank you all for your prayers and your encouragement!

We are now able to view some of the crafts that are being made here. We will be returning to Entebbe tomorrow for our flight to Nairobi and then a 3 hour drive to meet the rest of the team in Nakuru. We have been praying for the rest of the team regularly. We haven't been able to be in contact so we are anxious to meet together again!!

We are at an Internet cafe so I cannot down load any photos -- we have lots :}}

All is well as far as I know :}}

We are all enjoying the food -- PRAISE!!

Now that our 'official' ministry is finished pray for our debriefing time as we share personal experiences, thoughts and feelings prior to coming home. This is important to really get a grasp on what the Lord has been showing, teaching and doing in and through us.

Lots of experiences, feelings and miracles have been experienced!

Blessings to each of you!

Pat and Jan

Team Africa (Kenya) Monday (Nov 13) Update

We arrived safely at Kipkaren on Saturday. After a very warm welcome from the children, students, and staff we were given a tour of the site. It's amazing what God is doing here, we have lots to share! Everyone on the team is doing well. Today we begin a painting project as well as continue with our teaching, singing, and loving the children. Our visit to the village church yesterday was wonderful and Eric did a great job giving the message. We will join Pat and Jan on Thursday in Nakuru. Thank you all for your prayer support, we feel it daily.

Teri for the team

Team Africa Friday Update

Here are some comments from the team this time :}}

Oh, the stories to tell of God's provision and grace, of the Kenyan women and their joy in worship and prayer, the children who have very little except a whole lot of God's love channeled through the ELI staff and "parents" of these orphans and so they are the most joyful (and well-behavied) children I have ever seen!! THANK YOU for your prayers - I think of you all praying often throughout the day - you are undergirding this team and how I praise God for each of you.

Peace, love and joy to you all,

Jan
.................................................

Pretty much there is all good news...there are many spiritual battles I'm fighting in my mind, but that's a good sign because if it was no threat, I would have no struggles (so that's why it's a good thing) and the second thing is that I have joy down in my heart, deep deep down in my heart. J.O.Y. down in my heart deep deep down in my heart. Jesus put it there and nothing can destroy it, 'stroy it, 'stroy it YEAH! So that's why I have to sing (just one song in my heart). It's all so encouraging.

OLIVIA
.................................................

Everything is going great and we are having the best time. The country is beautiful and the people are so loving and welcoming. You can see and feel God's love in their hearts. The children will be hard to leave behind.

Vicky
.................................................

I love being with these children!!! Those who know me know that I LOVE hugs and this is the place for hugs. The smiles, love and joy are contagious! It is awesome seeing God at work.

Connie
.................................................

We have been very busy today and this email has already taken a whole day for all of us to write! Since we started it, there have been so many more God things witnessed I don't know where to start. Thank you for praying for us.

ERIC
.................................................

It's been such a great three days! The time with the children has been awsome. To see how much they have grown both physically and spiritually since last year has been a delight, and their hugs and laughter are the highlight of my day.

Well, the day has been full - it is time to turn out the lights. Tomorrow - Nov. 11 - Jan and Pat will be travelling to Uganda; Terri, Connie, Eric, Olivia,Vicky and Anne will be traveling about 1 hour by car to another village - Kipkaren.

There are several 'unknowns' to us so pray for openness and flexibility. Also pray that we [Pat & Jan] will have favor once again through the airports and visa process from Kenya (Eldoret --> Nairobi) to Entebbe, Uganda and then a 2-3 hour drive to Jinja.

I am not sure if you will have another email from us until we reach State side as Internet access may be quite limited since there is NO electricity in Kipkaren and am not certain about Uganda. Again - we as a team are so very thankful for your partnership and being a 'team' member.

Blessings to all,

Pat

Team Africa Thursday Update

Dear All -

Thank you for your prayers for our 6 hour journey on the very bumpy and rough roads to Eldoret from Nairobi. I will have to say that there were some parts of "new road" that were much like our highways.

We have settled in quite well.

Our children's ministry and work projects are seeing progress -- the scraping was finished yesterday and today we are painting. Also the children are getting use to us and have welcomed us with literally open arms as they gave us hugs.

The women's conference is seeing women growing in their understanding of how God views them and how he has intended to have them believe who they are. As some of the Kenyan women have said - there have been some breakthroughs.

For all of these things are are grateful to the Lord for His Spirit who is at work. We are honored and privileged to be His vessels.

