What's the Vision?

Every believer sharing...every person in North America hearing the Gospel by 2020!

Now that's vision!

But how? How do we share the Gospel with those in our midst that don't share a common language or culture? I look at that kind of vision and am overwhelmed by the task before us.

Jesus has shown us the way though. Time and again, He met people at their point of need, demonstrating His love and compassion, then teaching spiritual truth.

Our international neighbors have needs also. On the surface we look and we see plainly a need to learn English. But as we dig deeper we'll find needs not all that different from our own...the need for friendship, love, acceptance, and purpose in life. The need for forgiveness...the need for a Savior. So as we set out to teach a language that needs learning, we're going to find so many opportunities to share the one that is able to fulfill all their needs.

My vision for Wisconsin? Every believer sharing, every person hearing the Gospel regardless of background, culture, or language group by the year 2020. It's big. It's God-sized. It will only happen by God's grace and by His people doing their part. For His glory!

God, You said...ask and I'll give the nations to you...
oh Lord, that's the cry of our hearts!

One million strong...and growing!

Are there really one million words in the English language? According to Global Language Monitor, the millionth English word was added this morning. Link to Article

I'm with the group's critics that say its impossible to count the number of words in our language, and personally wouldn't consider some of their 'words' in an official count. But there are some points to this and I find it an encouragement to those of us that teach the language. For starters, can we recognize that English is a difficult language to learn? I didn't realize just how difficult until I started teaching it...so let's give our students some credit for taking on a BIG challenge!

Now for those points:

1. According to this article, English has more words than any other language in the world. Chinese comes in 2nd place with approximately 450,000 words.

2. English is a growing language - rather than translating words from other languages, we tend to take on those new words, making ours a very rich and diverse, but also challenging language to learn.

Right now I'm thinking of the little boy that I'll be tutoring later today...the one who can't read. Afterwards, I'll be teaching a group of internationals how to speak English. Remembering the challenge they face gives me just a little more compassion as I begin my day. Lord, help me to teach in a way they can understand! Help them to see that it is You at work!

What is Ministry Evangelism?

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Jackson, MS, was a visit to Crestwood New Life Church. About eight years ago (my timeline is probably off by a year or two), Pastor Johnny Rayford and his wife moved into this building that had too long stood empty in the midst of a community that needs to know Jesus. They have worked hard, and others have come alongside to restore this building...not to have a glamorous church building, but to have a place where God's people can meet the needs of the people in the community, from the children up.

If you've ever wondered what ministry evangelism looks like in action, this is it! After school care provides the kids a safe place to go, a nutritious meal to eat, and help with their homework. Summer camps provide great care and teach kids about Jesus. A food pantry and clothing locker provide for the most basic of needs. And that is really just the tip of the iceberg.

The visit here, listening to Pastor Johnny share about how God is at work, and having the opportunity to pray over the pastor and his wife, impacted me greatly. Among other things, God has opened my eyes to the possibilities of ministry evangelism.

He's also gotten me thinking, how can I help? The renovation on the building is not done. Work has only just begun on the third floor of the building. A new roof is needed and the parking lot is in desperate need of repair. As I pray about doors to open for a missions trip to Jackson, I can also share here how God is at work there. Take a look at this video. Praise God for all of those that have worked hard to make the center what it is. Praise Him for the kids' lives that are being changed. And pray for God's provision for the work that is left to be done, not just on the building but in reaching the community for Jesus Christ!