Discipleship Team - Adventures In Missions -

Oneness With Christ

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and co- heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:17

As I sit to write, I wonder what can be said that will effectively tell my story. And then I think, I am not needing to tell my story but rather I am needing to tell His story. It is one that is so often forgotten in our busy lives today. Who has time?

The King had time. No, not Elvis. Jesus. He could have had all that the world had to offer. He could have lived in the biggest house, been named the richest, eaten the best food, ruled all of the nations. He instead grew up the son of a vagabond carpenter. He himself was a bit of a vagabond, running around with an uneducated crew who fell far short in their role as supporting cast. He was mocked, beaten, run out of town. People called Him a glutton and a drunkard. He hung with the outcasts, the untouchables, the disgraced, the sinners, the persecuted. In the end, He died the cruelest death possible, beaten within an inch of His life, and then hung naked on a cross in front of His own mother. Humiliated.

Why tell that story again? It is so clich. Why, because that should be my story! Jesus didn't deserve any of that. But, I do. He deserved the best of everything and yet He chose a life of sacrifice. I deserve the worst and yet I've been taught my whole life that I should strive for the very best that life has to offer. It's the American way. Regrettably, it has too often become the church's way as well. But it is not Christ's way.

Being one with Christ is a call to the poor, the orphans, the widows, the prisoners, the outcast, the broken, the sick. It is a call to a life lived in opposition to the mainstream. We can not serve two masters. Does our life look like that of Christ? It is not hard to make the comparison. What does our checkbook say? What does our house say? What does our lifestyle say? What does our day-timer say? What does our heart say? What would God say?

What does it mean to be Christ-like? The Gospels tell that story. I want that to be my story. Is that as preposterous as it sounds? Yes in my own strength. But when I read the Bible, I know that that is who God has called the Christian to be. Like it or not, it is, unavoidably, to be my story. He said for me to pick up my cross. He said I would be persecuted. He said that whatever I do unto the least of these I have done unto Him. He said I cannot serve two masters.

Maybe that is why He says the road is narrow that leads to life and that few find it. The masses of humanity are not on the narrow path. A whole country is not on the narrow path. Mainstream Americano is not on the narrow path. It takes a wide path for the mainstream to walk down and that road leads to destruction.

Christ carved out the narrow path.

Now, for the rest of the story. Christ arose on the third day and went to sit at the right hand of God. That is the oneness with Christ that I long to have. That is the final destination of the narrow path. That is oneness with Christ to be heirs of God! To share in His suffering that we may share in His glory.

Surprised by God...

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"If you,then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"-Matthew 6:11

You ever have those times where God reaches down and hugs you. It's as if you say out loud, "God loves ME, God loves me." This morning I was thinking about God as my Father and if He could give His son, the most precious thing to Him, why would He withold something simple like money for Africa. He delights in giving to His children when they seek, knock, and ask. We as a team are seeking, knocking, and asking...

I am in GA this week for training and we decided to go to church on Sun. I called up one of my friends who lives in GA and asked her to meet me there. During the sermon the pastor talked about God calling people to give $1000 toward missions and that it would be a sacrifice but they would never miss that money. My friend leans over with tears in her eyes and says your team was heavy on my heart and God told me to write $1000 check this morning. What the pastor said was confirmation and it blessed her to hear God's voice and sow into His kingdom.

It blessed me that God spoke to me earlier that HE delights in giving and He used her in a tangible way to say "I know your need even before you ask."

He orchestrated me coming to GA this week, calling my friend, hearing that sermon, and receiving from Him. HE cares about the details of our lives and loves me enough to delight in giving to me- when I ask for bread He will not give a stone.

Malaysian feast

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Our discipleship team is at Seth Barnes house for training camp preparing us for Swaziland. This week is full of things unexpected. We have a few people coming along side of Seth to help with training camp.

Yesterday we woke up not knowing what the day would look like. Kevin, Sarah, Tim and Erin had much up their sleeves. We were all very nervous but the day was absolutely amazing. They took us to Penang Malaysian Restaurant to experience the Asian culture.

