This Week's Praise List!

As I was spending time with God today, a few thoughts flooded my mind in the form of a list of things to praise God for in the last week or so. To accomplish Psalm 103:2, I thought I'd share some of these thoughts with you.

Things I'm excited about:

• We had a guest at our gathering last Thursday night. I "just happened" to run into a young lady I knew from our church in Macedonia (where we moved to Columbus from) at Panera Bread one day. I knew I recognized her from somewhere and finally went up and confirmed that we knew each other. I told her what we were doing and invited her to join us some Thursday evening. Last week she did! I think she enjoyed our time of fun and Bible discussion around the Christmas story and said she would be back! Praise God!
• This Sunday, while we're in PA for Christmas with my family, I've been invited to share about our ministry in my dad's Adult Bible Fellowship class and briefly in the worship service at New Beginnings Grace Brethren Church (Myerstown, PA). We praise God for NBGBC and their becoming a sponsor of ClearView in 2008!
  
• A few weeks ago a reporter from one of our community newspapers called me for an interview. She found out about ClearView from our church being introduced as a new member of New Albany's Chamber of Commerce (we joined in November for networking and advertising opportunities). We had a great discussion, and hopefully a story will be forthcoming. As MasterCard would say... FREE publicity is PRICELESS. Please pray that many people read this story and that God leads us to teammates or spiritually searching people we can love.
• After much fundraising work, God has already brought in promises for almost one third of our need for 2008 (we've received promises for over $22,000 compared to the $75,000 we need to raise). This is exciting because our appeals to individuals (which should be our most fruitful source) are going out in December. Please pray that God continues to reveal how He has already planned to provide the resources we need to accomplish the calling He has placed on our lives.
• A major focus for next year will be securing ministry teams from other churches that will come and help us make contacts and serve our community on a broader scale. We've received several unsolicited inquiries already from youth pastors and other ministry leaders looking for places to bring groups for ministry experience. It is exciting to think what God could do in our community if we are able to network many different teams together to love people in Jesus' name and get the word out about ClearView in 2008. Please pray that these details will come together and that God will do much in northeastern Franklin County through these teams. Interested? If your youth group or small group or ABF is looking for a Saturday, or weekend, or week-long, or life-long (smile!) ministry experience next year...I'd love to talk with you (614.578.0676).
• God has opened up a door for a meeting with 3 leaders from a key church in our area. In January, I will meet with these leaders to discuss avenues for partnership between our two works. This could be a huge boost to our work if this key church would help us in some needed areas. I'm excited about this possibility and praying that what God is and will do in ClearView could be a blessing to this good church as well.
• I have a meeting scheduled next week with the executive director of a beautiful facility near us. This site could be an ideal location to begin meeting on Sunday mornings. It has meeting rooms that would fit a growing group and an ideal setting for kids. Pray that God leads us to the RIGHT location, at the RIGHT price, and gives us wisdom on when and how to transfer our group gatherings to a weekend worship experience.

That's what is rattling around in my brain today. Praise God for His movement. Please keep praying with us. I am REALLY excited to see what God is going to do in 2008.

See Year In Review Video!

We developed a short video slideshow to share God's work in 2007. Hope you check it out (if you haven't seen it already). Enjoy!

We've Come Full Circle

Last week we had some beautiful snow here in the Columbus area.  While Seth and I were out shoveling and throwing snow balls at each other, I was reminded of the last time it snowed here.  That day, we happened to be moving in (mid February).  I was scared to death of our new location, our new work, and didn't know a soul.  I remember loneliness and fear pervading my heart.

Now... its not that there are no challenges... they are great.  But, I feel excited about where we are... we know so many people...we feel at home in our neighborhood...God has provided many friends and great teammates...and God has moved our ministry along in significant ways.  Praise God!

So... as the snow came... so did warmth in my heart-- with excitement for our work, thankfulness for God's work, and anticipation of what is to come.  Where will we be when the first snow flies next year?  Only God knows...but I'm glad to be along for the ride!  Thanks for taking this journey with us through prayer!

Now THAT's Serving!