Praise:

1. Still generally in good health - Connie and Terri are dealing with periodic headaches
2. Food is good :}
3. Getting sufficient sleep.
4. Realizing that there is a spiritual battle between flesh and Spirit

Pray

1. Continued health
2. Finish strong at Ilula before Jan and Pat go to Uganda and the rest of team (Terri, Eric, Connie, Olivia, Anne and Vicky) to to another village called Kipkaren
3. We would be able to finish the projects we have begun - painting, and hanging of curtains in the children's rooms.

We are so very grateful and thank God for you as you pray by faith and encourage us! Blessings to all.

Pat & the Africa Team

Team Africa Tuesday Update

Dear all,

We have arrived safely here in Nairobi.

Praises:

1. No extra fees for luggage from CR
2. Great connections - easy and relaxing as one can be when travelling
3. Provision of GOOD airplane food ;]]
4. Good night sleep. We got to bed before midnight; many woke up between 3 and 4 a.m. and then snoozed until it was time to arise.
5. Everyone is in good health

Today -

1. In a few minutes we are leaving for cross country ride to Eldorett -- 6 hours.
2. All of us ladies have our skirts on as we have packed our slacks until we depart on the 17th.
3. I has been raining - Kenyan roads have large ruts- potholes and so we have been proactive with motion sickness medication.

Last night as we gathered as a team we couldn't help but pray for you - our undergirders of the faith - for your encouragement and support. It is with great praise that I write this on behalf of the team.

Continue prayer for-

1. Safe travels
2. Health
3. Special God moments - to see his reality in and through us
4. Greater dependence and trust as we prepare for our ministry opportunities today for tomorrow (Nov. 8)
5. Spirit led ministry
6. Each of us would have a special connection with 1-2 kenyans - to know their story, their heart.
7. All of us would be learners - seek first to understand.

We are excited and many are still saying - 'let's go!'

Blessings to each of you!!

Pat on behalf of the team: Anne, Eric, Jan, Connie, Olivia, Vicky and Terri!

Team Africa Packing Party

Last Monday night, Team Africa had fun packing the supplies they need for their ministry in Kenya and Uganda. They will be taking 9 "action packers" along with their own luggage, so pray everything safely arrives!

They will be at the Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids) Airport at 11 AM this coming Sunday, November 5, to begin their journey. They will fly to Minneapolis/St. Paul, then Amsterdam, and will finally arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, at 8:20 PM on Monday, November 6.

Their primary time for ministry will be Wednesday, November 8, through Wednesday, November 15. Terri, Eric, Connie, Olivia, Vicky, and Anne will be involved in children's ministry at ELI in Eldoret, Kenya, as well as with a work project. Pat and Jan will be involved with a women's conference in Eldoret, then will travel to Uganda for a women's training conference. The team will reunite for a debriefing at Nakuru National Park on Friday, November 17.

They will begin their return journey on Saturday, November 18, and are scheduled to arrive back here in Cedar Rapids at 4:20 PM on Sunday, November 19.

I will post any updates about the team as I get them, so check this blog in the coming days.

Here are some final prayer requests from the team as they prepare to leave:

• Final details in leaving - work and family as well as team preparations
• Health and Safety for all
• Favor at the airport, no problems with customs
• Unity and Spirit-led ministry as a team
• Appropriate sleep on the flight as well as making all of our connections.
• Open to any God-encounters on our way to Africa

The Persecuted Church

Have you ever met someone whose personal story is so overwhelming, you leave stunned and transformed? I am sure if I had ever met the Apostle Paul, that would have been the case. To hear him tell how Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus would have been incredible. To listen to his stories of perseverance in the face of persecution would have been inspiring.

I met such a person while I was a student at Moody Bible Institute. At that time I was part of a group who met regularly to pray for believers behind the Iron Curtain. Someone invited Richard Wurmbrand to come and speak. He was a pastor in Romania when the communists took over the country. He was imprisoned and tortured multiple times for his faith in Christ. I left that meeting with a new respect for those who do not enjoy the religious freedoms we have here in America.

Sunday, November 12, is the International Day of Prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Make no mistake, persecution still happens today. While the Iron Curtain may have fallen, there is still a need for us to remember those who suffer for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Let me encourage you to learn more about what is happening around the world. Pray for the governmental leaders, that they would allow us to practice our faith in peace. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are persecuted that they would be empowered to show the love of Christ to their persecutors. Pray for our government, that they would effectively challenge oppressive regimes to allow religious freedom.

For more information, check out these websites:

There is an International Day of Prayer website with links to a number of organizations who support persecuted believers around the world.