Afterwards they took us to a Farmer's Market culture where food labels and people were all foreign. Our discipleship team was split up into 3 teams and had to find someone to ask for recipes from their culture and prepare a three course meal. Each team either had to prepare a meal from land, sky, or sea. Erin, Sarah and I had land.

Erin spotted an Asian lady who took the food we had in our hands and said "that is no good" and gave us a wonderful recipe for appetizer and our main dish. Our main dish was wonderful vegetarian spring rolls and a unique soup called "Yuki Kuki" for our appetizer. We told the lady we met that we were in a contest and we needed her help, we felt like we really bonded with her, so we took a picture with her.

Later I showed Heather our picture and She said those were the people that said "no help". We had loyal help. We all rushed back home to prepare our meals. It was so much fun! Especially for me, a Mississippi girl who has barely even prepared macaroni and cheese, and now was preparing a meal for 14 people from the Asian culture. It was so wonderful to come together in community and to share our meal. Oh and not to boast too much, I must say that our team was voted the best main dish, however everyone did wonderful!

I believe our team really is meshed so wonderfully together. It is obvious that God is knitting our team together with this own hand. We can change straight from American culture into total different surroundings within minutes and flow perfectly together. I give God all the glory for this team he has blessed me with!

Life and Death

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

What a wonderful Maker, what a wonderful Savior,

How majestic your whisper, how humble your love,

With a strength like no other and the heart of a Father,

What a wonderful God.

Amazing love

I'm forgiven, you're forsaken;

I'm accepted, you're condemned;

I'm alive because you died.

While these two songs were being sung this morning during our team's prayer and worship time, I was overwhelmed by the thought that the God who was in heaven, the majestic one, the creator, the perfector came here to earth to be forsaken, condemned, and crucified so that I might be forgiven, accepted and alive. But that was not all

What God revealed to me this morning is that as I am one with Christ, I too am called to the same forsakenness, condemnation and death. Why? That others might receive forgiveness, acceptance and life. It is that my life is no longer about me. Rather, my life is about others. It is that I must die to the things of this world that others might live in Christ. No more worrying about me, because my destination is set. It is now my calling, our calling, as Christ followers to sacrifice our lives that others might see God in us. That others might have eternal life; that others might come to know the amazing love of the Father.

What Is Required?

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Lately our team has been talking a lot about faith and what it means to rely on God for daily manna. You see, we're in Brevard waiting on the anointing to go forth into the place where God has called us. Imagine all that goes into planning for a week long vacation and then imagine the planning that goes into moving your family and team across the ocean for two years. Actually for me, it doesn't require more than a couple hours planning for me to go on vacation and I figure a change of clothes is sufficient to make the trip to Swaziland, but you get the idea. In my mind, there is plenty to be done ahead of leaving but what does God require? Best I can figure, He requires one thing. Faith.

So that leads to a little story about Monday morning prayer time. Seems we'd gotten onto the subject again about when we were leaving for Swaziland and what it would really take for us to be able to leave. Normal questions of finances and logistics arose. Questions we didn't have a lot of answers to, but none the less, they come up every day and we beat them around for awhile, toying with the idea of what it would be like to be on the ground in Swaziland. My familiar response was something like, "If I had the tickets, I'd leave tomorrow."

Monday morning, Anne asked me if I really mean it when I said, "I'd leave tomorrow, if I had the tickets." I thought for a minute and after a bit of wrangling around, said I was definitely ready to go. There would be a few logistical things to take care of but nothing that I felt couldn't be taken care of quickly. The team continued to chew on the question for a while longer and there was a strong consensus that we weren't going to have everything we wanted before we left. Rather it was going to be another step of faith for us to leave and depend on God's faithfulness to provide after we hit the ground. We left the discussion for later, as it would inevitably come up again.

Fast forward an hour and I'm walking through the church hallway. Pastor Todd asked me into his office. He is a really big guy so it was somewhat intimidating to have him call me into his office. (Todd, do you like how I described you?) Anyway, he sat across from me and told me the church had decided they were going to buy us roundtrip tickets to Swaziland the whole team! I was so shocked I think I didn't even respond with much enthusiasm. That question came back to me, "If you had the tickets, would you go tomorrow?"