Sunday several of our ClearView team members volunteered to assist the New Albany Chamber of Commerce with their annual "Holiday Happenings" festivities. Two of us (both men, mind you!) "manned" a craft-table (previously run by girl-scouts!) :) and helped children assemble various crafts.

Later, 75 or so people huddled around a half-doused fire in a cold drizzle as the community choir pounded out some "holiday" songs. Our role was to hand out candles (protected from the harsh wind by a decorative plastic cup- see picture left) to participants. I was encouraged as ClearView's name was mentioned several times as a supporting organization. I also enjoyed meeting and talking with New Albany's mayor in a cold downpour. We made several positive contacts with community members.

Yet, I was even more encouraged by one of the families on our team, the Whinnerys. At the conclusion of the event, everyone scattered due to a rare December thunderstorm. It was cold and pouring rain. Those that were left to clean up? The Chamber President and her husband, myself, and the Whinnerys. I was so blessed to see Dan and Erin and their children cheerfully and willingly do whatever it took to help these city officials- even when it meant slogging through rain to take down chairs and tables. I was very proud to be with a church that already is penetrating our community. We want to love people to a clear view of Jesus... that has to start with serving. Even when it means getting wet!

Please Pray for Trish and Silas

Trish had a biopsy done on a nodule on her thyroid today.  We'd appreciate your prayer as she experiences discomfort from this procedure and as we await results.

Also, Silas has endured another bout with some sort of something that causes him to vomit frequently.  He's had a cough for 4-5 weeks now, but for the last 4 days or so... coughing often leads to not being able to keep food or water down... especially at night.  Please pray that his body would fight off this bug and that God would prevent any sort of dehydration.

Thanks!

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Grim!

It was my privilege on Saturday (12/1) to marry two of our teammates- Gary and Mesarat. What a great day! The ceremony went well, we had a great time at the reception, and several good contacts were made. I was especially thankful to God that the Gospel was clearly communicated during the ceremony, that there were over 100 guests (many unchurched) present, and that our fellow team members served sacrificially to accomplish many details. I was deeply impacted as I saw the potential Gary and Mesarat have for Kingdom impact among their friends. They are well-liked and know many people. People are attracted to them. And, while mixing with and talking to these friends and family members, I saw much evidence that Gary and Mesarat are actively telling their loved ones about ClearView and inviting people to join us. I was very encouraged!

Please pray:

• For Gary and Mesarat as they begin their lives together.
  
• That people from Gary and Mesarat's sphere of influence would be drawn to (a). Jesus and (b.) our team.
• That several couples I talked to about our work would join us at one of our gatherings or events.

Key Prayer Items This Weekend

We'd appreciate your specific prayers over the next few days in the following areas:

• Please pray for Trish.  Doctors have been watching some abnormalities with her thyroid and have scheduled a biopsy of a nodule on Tuesday, December 4.  Please pray for Trish as she endures this procedure and that God would protect her and our baby's health.
• I'm officiating at the wedding ceremony of two of our team members.  Gary and Mesarat (pictured) are getting married on Saturday.  They are planning on about 80 guests attending.  Many of their friends and family are unchurched.  Please pray with us that Jesus will be clearly present in the ceremony and in our words/actions and that we will capitalize on any opportunities God provides to communicate about ClearView.
• Sunday is New Albany's Christmas tree lighting festivities in the town square area.  400-500 people are expected for music, children's activities, and a candle lighting ceremony.  ClearView has been invited to facilitate one of the children's craft areas and assist with assembling and distributing the candles.  This a great opportunity to serve the community and make contacts.  Please pray that God would use this opportunity to open doors for relationship building and that teammates would emerge out of these new contacts.
• We're preparing an 800 piece mailing to new residents in our area.  Please pray that God would use these welcome letters and invitations to our gatherings to spark interest in ClearView.  Pray that teammates would emerge through these contacts.

Thanks for praying!

Giving Thanks

In my quiet time this a.m. I reflected on the many things I am thankful for.  Topping the list were my wife, my kids, my family, the distance God has brought us over the last year, what He is teaching us, and the families that have also embraced the challenge of beginning a new church with us.  As I turned to Scripture one of my favorite praise passages came to mind.  It was a joy to meditate on God's blessings from Psalm 103.  Just in case you need a great passage to check out to reflect on God's goodness...here you go.

