Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year

I love the story of Ruth.   I relate to it.  She lost her husband when she was young.  She clung to what she knew for that 1^st season; then found herself in a new year of gleaning in the fields, spreading her wings, drawing her eyes upward where she found her Boaz.  They fought for each other. They had to redefine some thinking. There had to be some letting go of old traditions, old friends, old habits to make room for the new season God had for them. 

Esther lost her parents as a child.  She clung to what she knew through Uncle Mordecai until taken to the Palace by the King’s men.  There Esther still ate of the fruit her uncle had taught her while she learned the attributes of a Queen and eventually caught his eye.  She saved a nation, but she had to fight for it.  She had to let go of what was comfortable, trusting in God that He had the better plan.

This has been a tough 9 years for me.  My husband of 19 years passed away and I moved through a season of grief sticking close to friends and family.  But, like Ruth, I began to reach out beyond the pain, knowing God had a design on my life.  I got more involved, I studied the Word, I traveled and one day, he stood before me.   Roy.  My Boaz.   A global ministry is being created, but it has come with a cost and we had to fight for it.  We left behind long time friends, jobs, home and family to follow the road God has placed before us.  It’s wonderful, we love it, but it was difficult.  And change will come again, but this time we are ready.  

The other day as I was pondering where and what the Lord would lead us through this year, He took me to Isaiah 37:30.  In the Amplified Bible it reads, “and (now Hezekiah, says the Lord) this shall the sign (of these things) to you: you shall eat this year what grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs from the same.  And in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.” He gently reminded me that our lives are seasonal and we must watch what we take into the new period with us as we shall eat of it for the first year and continue eating in the same vein the second year.  He showed me where I had carried some issues from many years ago into season after season of my life that were like chains on my arms and legs stopping me from moving forward in certain matters.  I’m so thankful for a Father who is patient and willing to allow us to be ready for such a breakthrough.  As I prayed, I could feel the chains drop off one by one clanking on the floor beneath my knees.  Freedom is such a wonderful experience. 

As missionaries you plant, uproot & plant again.  You are called to bring a people to the saving knowledge of Christ and in that you learn their culture, their language and teach them easier and more convenient living possibilities.  But it comes with a price.  You have to fight for it.   Some of you have had your children on foreign ground and they have learned 2 ways of life, 2 languages and schools.  Some of you fight for visas, vehicles and a place to lay your head all the while clinging to the fact that God has your back. 

As you jump into the year 2012, be mindful of what you take with you.  Leave behind old baggage, negative comments, unbelief, worry, stress and be encouraged.  Take with you the fruit that has developed and the joy that comes of it.  Be excited, be thrilled!   This year “you will sow and reap and plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them”.   “Raise your eyes and observe the fields and see how they are already white for harvesting.” (John 4:35)  You have planted, it’s been watered, and all the while God was making it grow and become greater.  (1Cor 3:6)

Roy & I pray God’s protection and infinite wisdom over you this coming year; that you will hear and heed His voice succinctly, and be covered by His unending grace.  We pray provision, abundant love and favor over the family and your ministry, and hope.  Hope in the One who cares about every hair on your head and has your future drawn out before you like a never-ending meadow. 

We thank Him in advance for providing each and every blessing you ask for,

We love you.

The Heart Of Discipleship - Catherine Brown

Please enjoy the following article, extracted from “Love Your Neighbor – Transforming Your Community”, written by Catherine Brown, GGM Founder/Director & Co-Founder, Scottish Apostolic Networking Enterprise.   This is available as a free downloadable resource to all our GGM partners who have registered on line at www.gatekeepers.org.uk.  Please take time to visit Catherine’s website and read about her incredible ministry, Gatekeepers Global Ministries.



THE HEART OF DISCIPLESHIP
 “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
 Ephesians 4:22-24


We might describe discipleship as the process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ, with all the spiritual discipline and benefits which this brings. The purpose of discipleship is to become Christ-like, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.“ Ephesians 4:22-24 Discipleship involves commitment, learning, laying down our lives and loving God and others with a whole heart.


GOALS OF DISCIPLESHIP
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very ends of the age.” Matthew 29:18-20
 -     towards self – to become like Christ
-     towards others – servant hood
-     towards the world – fulfilling the Great Commission & the two great commandments


Jesus commissioned the apostles to go and make disciples of all nations - in other words to reproduce what Jesus had created in them.  We, the New Testament church, are entrusted with the same task of fulfilling the Great Commission until the return of Christ. We are to engage in discipleship on a personal level and to model discipleship to raise others up as disciples.


A CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF DISCIPLESHIP- THE PRESENCE OF THE MASTER
 As we go we are to carry the fragrance and presence of Jesus to the nations.  Jesus said, “I am with you always.” It is not in our own strength we go, or with any desire to spread our fame or reputation.  Our being sent out is to testify to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that many more may come into a living relationship with God. His presence changes everything and touches the lives of ordinary people, transforming them with the power of His love. Discipleship is about togetherness with God and flows from intimacy with Him.


HOW ARE WE CALLED AS DISCIPLES?
 God called the people of Israel into eternal covenant with Him through Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17) and commanded them to obey His law (Exodus 20). Abraham was commended as a man of faith and stands as a type of patriarchal father.  Apostle Paul teaches us that all Abraham’s offspring i.e. those who are heirs by faith whether Jewish or Gentile, shall inherit the promise of eternal life in Christ. “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring – not only those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham.  He is the father of us all.” Romans 4:16 


In Christ, God initiated a new covenant by way of the Cross that fulfilled the law and moved mankind into an end-time dispensation of Grace. (Hebrews 9:15)  Jesus came in the role of Davidic Messiah to reconcile Jew and Gentile to God and to each other, making peace through His blood shed on the cross in an act of divine reconciliation, calling the church to be “one new man” in Him. Jesus is the ALREADY new man and in Him all believers are called to be in unity with one another and with God (see Ephesians 2).


Through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, we, the gentile church, are in-grafted to the olive branch that is the Jewish people (Romans 11). The Bible teaches us that the Gospel is first for the Jew (Romans 1:16).  Apostle Paul states that the hearts of the Jewish people have been hardened only for a time, so that the Gentiles might receive the gospel.  “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead.” (Romans 11:15)  The prophets of the Old Testament instruct us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6)) and to the watchmen of nations the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob commands that we should “give him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise of the earth”.(Isaiah 62:7). As we seek to make disciples of all nations, may we ever remember to pray for the salvation of the Jewish people to experience a revelation of Christ as Messiah. 


It is important to realize that in the light of the New Covenant, all people regardless of their ethnic origin (Jews and gentiles alike) can only receive salvation by grace through faith alone and that through the shed blood of Messiah. 


Discipleship begins when we enter into covenant relationship with God.  Jesus took the initiative and called twelve men to be His disciples with the words “follow me”. Jesus later designated these men as apostles.  Jesus is still calling people into relational discipleship with Him today. The nature of discipleship centers round a lifestyle of obedience and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. It is both a privilege and a joyous and costly walk of grace through which we enter by covenant relationship with God in Christ.


His call to us is a brand new beginning and means losing our old life and finding new life in the family of God through obeying the will of the Father. Calling constitutes the heart of the Biblical concept of covenant manifested in the promise,
 “I will be their God and they will be my people.”


HOW DO WE LEARN ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP?
 We learn from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit what it means to be a dedicated follower of Jesus.  (John 14:26)
• We learn from Christ. The Lord Jesus said, “learn from me” Matthew 11:29
• We learn from the Father “…everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to me.” John 6:45 
• We learn from the Holy Spirit, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 
• Scriptures teach us of God’s ways, “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” Psalm 119:105
• Other believers also help us to become Christ-like. Paul spoke to the believers at Philippi, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace be with you.” Philippians 4:9
• Apostle Paul was a father in the faith to Timothy, Titus and a number of others.  As a spiritual father he prayed for them, mentored them and encouraged them daily to walk in obedience to Christ.


THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
 Response to the call of discipleship involves recognition and belief in Jesus’ identity, it includes obedience to His summons’ as well as counting the cost of full allegiance to Him.  The cost of discipleship involves being willing to suffer and die for Jesus Christ’s sake (Matthew 10:38-39, 16:24-25).


The Twelve were called to leave family, profession, property and to daily deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Christ. This was part of their preparatory training for the future roles they would hold as pillars in the New Testament church. Other disciples such as Joseph of Aramathea and Nicodemus were not required to give up their jobs.


Discipleship requires us to lay down our self-interests and desires as we make a total commitment to the will of God; for some this will even be to the point of death by martyrdom. Self-denial is about living for God rather than living for oneself.  God is looking for total surrender from His disciples and to place Christ as a first priority in our lives. Discipleship is a continual, ongoing process of learning with and from the Master.