God has a funny way of seeing if we mean what we say. And faith is a fun place to experiment. Since faith is the hope of things not seen, it is always a surprise when God presents that thing we'd hoped for but couldn't envision. Romans 12 talks about God giving each person a measure of faith. As I read it, faith is like the talents, if you use it wisely, God will give you another measure greater than the last. Another measure of faith, another big surprise.

The wheels are in motion. We're preparing to leave ASAP. It's a step of faith, but when I think about it, God holds the universe in the palm of his hand, so it's not like a big gamble. It's more like that excitement one gets waiting to open that gigantic birthday present sitting in the corner. I don't know what's in it, but I'm excited because I know my Father, so I know it's good.

My God, My Boy, My Faith

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Since God gave us Swaziland, we've had folks ask us a lot of questions. Where is that? Why Swaziland? Aren't you scared? Won't you miss your family? Are those people friendly?

But, my favorite, though most baffling, question is this, "What are you going to do with your son while you are gone?" Kinda like asking, "Who's gonna feed your dog while you're out of town?" Folks genuinely think we are going to leave him behind for a couple of years while we go away. Others question the perceived insanity of taking a child to a place like Swaziland, with all the AIDS, malaria, third world living conditions, etc. The questions are asked with concern and love, so I believe they deserve a genuine response. Here goes.

About two years ago at this very same time in the fall of the year, Erin was pregnant with Colt. I was in town working while she was away in Gainesville, GA visiting her mother. I received a phone call from her early one morning saying she was having problems with the pregnancy and was going to the hospital. Every bit of breath was sucked out of my life and my heart physically broke, as I literally felt a crushing pain in my chest, heaving to get a breath into my lungs. I hurt like I had never hurt before, cried like I had never cried before and prayed like I had never prayed before.

Erin's Mom, Bill (yes, Bill is my Mother-in-law), called me a little while later to report that the ER doctor had run a preliminary test and indeed Erin was having a miscarriage. The crushing pain became excruciating, beyond anything I had ever known before. I had an overwhelming feeling that this child was not lost, but that God was going to save this child. It was a sense that the doctors were wrong, but worse than that, I felt in my soul that the doctors were going to unintentionally kill the child by trying to speed up the process. I called everyone to start praying.

An hour later, a specialist was called in to give a second opinion. Bill called me on the phone with the news. The specialist confirmed what the first doctor had said. Erin was having a miscarriage and it was in its final stages. I can not explain the torment that I felt in that moment. At this time, I knew with all my heart that God was going to save my unborn child. I could not let the doctors do anything to "help speed up the process." I was initially told I could not speak to Erin. That was soon remedied in a not so quiet manner. Erin came on the phone and I asked that she promise me that she would not let the doctors do anything to her, no shots, no medications, no 'procedures.' God was going to save our child. Weeping uncontrollably, we agreed that Erin would wait it out in the hospital until the doctors could do the final analysis, a sonogram.

The next hour was the longest in my life. The pain was unbearable to the point that I thought I was going to implode from the constricting of my chest muscles. My whole body was hurting from both the emotional and physical strain of the prior hours of crying out to God. The next call would be life or death.

The phone rang. Bill was on the other line.

The machines showed a healthy baby with a very strong heartbeat my boy was alive! My God was alive! My faith was alive!

Yes, it was a miracle and God gets all the glory. Erin and I know that God saved Colt for a very special purpose. He is ours for a time; to raise, to love, to encourage, to point him to his Father. But just as Samuel was given back to God, we too know that Colt is God's child. Therefore he will go where we go, wherever God calls us as a family. We are under God's protection, and as much as I love my son, God loves him more, for it is God who knit him in the womb.

A guy, five girls and a baby

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Interesting combination we have one guy, 5 girls and a baby. Not exactly what I envisioned for the Discipleship Team. We're also heading to Swaziland, Africa. Not exactly the destination I had in mind. There are dozens more things I had in my head that either haven't materialized, or they have materialized in a way that would only appear normal to the moderately hallucinatory individual.

