In the Meantime

How Good and Pleasant

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" -  Psalm 133:1

Much is happening in Mid Valley and our churches are gearing up for some dynamic outreach opportunities, but there is a poignant moment I'd like to share. It illustrates how we are all together in the work to which God has called us and how we support and influence one another.

Florante Torres came to our city some years ago with a desire to get serious about following Jesus. He opened his home to Bible study and gathered a community of Filipino people. He began to grow and get training in mission and ministry. Many people in Fresno churches spoke into Florante's life and added value to his ministry.

Gradually, God placed a vision on his heart to use his family's property in the Philippines as a church. It had once been such. He moved to Clovis Hills Community Church and they adopted the project. Mission trips followed. Pastoral leadership was trained. A building was built and a school was started. But there was more that God had in mind. God had His hand upon Florante to become a pastor.

God was calling Flortante and Myrna Torres to go. They surrendered to do so and Myrna gave up a very secure position as a nursing supervisor to do so. They recently returned from about 6 months on the field and began planning their return for another extended period. The problem was, and I mean the ONLY problem was -- No Money.

So, Florante did what a man of faith does.  He made the reservations with no money and God provided the money. He told us that story this past Tuesday at our Pastor's Breakfast and allowed us the privilege of uniting with him in prayer for God to work powerfully through him as he soon returns to the Philippines to proclaim the gospel.

What a time of unity. Unity comes as we share in God's purpose and come together seeking Him to accomplish what he desires. It is very good and it is very pleasant.

Partnership

I like to watch a television show called, "The Shark Tank" sometimes.  A panel of multi-millionaire investors sits to hear entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and ask for specific dollar amount investments to fund their dreams. In return, they offer various percentages of ownership in their companies.

Then, the negotiations begin.

Sometimes the "sharks" opt out entirely believing that they either will not get an adequate return on their investment or that they have no expertise or interest to bring to the table. Sometimes they make counter offers. Usually they do. Sometimes they outbid each others. Sometimes they form coalitions amongst themselves to offer competitive bids.

When an offer is made, it is up to the entrepreneur to accept or reject the offer from the potential partners.

Usually, part of the bottom line is something more than how much the "shark" is willing to invest and for how much interest in the company. It is the underlying question, "Do I want to be in partnership with this investor?"

It is a good question for churches and associations. We are in partnership together on a common mission. There is give and take and give and give and give. Money is only a small part of the investment. When we enter an associational partnership, we are giving of ourselves, our energies, and our reputations to associate together on a mission that is larger than our own special interests. We are partnering together on God's mission in the world.

In Philippians 1:5, Paul expressed joy in his prayers for the Philippian believers "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

In Philemon 1:6, he prayed, "... that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ."

In verse 24, he referred to "Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers."

Then in I Corinthians, we get the big picture that, "... we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."

We indeed have a partnership with each other, but our real partnership is the one we share together with God. The mission and the work is His and He believes there is enough of a potential return on His investment in us to invest everything to save us call us into His service.

How can we do less than invest our all in Him and invest ourselves in each other?

Christian Women's and Men's Job Corp - Event and New Class

Call 647-2203 for more information. Tickets are $10. Tabkes of 8 are $75.
Facebook Event Page

Church Planting Movements

At our October 13 annual meeting of the Mid Valley Southern Baptist Association, we will have 4-5 break-out groups on a variety of topics. One of those topics will be "Church Planting Movements." The specific focus will be on how God is expanding His work around the world through the rapid mutiplication of churches. One of the tools for this multiplication is a simple process call "T4T" or "Training for Trainers," developed by Ying Kai in China.

1. T4T Introduction from T4T Online on Vimeo.

 

The process is so basic and duplicatable that anyone can use it ... and that is the point. Through a simple bible study, people are brought to Christ, discipled, and equipped to plant new churches in a very short time.

Some time back, Rick Warren interviewed Ying Kai:

This is very exciting material and we are testing it with a new church plant right now in Fresno/Clovis. I look forward to sharing more about this movement of God as time goes on.

 Thirteen video TRAINING HERE

 More information HERE