 HOW DID JESUS TRAIN HIS DISCIPLES?
 “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every sickness and disease.” Matthew 10:1 


Jesus taught His disciples many things.  He educated them by:
• His exemplary lifestyle of obedience & discipline to His Father’s perfect will
• Love
• Servant hood and humility
• His prayer life
• His worshipful devotion to God
• His honor of the Holy Spirit
• His character, integrity and virtue
• Revelation/prophetic utterance
• Demonstration of ministry – equipping and empowering
• Designation in ministry – authorizing and appointing
• Impartation for ministry – anointing
• Compassion
• Equality
• Discipline and correction when required


Jesus taught by instructing His disciples how to do ministry.  “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions …” Matthew 10:5
“After Jesus finished instructing his 12 disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.” Matthew 11:1


Jesus gave His disciples orders.  “When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake” Matthew 8:18


Jesus gave His disciples Commands.  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35


JESUS TAUGHT BY PARABLES
Jesus also taught by using parabolic language and then offering His disciples understanding of what He had shared. Jesus permitted His disciples to ask questions and then gave them a more in-depth explanation of His teaching. (Matthew13:16, 36, 15:15)




WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF DISCIPLESHIP?
Joy, peace and happiness flow from our relationship with Jesus and our choice to follow Him.  We are filled with hope in our faith expectation to be made like Him and to be with Him in heaven.  The Holy Spirit transforms and conforms us to God’s image as we walk as disciples.


Blessings result from being an obedient disciple.  “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28


Joy is a fruit of discipleship.  “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:10-11


Peace is an outflow of discipleship. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27


True happiness results from discipleship because happiness flows from doing God’s will.  “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.” Psalm 119:1-2


Discipleship is a blessing.  Matthew 5:3-12


Disciples are abundantly recompensed in this life and with eternal life.  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.” Mark 10:29-30


Disciples are blessed by being united with Jesus Christ in the family of God.
“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50 (see also verses 46-49)


Disciples have the hope of being like Jesus Christ and being with Him in heaven.  “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”  1 John 3:2

Portable Film Equipment (Renew Outreach)

Don Foster is extremely interested in promoting the use of the Jesus Film in every dark place on earth.  "So, please ask questions and refer me and/or this system to everyone” Don’s contact information is jesusloverdon@gmail.com or you can friend him on face book.  At the time of this blog he is traveling into Bunia in the DR Congo.  After years of prayer and planning, he and his partner Edwin are prepared to present the gospel in 20 languages.  Here, they will focus on the few of the Mbuti (Pygmies) and work to prepare to translate God's Story into the Efelese language. Please join us in prayer for them.  Below is information he is sharing about the projector equipment best suited for specific travel needs through Renew Outreach.  

http://renewoutreach.com/vistaacclaimer.html
http://renewoutreach.com/vistaacclaimer.html


Don recommends choosing one of these three packages and adding or deleting items as needed.


If you are lands based and already have energy or solar panels and can transport a screen and other items it is recommended the large Jesus Film Equipment Screen.


Don's system is engineered and specially made to be lightweight, portable and carried on a motorcycle.  Here is exactly what he has:

•       Optoma PK301 Projector: This is the key in his system
•       Solar Panel :
•       Carrying bag: You do not need this
•       Solar panel to battery cable:
•       Battery: This is a great battery!
•       Battery:  You only NEED one.  But two is far better.
•       Renew Amp: This is the second most important thing. It does not have a DVD  player like the one pictured.  It is new and not yet shown on the web site.
•       Power Adapter:
•       Projector power cable:
•       Audio cable:
•       Battery to Amp cable:
•       Wired Mic:  This is a very good quality mic.
•       Mic Cable:
•       Solar LED flashlight:  This is a very good light
•       Horn speaker kit (with bag and cable):  This is much louder than the marine speaker pictured on the web site.
•       Horn speaker kit (with bag and cable):  You need two of course.
•       iHome speaker:  You do not need this but it is great to use with the PK301 projector in a room.
•       PK301 battery:  You do not need this extra battery if you get the battery above because this extra little battery only shows on economy mode.  The bigger batteries cause the projector to play in bright mode.


If you will transport in a vehicle, Don recommends:


It is a screen with metal (lightweight aluminum is best) poles.  If you want to go that way you may need to research it further or contact Don.  If you do not get that, Don recommends this:


It is a Super-Portable Projector Screen; Lightweight screen for video presentations


- Compact and easy to set up
- 90" screens available
- Folds down to compact carrying size
- Easy set up and take down
- Highly reflective material
- Two sided-viewing
- Includes setup-hardware and carrying case

We hope this is helpful!