As you read through the previous paragraph, you can see that "I" am not in control of this vision. Took me a while to come to this realization. Why? Well, I took the vision God gave me, and, much like the fancy customized cars we see cruising the highways today, I simply added a few aftermarket parts to it so it would look just like I wanted it to look. I wanted people to know it was mine, one of a kind; it had to raised a little here, lowered a bit there, supercharged, repainted, and, just to make sure everyone knew it was mine, I put a personalized tag on it.

My guess is that God laughed really hard when He saw it fully customized. In fact, He was probably rolling down the golden streets of Heaven when it arrived as a gift from me back to Him. Yes, I told myself I was pleasing God by receiving His vision as a gift, personalizing it to my specifications, rewrapping it in fancy paper, putting a big bow on it, and giving it back to Him.

God is so good. He simply stripped it down and gave it back to me. Now I am just letting Him add the modifications. Reality is, He already knows what the final thing looks like. He loves me so much He's letting me ride around in it while He just makes it better and better. More people are hopping in too. Some just want to take a spin around the block. That's cool. We love showing off God's ride.

But back to the thing about the one guy, 5 girls and a baby in Swaziland. It is not what I envisioned it is more than I could have ever envisioned. God gave me a huge family with whom I share my meals and my life with. He is also sending me on a great adventure across the sea I love adventure. God is so good. Thank you Lord for allowing me to come along for the ride!

God is good...

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"If we ask for bread He will not give us a stone." We are asking for the nation of Swaziland, to go and be the hands and feet of Christ. He is the Father to the Fatherless and has burned in us a passion to share His love to the "fatherless." Many people would argue that it isn't the American Dream or very successful path to take, but it is God's dream that He has placed inside each of us; following God can only lead to the abundant life He promised.

We are now just waiting and learning to be still before God. It is easy to get caught up in focusing on the future and miss out on enjoying God now. He is always at work among us, it is our prayer that we tune our hearts to God and join Him in the things He is doing in our daily lives and the lives around us. I was just reminded today that He takes care of the sparrows and knows when one falls to the ground... He knows our every need even before we ask. He is a "Daddy" who delights in taking care of His children; in return we can cast all our cares, desires, needs, expectations on Him because He cares for us. We prayerfully continue to press on towards the goal: Jesus.

It is our prayer that we do not take one step ahead of God. He is the leader of our team and we wait with expectancy on Him. His timing is perfect, now He is preparing us for the next step. We continue to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding but acknoweldge Him and He will direct our steps (Prov 3:5-6). It is daily walking by faith and not sight, it isn't comfortable, but or comfort is in Him- our creator, sustainer, protector, provider, and all sufficient one.

God is moving

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Our Team is coming together

Tim left for Africa on a vision trip, He is visiting the area we will be staying, Meeting with the missionaries who are all ready there and trying to get a feel for what our ministries will be, who we will partner with and shooting footage so we can see.

Meanwhile the girls are trying to get into the normal routine of living together, and ministering to each other as well as those around. It has been awesome to see one of our visions is already taking place. We all desire to have an "open door policy" where missionaries who are burned out, and just need to be refreshed, can come and stay with us.

They can be in fellowship when they choose, and they can be alone when they choose. We are already implementing this on the team. We have a girl living with us for a month,

We have also had people just passing through for a few nights. Community living is wonderful. The fellowship you have with those you live with far exceeds the fellowship we get once a week at church or bible study. God has been good. Pray for wisdom and guidance for Tim, protection while he is away and a vision of what is to come for the team once we arrive in Africa. We are all excited to see what God is unfolding.

It's Swaziland!

Sat, 16 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

It's Swaziland!

Eight months have passed since the vision for the Disciple Team was first released. So much has happened and throughout it all we have been praying for God to reveal to us where He would want us. Many places have been offered. Many opportunities, but never any one place that we could pinpoint as being from God.

It was often tempting to go with the flesh, especially when you are offered places that have amazing potential and you are tired of waiting on God. We were blessed to be offered partnerships from Colorado Springs to Wyoming, New Mexico to North Carolina, New Zealand to Africa.