Missions Network News has regular stories about those who are persecuted for their faith, as does the website Christian Persecution Information.

Voice of the Martyrs has stories about those persecuted for their faith; information on how to write to those in prison; information on the International Day of Prayer; and a short biography of Richard Wurmbrand. They also have a blog with stories about the persecution of believers around the world.

Open Doors USA has a free packet of materials you can request that will help you know how to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Prayer Guides

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanks be offered on behalf of all people, even for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Such prayer for all is good and welcomed before God our Savior, since he wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-4 NET)

For the last month my wife and I have appreciated using a 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus guide. It gave helpful information concerning those of the Muslim faith around the world. We are a few days behind but will finish it soon.

Because New Covenant is hosting Perspectives on the World Christian Movement this coming January, I was checking out the Perspectives website at www.perspectives.org . While there, I noticed something new or that I had previously missed. They have links to a number of prayer guides that will help me pray more intelligently for people around the world. I look forward to using these resources once we are done with the 30 Days guide.

It is right and appropriate to pray for our own needs as well as the needs of friends, family, and co-workers. But as Paul urges in 1 Timothy 2, we should also pray for the world around us. These prayer guides may help you as they have me obey this command.

http://www.perspectives.org/menuprayer.html

Pray for Our Teams

November will be a busy month. We are sending out two teams, one which will travel to Kenya and Uganda, and the other to Mexico. I will post updates on these teams as they become available, so check this blog while they are gone.

Please remember to pray for these teams. Here are a few requests:

Team Africa -- Kenya & Uganda (November 5- 19, 2007)

• Pray for us that our preparation for children’s ministry, work projects and adult training would be done in a timely fashion and with flexibility.
• Our team would be an encouragement.
• Unity on the New Covenant Team and with ELI and Hesed staff would be evident.
• For good health and physical stamina.

Men's Mission to Mexico -- Juarez, Mexico (November 11-18, 2007)

• To raise the full support needed for this trip ($1,800 per person).
• Safety on the work site.
• To be an impact for Christ on the Mexicans with whom they come in contact, including the family for whom they are building a home.

A New Beginning

Changes are coming! Check back soon for new posts and new updates about Kingdom Partnerships at New Covenant!

The Power of the Resurrection

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21 NIV)

The resurrection is the greatest event in human history. As we celebrate the fact that Jesus conquered sin and death, it is appropriate that we also look at his words following his resurrection. Jesus said that in the same way he was sent by the Father, he is sending us out into the world. These words give us the hope, purpose, and power we need to accomplish the enormous task of preaching the Gospel to all of creation.

Jesus was sent with a very clear purpose: To reveal the Father’s glory—his character and nature—so that we could become the children of God (John 1:10-18). We have the same mission. We do not have to “convert” people. Instead, we have the simple privilege of revealing God to others (see 2 Corinthians 3:7-18).

We also have the same power. Paul makes this clear when he reminds us that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that is at work today transforming peoples lives and building his church (Ephesians 1:19-23).

Because we have the same purpose and power, we can offer the same hope: Peace. Peace with God. Peace with others. Peace with ourselves. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, has abolished the law and its commandments (Ephesians 2:14-18). That does not mean it is ok to sin. Instead, it means that through Jesus we can now be reconciled with God. Everyone, regardless of their actions, their race, or their age, can have equal access to the Father.

So as you celebrate Easter, remember that it is more than a time to remember Jesus’ resurrection. Easter is our empowerment to go and offer the same peace to every single person in the world.

Power from on High

He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49 NIV)

Have you ever heard this commission preached on in church? I would suspect it has been very rare. Yet it is still relevant for us today.

The Gospel is not something new. Instead, Jesus says “This is what is written.” We are part of a message that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve may not have known all of the details, but God’s plan has never wavered. He has never had to make adjustments because of unforeseen circumstances. Instead, he has faithfully implemented his plan and he will do so in the future.

Our main role is to be “witnesses” of what God has done. You do not have to be a theologian. You do not have to answer every question. You simply are asked to share what you have seen God do in your own life and in the lives of those around you.

The Gospel can only be shared when we “have been clothed with power from on high.” From the start this has been about God, not about us. We can never talk someone into repentance. We can never forgive their sins. These are both acts of an Almighty God. Our privilege is to simply be the conduit to bring the message of hope to those who have no hope.

God is at work. Our commission is not to make something happen. It is simply to join in the work he is already doing. The only way you will truly experience the fullness of God’s power is to obey his command to preach in his name to all nations.