Praise God!

Psalm 103
A psalm of David.

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
6 The Lord gives righteousness
and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

7 He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
12 He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
14 For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
15 Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
18 of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!

19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything.

20 Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will!
22 Praise the Lord, everything he has created,
everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord.

It's A Girl!

We're excited to report that the little life inside Trish appears, from all indicators (or lack there of!), to be a girl!  This will help balance out the girl/boy ratio in the Wirt household!  We're extremely thankful for our little men and looking forward to meeting the girl we've asked God for! The ultrasound showed healthy development to this point.  We're thankful and excited!  Praise God!

Pray For a Local Bank

A few days ago I learned that a local bank had been robbed this past Saturday.  Yesterday, and again this morning, I felt God prompting me to find a way to serve.

The best idea I could come up with was to take them some treats, go and introduce myself, and let the employees know they were being prayed for.  So, this morning I went to Panera, bought some fresh bagels and cream cheese, ate a few on the way (JUST KIDDING!), and dropped them off at the bank.  When I introduced myself, communicated my concern for the situation, and offered a treat...the girl taking the bag of Panera goodies was visibly impacted.

Please pray with me that a little act of kindness like this will brighten the day of the workers and that whomever was traumatized by this event would be brought peace.  Pray that these people Jesus loves would be led to see Him clearly through an act of kindness.

Caffeinated Contact Making!

God hit a home run for us yesterday!  From 5:15a.-7:30p. we had the opportunity to connect with and love (through service and smiles) hundreds of YMCA staff, poll workers, and voters as we served free (donated!) Caribou Coffee to people at Gahanna's YMCA.  All in all, we served about 4 dozen donuts to poll workers and YMCA staff and about 15 gallons or 175 cups of coffee to people.

What was most exciting was the contacts we were able to make and the conversations we were able to have.  Many people were excited about getting something of value (that they enjoy) for free.  We were also able to talk to a handful of families that communicated they are looking for a church.  I estimate we were able to give out about 20 invitations to our meetings and seed our logo and a smile in countless minds.  

Another factor that I believe will be key in the future is an emerging partnership with the YMCA for service opportunities in our community.  As we move forward in one of ClearView's key values-- to be the church (missionaries) where people are (YMCA!)-- partnerships with great community organizations like the YMCA are of inestimable value.  Malik Moore (Membership Services Director-pictured on right with our teammate, Dan Whinnery) wrote this to ClearView at the conclusion of the day:  "It was a great pleasure having you at the YMCA for Election Day.  You are a great example of what it means to be a neighbor.  Our members and visitors all seemed to really enjoy your warming spirit...Please do not hesitate to call me with any ideas you have for partnerships between the Gahanna YMCA and ClearView Church in the future!"

Please praise and thank God with us for this GREAT opportunity to love many people, begin an important relationship with the YMCA, and invite many to our gatherings.  Praise God for the good people at the YMCA and Caribou Coffee.  Pray we can be a blessing to them in Jesus' name!  Please pray that God would translate seeds planted into teammates AND people loved to a clear view of Jesus and mission.  

God Is Big...Creative...Beautiful

We enjoyed a morning this past weekend in the Hocking Hills are of Ohio.  This is just about an hour southeast of Columbus...so it worked for us to get away despite nap schedules, etc.  A rare step outside the hustle of our daily grind...this short jaunt was a welcome respite from life as usual.

We had a great time as a family and were amazed by the fall colors, God's power and creative mastery, and fresh, pine-scented, air.  The boys especially enjoyed climbing on rock formations, hiking some short trails, and playing with sticks, salamanders, and leaves.

I'm reminded again that if God can do all this...certainly He is in control of the everyday events, challenges, and victories of our lives and ministry.  There's something refreshing to the soul about worshiping God in His creation.  It reminds me of His sovereignty, power, and perfection.  And, I need that.  My soul was made to function best when a proper view of God is at the center of it.

Look At The Opportunities...Not Disappointments

Another lesson I'm learning as we move forward in our journey with God... is to look through circumstances that could be disappointing at first glance to the opportunities that God is presenting through things that don't go as we planned.