We prayed for desperation and we got it. Eight months of being stripped. Nothing seemed to be coming together. We talked about quitting. We lost hope. We got angry and frustrated. But I felt God telling me that we had to show up to the starting line. And there He would meet us. He did. Fact is, He had been with us all along. He just wanted to prepare us for what He had to say. He wanted to know if we were really serious. Were we ready to step out in faith with nothing to rely on except Him?

And in His timing, He gave us Swaziland. We waited eight months. Abraham waited over twenty years for his promised son. God is faithful.

The question is, "Are we willing to lay it all down ahead of time and wait on God?"

No Hope

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. - John 11:33

Yesterday the staff set up a large, dirt-floored tent where they created a street of No Hope". Once inside the darkened tent, the smell of rotten trash, sweat and urine fill the scorching hot room, overwhelming the senses. The heavy-metal music blares at a fevered pitch. The screams coming at you from all sides. Your eyes can barely adjust to the darkness. Pandemonium ensues. Tripping over a wretched, filthy soul crying on the ground in front you, you see a girl casually smoking a joint and the smell of reefer fills your nostrils. You feel someone pulling at your pants legs. Screaming for help, the battered woman is looking into your eyes as her husband beats her mercilessly, grabbing her hair, dragging her back into the drunken rage that has given him reason to unleash this evil. You get pushed from all sides. Out of the corner of your eye you now notice the hooker. She beckons you to draw near, but someone close is wailing so loud that you must look. There in the midst of the filth she is drawn up into a ball. A tortured soul crying out to no one and yet to everyone. A few feet away another homeless tramp. She is disgusting. Nasty torn clothes, she reeks of urine, her hair is crusty, her eyes blackened. No time for this one. She is too real. You've seen her kind before on the streets and just turned away. You easily do it again. But yet another figure is there before you, preparing to commit suicide. Lonely and desperate she is crying, her hands grasping the pills that can take her out of this misery. You reach down to touch her. The blaring music, the stench, the screams, it's too much. You're shoved again.

You are outside the tent. But you are now the tortured one. What just happened? Why do you want to go back in? What do you have to offer? Why are the tears rolling down your face? You have heard or seen all it before, but it never touched you like this. Could it be real? Is this the hopelessness that we pass everyday? Should we cry for them? Do I really want to feel their pain? Do I really want to share their pain?

Jesus does. His spirit is moved. He is troubled. Are you?

What should we expect?

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins his ministry and teachings by explaining what is to be expected of His followers.

Rejoice in persecution,
            You are salt and light,
                        Jesus is the fulfillment of the law,
                                    Obey the law,
                                               Teach the law,
                                                            Be reconciled to your brother,
                                                                        Sinful thought is equal to the sinful action,
                                                                                    Divorce is unacceptable,
                                                                                                Let your yes' be yes',
                                                                                                            Let your no' be no',

Do not swear,
        Do not resist an evil person,
                        Turn the other cheek,
                                    Give more than is asked of you,
                                                Love your neighbor,
                                                            Love your enemies,
                                                                        Bless those who curse you,
                                                                                    Pray for those that persecute you,

Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

This is the New Covenant. It is understood that righteousness is no longer of our doing, but righteousness, nonetheless, is still the requirement. Only through living in the fullness of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us is this ever possible. We must die to self and then we can rejoice in the fullness of the Spirit. Rejoice!

Repent and Rest

Fri, 8 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Just got back from a training session on the 'bounded set' versus the 'centered set'. The wording may be a bit confusing but here's the bottom line. The Christian has a few choices about the life we live. Two common Christian lifestyles are rebellion and legalism.

The rebellious Christian decides at some point that God is not who they thought He was, so they set out to find a better way, one better suited to their own life, their own set of rules, they own goals, their own morality, their own desires. The prodigal son was that rebel. He had it all but he wanted more. There had to be a better way. More fun, more parties, more purpose, more love, more money, less conflict, less rules, less conviction, less work, less responsibility. The flesh cannot be satisfied and at some point there is the realization that the Father is the only One sufficient to fulfill our needs. And we run home to the loving arms of the Father.

The legalistic Christian may best be represented by the prodigal's brother. He has stayed home with the father but he does not know his identity in the family. He believes that he is deserving because of the work that he has done. He feels cheated when the father rewards the prodigal. The father must remind him that there is room for many in the family and as a son, he has rights to all that the father owns. The prodigal's legalistic brother needs to rest in the knowledge that his inheritance is secure.

