Lena and I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and pr@yers. The Father has been doing some great things in our lives. Last month I had the opportunity to fly to Spain to spend some time with a brother and a sister in the L0rd. It was a wonderful time of iron sharpening iron. During this trip, the Father spoke to me and encouraged me. The timing of this privilege was perfect considering we are beginning a new work. We now have the proper confidence and motivation that is required to tackle our task with determination. I am so thankful to our Father for this time of encouragement.
Since we moved in February, I have been trying to discern what it is the L0rd wants us to focus on. We have been working on a strategy that would be beneficial to the fellowships that are trying to reach diaspora peoples. We are convinced that an “oikos” strategy is the best way of pursuing our goal of become catalysts for Kingdom growth. “Oikos” is the Greek word for household. An “oikos” strategy suggests that the most natural conduit for the g0spel are networks of families and friends. These networks are tapped through small groups. These groups function by loving one another, by worshipping the Father, by listening to the Father (through his word), and by reaching out. Each member of the group is encouraged and held accountable to reach out to his own “oikos.” These groups focus on increasing through the concept of multiplication. We are looking to use this oikos strategy within local fellowships. These organic groups would meet and minister through the week. On Sundays, all these groups come together for a joint w0rship meeting. I have been talking to various p@stors in and around our city to see if there is any interest in such an approach. I have found two p@stors who are super excited about it and want to start soon. One of these men also runs a television production. His programs are seen all around the world. He is connected to several people throughout Europe who are living in the midst of diaspora populations. I hope to start meeting with these people to see what the Father is doing in their lives and what I can do to help and support them.
We also began attending a Saturday meeting at one of our local fellowships. Our hearts have been blessed by what we have seen. This group begins at 9 pm. The group itself is made up of about 35 South Asian people. Out of the 35, only 10 would claim to follow J. They start the meeting by studying through a story about J. All the teaching is in the local South Asian language. After the teaching they transition into a time of w0rship. The w0rship time is incredible. It is simple yet powerful. It is clear that those in attendance are being deeply moved by the Spirit. The meeting is concluded with intense pr@ying. They usually finish around 3 am.
There is a volunteer team coming from the States in July to help us with some work. They are being tasked to enter the community and find people who are open to spiritual matters and content. We are looking to find 2-3 solid prospects through their work. The Father does not need a large army to effect change. Great things can happen through small victories.
Pr@yer Requests:
That the L0rd would allow us to become fruitful through these small groups. May the Father do a great work that would bring honor to His name.
That our partnerships with local p@stors would strengthen. That we would encourage them. That we would be used as instruments of grace in their fellowships and communities. Also pray that we could continue to find new partners who are ready and willing to be used by our Father.
We have a volunteer team coming in a few weeks. Pray that the L0rd would use them in a mighty way.
Pray that our children would continue to grow and become strong. We are looking at the possibility of moving to South Asia for a few months. There are some pending heath concerns to take into consideration before we commit. We are trusting that over the course of the next year that our children will out grow some of these health concerns.
Since we moved in February, I have been trying to discern what it is the L0rd wants us to focus on. We have been working on a strategy that would be beneficial to the fellowships that are trying to reach diaspora peoples. We are convinced that an “oikos” strategy is the best way of pursuing our goal of become catalysts for Kingdom growth. “Oikos” is the Greek word for household. An “oikos” strategy suggests that the most natural conduit for the g0spel are networks of families and friends. These networks are tapped through small groups. These groups function by loving one another, by worshipping the Father, by listening to the Father (through his word), and by reaching out. Each member of the group is encouraged and held accountable to reach out to his own “oikos.” These groups focus on increasing through the concept of multiplication. We are looking to use this oikos strategy within local fellowships. These organic groups would meet and minister through the week. On Sundays, all these groups come together for a joint w0rship meeting. I have been talking to various p@stors in and around our city to see if there is any interest in such an approach. I have found two p@stors who are super excited about it and want to start soon. One of these men also runs a television production. His programs are seen all around the world. He is connected to several people throughout Europe who are living in the midst of diaspora populations. I hope to start meeting with these people to see what the Father is doing in their lives and what I can do to help and support them.
We also began attending a Saturday meeting at one of our local fellowships. Our hearts have been blessed by what we have seen. This group begins at 9 pm. The group itself is made up of about 35 South Asian people. Out of the 35, only 10 would claim to follow J. They start the meeting by studying through a story about J. All the teaching is in the local South Asian language. After the teaching they transition into a time of w0rship. The w0rship time is incredible. It is simple yet powerful. It is clear that those in attendance are being deeply moved by the Spirit. The meeting is concluded with intense pr@ying. They usually finish around 3 am.
There is a volunteer team coming from the States in July to help us with some work. They are being tasked to enter the community and find people who are open to spiritual matters and content. We are looking to find 2-3 solid prospects through their work. The Father does not need a large army to effect change. Great things can happen through small victories.
Pr@yer Requests:
That the L0rd would allow us to become fruitful through these small groups. May the Father do a great work that would bring honor to His name.
That our partnerships with local p@stors would strengthen. That we would encourage them. That we would be used as instruments of grace in their fellowships and communities. Also pray that we could continue to find new partners who are ready and willing to be used by our Father.
We have a volunteer team coming in a few weeks. Pray that the L0rd would use them in a mighty way.
Pray that our children would continue to grow and become strong. We are looking at the possibility of moving to South Asia for a few months. There are some pending heath concerns to take into consideration before we commit. We are trusting that over the course of the next year that our children will out grow some of these health concerns.
