Sunday, February 28, 2016

Ranking What Matters

Ranking What Matters

“God’s mission requires the determination that telling people about Jesus outranks everything else in your life.” - Philip Nation, philipnation.net

by Mark on February 22, 2016

This letter is about a week later than I have been sending, but we have so much to share of God’s goodness with you that I wanted to be sure I was accurate in the most recent acts of His providence. First, I must tell you that through your generous giving we have fully met the goal (and more) for our training and assessment. Second, I need to tell you that we completed our church planting training a few weeks ago. Lisa and I received a lot of wonderful information and much to ponder and pray about as we begin to set the vision and mission that we have discussed for over 15 years to paper for a new church. The speakers at the conference included Ted Powers, Tim Rice, Parakaleo Ministry team for the CP wives, among others. Thank you for your prayers for safe travels and open hearts for God to speak to us while we were gone. Finally, we want to tell you that several prayers were answered just in the last few weeks. One major one was that our house sold. We haven’t signed the dotted line yet, but everything from inspections to appraisals has gone good. The closing date is supposed to be in the next few days, which some of you may not have gotten this letter until after the deal is done. Due to this we have to move quickly. Since the offer/acceptance was made on the house, we looked diligently for a place to rent while we are in transition. I never thought this task would be so hard. To say that decent rental property in Abbeville is not available is an understatement. However, God was steadfast in answering prayer at just the right time and in a testimony of His most sovereign way. We were able to obtain a rental property that more than meets our need. It will be a great “headquarters” as we pray for the Lord’s leading to the specific location of His church plant and begin raising the funds needed for the new work. I know a lot of you ask: Where are you going? When will you actually start? Those are great questions that we don’t know the answer to yet. All we know is that we are to do assessment next which will be in April. Also, we know that when God is ready to reveal  the time and place it will be in His perfect sovereignty. Our ministry verse continues to be Hebrews 11:8. However, this month we are focusing on 2 Timothy 2:1-2, As for you, my son, be strong through the grace that is ours in union with Christ Jesus. Take the teachings that you heard me proclaim in the presence of many witnesses, and entrust them to reliable people, who will be able to teach others also. Our prayer is that wherever the Lord sends us, we will be a witness and be able to teach others, who will be able to teach others, who will be able to teach others, on and on. Thank you for your love and prayers as we look forward to the mission of our Lord!