The most fulfilling choice for the Christian life is the one of repentance and rest. Repentance releases us from the condemnation of sin and frees us to rest in the love of our Father. Having been set free from the sin and legalism that bind us, we can live the empowered life, resting securely in our inheritance as a child of the King, the one and only Creator God!

Repent and rest.

(picture: http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Links/link2us.html )

Why go?

Thu, 7 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Today we began training with 150 individuals from around the country, ranging in age from 18-40. Some have been in the mission field before, for others this will be their first experience with sacrificial living. That translates into cold showers, no showers, bad food, little food, no food, language barriers, lice, dirt latrines, sweat, no personal cars, no jewelry, no hair dryers, no privacy, late nights, early mornings, no money, no sleeping in late, cramped quarters, shared space, smelly clothes, muddy shoes, submission, no turning back, no complaining, dying to self, putting others first, washing someone's stinky feet... being Christ to others.

Why do people do this? Why leave the comfort? Why commit to this life when we apparently have it made? What are we looking for that we don't have?

Jesus. We experience His power in the midst of our pain and despair. We become dependent. We find ourselves insufficient to meet our own needs. We need God to supply the living water in the midst of our spiritual thirsting. God wants the glory. Why should God show up when we are sufficient in ourselves? What glory does God get when I can do something in my own strength? When I am weak, God is strong. We don't experience the supernatural power of God until we put ourselves in a situation that requires the supernatural power of God.

Discipleship versus Evangelism

Wed, 6 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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." (Matthew 28: 19-20)

Evangelism brings people to a life saving knowledge of Jesus Christ while discipleship brings people to a life changing knowledge of Jesus Christ. Each Disciple Team member is asked to commit to two years of radical discipleship and ministry training that will provide them with the foundational knowledge, training, experience, accountability and encouragement necessary to live a Holy Spirit empowered life.

Just as Jesus called the apostles, knowing that they would one day be His witnesses to the end of the earth', He did not call them and immediately send them out. He hung out with them daily. He took them in, ate with them, lodged with them, walked with them, taught them, ministered with them, loved them, disciplined them, encouraged them discipled them. Three years He poured into them that they would be prepared to go out and establish the church after the His death and resurrection.

Christ's model of discipleship is the same one used by other rabbis in His day. The model is one that provides the individual the viability to live the Great Commission. As one of Billy Graham's biographer's wrote, "the true object of evangelism, in the context of the Great Commission, is discipleship." Again, evangelism brings people to a life saving knowledge of Jesus Christ while discipleship brings people to a life changing knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Stepping Out...

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As I travel to the nations, I realize that my heart breaks more and more for America. My last trip to India consisted of 14 college age girls, who, for many of them said it was the first time they were "discipled." Many of them had carried past sins with them and for the first time were set free from the guilt and condemnation that came with them. I saw them begin to see who they were in Christ and believe truth instead of lies. My passion is for the church (here) to embrace accountability and discipleship; for His children to walk in freedom so they can live the abundant life they are called to. How can we go and preach the good news when we haven't believed the good news for ourselves. He is calling us to a life of freedom so that we may go and set the prisoners free. The youth of today are waiting to see someone live out the abundant life- walk in freedom- to say Jesus is the answer and you don't have to do it alone. It is simple, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Who are your neighbors?

I am ready to love, for His love to pour out through me, I can love, b/c He first loved me. Discipleship is the process where we love and become intimate with God. The world is searching for answers, wondering if there is something more to this life. I can hear the voice of the world screaming "I'll believe it when I see it." Discipleship is a call to model a life that belongs to the Father and showing others (over time) how to live the abundant life we are called to. God has burdended me with a passion to fulfill the great commission by going and making disciples. I am ready, willing, and longing to "go" and invest in the lives of the hurting ones, lonley ones, abandon ones, doubting ones, etc. What am I waiting for, nothing- I have heard the call and I have answerd it- with a big Yes Lord, "Here I am Send Me."