Saturday (11/3), we had invited Seth's soccer team over for an end-of-season party.  Through previous r.s.v.p.'s we were expecting about 6 families to join us for pizza, games, and fun.  Even though we were to begin at 11:30a., by 11:45a., our family was alone in our house with $50 worth of pizza.  My physical body was playing with the kids in the backyard while while my mind and spirit were wrestling with God about how to handle my disappointment about how the day seemed to be turning out.

Soon the doorbell rang and a family we really enjoy showed up (picture right).  The mom communicated how much their son (the boy on Seth's team) had been looking forward to this day.  Our two families had a wonderful time getting to know each other better, swapping kid stories, watching the OSU game, eating pizza, and playing with our kids.  It really was a pleasant afternoon.

Most importantly, Trish had a good connection with Dianna and I was able to talk with Goran about our work and how we believe the Bible to be true, Jesus to be Lord, and what it means to be a "Jesus-follower".  

We're here to plant a church.  We need to find people.  We're getting involved in the community and doing things like hosting parties to try and move our ministry forward.  It would have been easy (especially before anyone had shown up) to view the day as less than what we had hoped.  BUT, God has His own plan.  He brought out exactly who He intended.  And, to His glory, I believe we looked through the disappointing turn out to the opportunity that was there- connecting with and loving this one family.

I'm celebrating this small milestone because I believe this is an important lesson God has been trying to teach us.  To get where He wants us to go... I know we need to trust Him in everything (even when things don't work out like we planned) and be faithful in the opportunities He DOES bring.

Please pray with us that we'd learn what God wants us to learn and be found wise and faithful in whatever circumstances God brings our way.

Work Where God Is Working...

One of the challenging, faith-testing, areas of church planting is that we are dependent upon God for results.  We're doing everything we can do with the wisdom that God has given us to this point to move forward in launching a church from scratch.  But, when it comes down to it... it is God who gives success and He is the only One that can really bring results and create the momentum we need to move forward.

As I process this... I look at our work and I see God moving very dramatically in some areas and very slowly in others.  It was Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing God, that articulated well what we need to do: Discern where God is moving and then make sure you are a part of that (my paraphrase).  The faith-stretching part for me is that (quite honestly) God is not moving right now in the area of bringing us teammates.  Despite our contact making efforts and the many people that we have invited to our meeting or asked to pray about joining our team...movement has been desperately slow.  BUT, what God clearly IS doing is opening up great doors for us to serve people in our community.

I'm quite excited about this... because, after all, ClearView's mission is to love people to a clear view of Jesus and His mission.  God has opened up doors for us to serve at New Albany's Oktoberfest (10/6), brought 412 Commission to us this past week to hand out thousands of fliers, and provided a NEW OPPORTUNITY I'm very excited about: serving coffee to hundreds (and possibly a few thousand) voters this coming Tuesday at Gahanna's YMCA.  This just opened up!

An exciting story... A light finally went on in my head a few weeks ago when I was at the YMCA and I noticed it was listed as a polling location.  I approached one of the directors that I (and some of our team members) have been building a relationship with.  He said he would check with his supervisor about us providing coffee to voters.  A week later, he called saying we have the green light.  The next day, I went to a local coffee/bagel place and asked to see the manager.  On two different occasions that afternoon I waited and waited... and the guy never came out of his office.  So, I went down the street to Caribou Coffee.  The manager was at the counter and said "Hello" immediately.  So, I proceeded to ask her to donate enough coffee for hundreds of voters.  I was amazed as she quickly calculated how much we would need and offered the coffee and cups all throughout the day.  I estimate this is probably about $500 worth of coffee at retail costs!  God truly opened a door for us to partner with the YMCA and provided the resources (despite our tight budget) through this generous Caribou manager!

So, I'm learning:  go where God is working and trust Him for His perfect plan and perfect timing in the areas where He seems to be moving very slow (providing teammates).  In this case that means taking full advantage of Tuesday and all the people we will get to serve and meet AND patronizing Caribou Coffee as often as possible!  :)

Please pray with us that God will lead us to spiritually seeking people we can love and even pioneer-type people we could partner with as we serve coffee on Tuesday.  Please continue to beg God to lead us to the people He has already appointed for us to work with to begin a new church.  I do believe they are out there...we just need to find them.  Perhaps that is why God is moving slow in revealing our team...it forces us to work harder and go deeper into the community to find those we need to launch well.  That is one of the blessings I'm seeing of our situation.  It would be nice to have a team that is growing... but while we wait and beg God for provision in this area... He is opening up GREAT doors to be out among people Jesus loves- where they are.  That really is what the Church is to be any way.

