Outreach
So much has been accomplished in the last few months through your prayers, encouragement and financial support. While I personally have not been able to travel as much as I am used to, we have worked hard to keep RLI resources engaged in the battle for redemptive leaders here at home and around the world. Read on for more information about God’s work through us…
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Russia / Puerto Rico / Middle East Country / Marriage Conferences / Closer to Home / What’s Next?
Russia
God is so gracious to meet with us in Russia. Not only is He with us in the teaching sessions, but His presence is felt in all of our activities. Our worship times are outstanding, allowing God to speak to our students about their futures as well as their pasts.
>> October Update:
As I prepare for my next training mission in the Black Soil Region of Russia, we have had the joy of hosting Russian Leaders here in Jacksonville for discussions about the next strategic plan for finishing our work in the Black Soil Region. This winter we will have a second delegation from the area here for further discussion. Your support allows us to sponsor and host them when they are here.
Puerto Rico
Our ministry in Puerto Rico is helping establish a new training program for Church leaders. After the hurricane devastated the island, we are now looking at a more long-term commitment that involves both training and more immediate needs such as rebuilding church buildings and basic needs in the community.
>> October Update:
This strategic island in the Caribbean Basin was devastated by hurricanes just a few months ago. RLI, along with Eastside Community Church, has agreed to support the work of the church there by providing teams for rebuilding homes and churches that were devastated, training for church leaders, and outreach teams for evangelism and discipleship in the communities. Through your support, we have helped provide financial resources for teams of trainers to go. I will be going there soon to help with the training of leaders. This is a long-term commitment on our part because of the greatness of the need and the strategic nature of this island for the rest of the Caribbean region.
Middle East Country
Very quietly, behind the scenes, God has allowed us to be involved in a tremendous work He is doing in the refugee camps of a war torn Middle East Country. As you know, this is perhaps the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. While nations and terrorist organizations battle for control of this region, an amazing thing is happening in the refugee camps: many refugees are coming to Christ! Through your prayers and generosity, we have been able to provide food, medical supplies and Christian materials for a pastor and his doctor son who have chosen to stay in their beloved country rather than leave. Twice we have been able to partner financially with other western churches and organizations to help meet these overwhelming needs.
Is this the face of a terrorist? It could be....if we as Christians aren’t willing to intervene in his horrific circumstances with the love and presence of Jesus Christ. Someone will interpret his circumstances for him....will it be a follower of Christ...or someone else?”
Boy in the ambulance: shocking image emerges of a child pulled from rubble. Boy shown covered head to toe with dust was injured in airstrike on rebel-held district on Wednesday. Read the report by Ellie Hunt with “The Guardian” here. Warning: this article contains images that readers may find distressing.
Marriage Conferences
RLI has been involved providing marriage conferences for pastors and their wives, a much-needed respite for them in the daily battle of ministry.
Closer to Home
We continue our work in the Jacksonville Community both through RLI and Eastside Community Church. With the blessing of this wonderful church I am able to travel eight weeks out of the year to accomplish the training objectives for leaders around the world. While I am here at home, I am continuing my ministry of counseling and encouragement of local pastors, especially those in the minority and immigrant communities. This past April we helped provide a counseling seminar hosted at the church, and one of the real highlights of the year, in July, Allison and I traveled with the youth of our church to Kansas City to join almost 5000 teenagers from around the nation for a week of discipleship and leadership training! It was an amazing time of investing in so many future leaders!
What’s Next?
We are currently evaluating specific invitations to do pastoral training in the countries of Ethiopia, Peru and Chile. Please pray with us that God would make it clear where He wants to go!