GospelRest

Thanks for praying for the West Africa CPI Conference, June 19-22. I heard news that things were off to a rocky start, lost luggage and that kind of thing. So, like you, I prayed that God would work mightily. I got this report from Steve Smith BGC Missionary in Ivory Coast that brought some people with and took part in the conference.

Let me say that God showed up. I wish you could have seen the impact the conference had on all who attended. I believe the African leaders were truly and deeply touched in their spirits by the Lord. The times of worship were wonderful and there seemed to be a beginning of understanding of the gospel in the hearts of many. Time will tell, but ask your supporters to pray for these leaders as they return home that God will renew them and raise them up for such a time as this in the history of West Africa.

Over 225 leaders from 13 countries and 15 denominations gathered for the first West Africa Church Planting Institute from June 19-22 in Accra Ghana.  Dr. Steve Childers and others conducted the training under the leadership of Nathaniel Adawonu and his leadership team.  This CPI Conference is a direct descendant of Japan CPI. For more information click here.

Thoughts Along the Way©

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:16-17

             While sitting in church, I noticed a father with his 18 month old baby girl. He held her, walked her and played with her so she was happy and his wife had a chance to rest and listen to the message. It was easy to tell that it was not just for his wife but that he Read the rest of this entry »

Thoughts Along the Way©

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart

            And my portion forever. Psalm 73:21-25

             Growing up in rural Iowa, I would go to the county fair one day each summer. This was a big day as I enjoyed all of the activity – the 4-H booth where I sometimes had Read the rest of this entry »

The last CPI Regional Equipping Seminar held throughout 2006 and into this spring was held last week.  John conducted some training on Clarifying your Ministry Core Values.  Another seminar was on Personal and Church-based Evangelism.  Over this period, CPI has had eight regional seminars, in 5 regions of Japan, covering 9 different training topics, equipping 132 missionaries and 105 Japanese (44% of the total). This does not include the over 100 who were involved in CPI endorsed seminars.  After the Japan CPI National Conference in November more regional equipping seminars and regional church planting networks are planned for early 2008 and beyond.  For more information on CPI ministries, click here.

These things I ran across during some reading.  Caused me to think… how about you?

“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…and they’re always glad you came.”   From Cheers TV Sitcom opening song

“The neighborhood bar is possibly the best counterfeit there is to the fellowship Christ wants to give His Church. It’s an imitation, dispensing liquor instead of grace, escape rather than reality, but it is a permissive, accepting, and inclusive fellowship. It is unshockable. It is democratic. You can tell people secrets, and they usually don’t tell others or even want to. The bar flourishes not because most people are alcoholics, but because God has put into the human heart the desire to know and be known, to love and be loved”  And so many seek a counterfeit at the price of a few beers.

Christ wants his church to be unshockable, democratic, permissive - a fellowship where people can come in and say, “I’m sunk!” “I’m beat!” “I’ve had it!” Alcoholics Anonymous has this quality.  Our churches too often miss it.”  (Bruce Larson and Keith Miller, The Edge of Adventure. Waco, Tex: Word, 1974, p. 156ff).

Thoughts Along the Way

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:20

            I was at McDonalds the other day (yes, I am sane and healthy) having a quick lunch and watching a young couple at a nearby table. They had a table in a relatively quiet corner but that was the extent of any romantic interlude. He was on his cell phone and Read the rest of this entry »

In Nov 2005, the 3rd edition of Operation Japan was printed to mobilize prayer intercession for the nation of Japan. This is a publication of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) and co-edited by former BGC missionary Don Wright. This is a comprehensive prayer guide that will help you to understand and effectively pray for the people of Japan. For more info click here.