So...we'll go where God is working.  That is exciting!

Halloween Provides Opportunities!

Last night Silas and I handed out candy to neighborhood children AND invitations to our gatherings to their parents while Trish took Seth around the neighborhood on "beggars night". Between Trish and I, we were able to meet many new families and continue conversations/relationships with people we have met and, in some cases, ministered to, in the past. Please pray that invitations given will fall on fertile soil and that smiles and handshakes would be remembered as kindness...and someday associated with Jesus! Thanks!

412 Makes An Impression!

We enjoyed a visit with CE National's 412 Commission (a group of college-age students on a year-long study of the Bible and real-life ministry experiences) yesterday. This group of 12 students and three leaders helped Seth and I distribute over 2,000 fliers in about 6 neighborhoods surrounding ours. Our family was impacted by these high quality, godly, trained, and excellent young people. These are students that love God and many are dreaming of and training for a lifetime of service to God. It was exciting to see their enthusiasm for our work and the all-out effort they put into getting as many fliers out as possible and praying fervently as they walked (or ran!)... even though they have long days of study, travel, and ministry work.

Please pray with us that the fliers we distributed will be like seeds that God blows to fertile soil. Obviously, many will be tossed in the trash... but we're counting on God landing a few right in the hands of spiritually searching people OR people that could be teammates. Pray for fruit! Thanks!

Items To Pray For This Week (10/29)

This could be an exciting week in many respects.  Here are some things we're asking for movement from God in... We appreciate your prayers!

• Tonight we meet with a young couple that I met at New Albany's Oktoberfest.  Pray we can be a blessing to them and that we would have skill in feeling out whether they could be potential team members.
• CE National's 412 Commission (a group of college-age students on a year-long study of the Bible and ministry experiences) is joining us for an afternoon of ministry in our community on 10/31.  We're unleashing a new door hanger targeted at finding team members.  We've ordered 1,000 copies and are hoping to get these out (and more!) in local neighborhoods.  Pray that as we canvass, these pieces will land on the doors of families God has appointed to help us launch a church.
• This Weds. evening (10/31) hundreds of trick-or-treaters will be coming to our door.  We're going to try and serve coffee or hot-chocolate to as many parents as possible and give invitations to our meeting.  Pray for some great conversations and contacts.
• On Saturday (11/3), we are hosting about 6 families from Seth's soccer team that I coached this fall for an end-of-season party.  We'll play some games and eat some pizza...but what Trish and I are most trying to accomplish is to foster deeper connections with these families.  Pray that they would see Jesus in us, that great conversations would take place, and that several would inquire about our work.  Some of these families will be getting the door hanger (above) at their home this week...perhaps that could spark some good interaction.
• I have a request out to our local YMCA for permission to serve coffee to voters as vote on 11/8 (this YMCA is a polling station).  Pray for receptivity among the Y's staff and that this might open a door for further partnership in contact making and community service ventures.
• We are continuing to send out fundraising letters...searching for churches to join us as partners.  Pray that these letters land in willing hands and that God would reveal His sources for funding our 2008 ministry year.

Thanks for praying with us!

Silas Doing Well After Surgery!

We're so thankful to God that Silas came through a procedure well on Friday to have tubes placed in his ears and have his adenoids removed. Yesterday (Friday) was a bit rough and he was (understandably) pretty fussy, etc. But, today he seems back to normal and as ornery as ever. We had planned to do some traveling this weekend... but decided to rest at home. I think this is probably best for Silas... and we've had a chance to explore some things happening in our local area and make some contacts. That's always positive. Thanks for praying!

Go Nittany Lions!

What A Great Weekend!

