Growing pains

Thursday, September 11, was my second week working in Sebewaing. I am continuing to work on the process of getting some people into groups to begin the process of creating Disciples who create Disciples.

I have to admit that this week did not go quite as well as last week in some respects. On my first stop as I was explaining why I was going to be in Sebewaing on Thursdays, the lady told me that her pastor's wife had commented on the Missionary Church's efforts in the area. (This was based on the letter that I had sent to churches back in June telling them we were going to be trying to create a Disciple making movement.) The comments were not positive and reflected a fear that we were out to steal people from their churches for a new church plant. I heard that same sentiment in a couple of other conversations. It is obvious that there is a lot of work to do in creating unity and casting the vision of a disciple making movement.

My second appointment of the day was more promising. I am trying to create a group of men who can meet during the day to begin a discipling process. I have my first yes and have appointments next Thursday (Sept 18) to talk to two others with the plans to start that group on September 25. I also have a commitment from another man to begin a group when the soccer season ends.

Because of a counseling situation I did not get to the school today, but did meet with the person who I will be working with there. And she was going to help get a clearer picture of what we will do there. Next week we will clarify some of that.

In my other meetings of the day I got some interest, but no commitments. I spent some time hanging out reading in the local McDonalds and simply shared what I would be doing also with several people who just stopped in. God has laid it on my heart that I need to spend some time each week simply walking around Sebewaing and praying. So beginning next week I will include that in my daily work there.

This was a difficult week for me because of some things going on in my ministry at New Life. I ended up investing a lot of time in a situation that is not going well, and to tell you the truth I went into my visits this week a little beat up. I need to learn that God is in charge and control and there comes a time I need to let go. I praise God because in my studying on Friday He reminded me of that; and so, once again, I am feeling a little more optimistic. Praise God for that.


Praises for the week:
God's grace and mercy in my own life!
That some people are beginning to commit to disciple making groups!

Prayer concerns for the week:
For the appointments I have this week to share the vision of Disciple making
For church leadership to be open
For a couple of other people who have been asked to offer some leadership to the project that God will give them clarity as they consider His call ( I am hoping to get a group of 5 to go to the Disciple making seminar with me in Port Huron November 7 and 8. I have three presently committed.)
Pray that God would not allow this spirit of fear of losing people from a local church that I have run into to grow, but instead that there will be a spirit of unity
Please pray for me. Also that I will not be burdened with the lies of Satan telling me that any time something fails it is my fault.

Your Servant in Christ,
Brian



Prayer concerns for September