The discipleship team is designed for a body of believers to pour out their lives as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God. (Romans 12). Jesus is the answer to the biblical model of discipleship. Jesus took the disciples in, he ate with them, lodged with them, walked with them, taught them, ministered with them, loved them, encouraged them, and discipled them. I want my life and my home to be an "open-door policy" ready to serve, to love, to pour out into the lives of others. Jesus is calling His children to intimacy with Him; I am answering that call as I walk with Him and fulfill the great commission. Evangelism brings people to a life saving knowledge of Jesus Christ while discipleship brings people to a life changing knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Now is the time to make disciples of all nations...

Sneek Preview into the Discipleship Team

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This discipleship program involves real-world ministry, daily living with those around us. God's call on our lives isn't just to learn about His heart for the hurting and lost. It's to go! We will be going into the cities, villages, schools, hospitals all sorts of places where people are needy for relationship, for healing, for hope, for abundance, for God.

We will be involved in local ministries such as leading worship in local churches, doing sports outreach in neighborhoods, or investing real love in the life of a child through Kids clubs, teen outreach centers, Discipleship with the youth, Centers for Battered women & Children, Nursing home ministry. Everyone has come with their own God given talents and will be using those within the team as well as in the community!

Each participant will be intensely discipled, both one-on-one and in a group setting. The emphasis will be on daily surrender and releasing anything that may keep you from close communion with God. We will be mentored by Tim or Erin Drew; they are committed to helping each member mature in their personal faith journey. As we are being discipled, we will also be discipling others. We believe that discipleship combined with practical application produces a life that is sold out to serve Jesus. There will also be Group discipleship this will focus on growing as a community of believers and learning from one another's lives as Christ conforms us into His image! We will be living on a base with a small group of like believers. We will be working together in the States as well as over seas. We plan on being in the community long term but also traveling to other countries for a few weeks each semester. "Koinonea" means partnership, commitment, communion and fellowship between believers. Most American Christians have never experienced this. In such an individualistic society, in such a cleaned-up, dressed-up, once-a-week church, we never really let the walls down, let others see us for who we are and see them the same.

It is a scary thing to open your heart and allow others to see you as you truly are. We have been taught from early childhood to hide our face behind a mask and pretend that we have it all together. We grow so much when we allow the mask to come off, we can see each other for who we are, and who we are in Christ. This is vital to relationships today, in a community setting we see the good, the bad, and the ugly. God's call on our lives isn't just to learn about His heart for the hurting and lost It's to go, It's to follow Him to all sorts of places where people are longing for relationship, for healing, for hope, for abundance, for God.

It's not "safe" or comfortable, but then, neither was Jesus .

Would you please consider supporting us in this ministry, you would be a partner with me in Building the Kingdom and discipling those who have decided to follow Him. Please pray about how you can be a part of this. Partners are a vital role in furthering the Kingdom.

For More Information Please Contact: Tim @ timdrew@adventures.org

We are the Body...

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

One of the many problems facing the body of Christ in America today is that we are no longer one, but rather a tragically severed body trying to live out our existence as individuals parts. As Christ's life blood ceases to flow between the severed members, we become disconnected, dysfunctional and powerless. George Barna points out in a recent poll, "...few adults (18%) firmly embraced the idea that spiritual maturity requires involvement in a community of faith." It is the same societal defect which proposes that the family can be lived out just as effectively with one parent as with two. What God has joined together let man not separate. The same goes for the body of Christ. "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." (Romans 12:4-5)

Our answer to the problem is for the body to go back to the Biblical model of the early church whereby members were completely sold out to the Lord, both physically and spiritually, continuing daily with one accord. They were living, eating, praying, studying, and worshipping together in one accord. The early church was modeled on Jesus' life for He chose His twelve and then for three years He lived out His life with them. The purpose was a lifestyle of daily experiential preparation for the apostles that they might, upon the death of Christ, go forth into all the nations. The future of the early church rested upon their shoulders. Jesus purposed it that way. The Discipleship Team is likewise purposed to raise up a generation to go forth in power to all the nations. The future of today's church rests upon those (you, me and anyone else) willing to answer the call, lay down our lives, and live in complete obedience to God.

Jesus did it; it is worth duplicating.