I am praising God and so excited about the weekend God allowed me to experience October 19-21.  I've been praying and asking God to guide me to ministry opportunities and He seemed to open the floodgates of opportunity last weekend.  I traveled to Winona Lake, IN for the following:

On Friday evening and Saturday I had the privilege of working with 6 leaders from an Indiana church.  We spent time at CE National's Philemon Center (a beautiful, retreat-like, setting) discussing where the church was at, analyzing current ministries and leadership structures, praying, and strategizing for greater missional effectiveness.  God really met us and I believe that each of us left challenged to reach more people for Jesus and make more disciples in our local contexts.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at Community of Hope Grace Brethren Church in Columbia City, IN.  This worked well since I was already in the area anyway and was a great opportunity to communicate God's Word to the wonderful church there.  I always find that when God brings an opportunity to preach, the passage He leads me to for the message is exactly what I need at that moment (and hopefully a blessing to the people as well!).  I talked about Genesis 24 and some tips on how to accomplish assignments from God through prayer, taking initiative, and praising God.  To God's glory, I think the time went well and I think God used it.

A final praise for the weekend is that Trish and the boys did great in my absence.  I'm so thankful for a wife that shares our ministry fully and makes it possible by her hard work at home (and in many other areas!)

Thanks for praying with us for our ministry.  It is on weekends like this, where I sense God's literal guidance and provision, that I know we have a great team of people praying with us!

Encouraging Phone Call!

Got a call from my friend Jason Haymaker today to inform us that our church family from Macedonia, Western Reserve Grace Brethren Church (where I worked for almost 6 years prior to moving to Columbus), will support our ministry through their missions budget for 2008.  What a blessing!  Please praise God with us.  If you've been praying (see several posts below) about our fundraising needs for 2008- Thanks!  God is working!

Major Prayer Items For This Week

We're in an important time for our ministry. It seems there are many crucial things happening right now. We'd appreciate your prayer this week for the following areas:

• The board of an organization that supports church plants is meeting this week.  One of the many items on their agenda will be to discern which church plants they will support financially in 2008.  We have provided necessary documents to apply for this assistance.  Please pray for wisdom for these leaders and for God's provision for ClearView.
• I have the privilege of traveling to Winona Lake, IN this weekend to serve as a facilitator for a "Vision Weekend" sponsored by CE National.  On Friday evening and Saturday, I will meet with the leadership team from a Grace Brethren Church.  The purpose of the time will be to walk along side these leaders as they discern a workable and specific strategy for reaching out to lost people and making disciples.  This is the first time for this exercise.  I'm very excited about it.  Please pray that God will guide us and that, ultimately, people will be loved to Jesus as this church practices the strategy they sense God leading them to.
• Perhaps the most important thing you could pray for...related to our goal of beginning a new church is this:  God is leading to a tweak in our strategy.  We've been focusing almost solely on building the foundation for a new church through reaching unchurched people for Jesus.  While this is the reason ClearView exists, and we can NEVER depart from this objective, we need to find some seasoned, pioneer-type, Christ-followers to join us on our journey and help us launch a missional church.  I'm dreaming about and trying to put on paper another arm to our current ministry--targeting believers and asking them to join our team.  Obviously, one thing that would GREATLY help us move forward in this area is establishing working partnerships with other churches that share our vision for reaching people for Christ.  Please pray for wisdom, creativity, and skill in communicating our vision.  Pray God would lead us to 75 adults to join our team by Summer 2008.  Pray for pastors/churches that would partner with us.

Thanks!

Update To Northwest Chapel

I had the privilege of giving an update to the people of our principle sponsor, Northwest Chapel, this past Sunday morning.  To God's glory, I think the time went well and people seemed to respond with interest and excitement for all that God is doing in northeastern Franklin County.

Below is the text from the manuscript I practiced in preparation for this event. I include it here for you to praise God with us for His work over the last 8 months or so.  Sometimes the day-to-day movement seems slow... but when I am forced to look at the big picture (as I was when I prepared the text of this update)...God is moving in amazing ways.  Thanks for praying with us.

The talk went something like this:

Thank you so much for your financial support of our family and church plant. Without you, the dream of ClearView would never become reality. Your leaders are mentors and encouragers to me and your financial support has helped my family make a living. I am forever indebted to Northwest Chapel and its vision to be missional and reach the world for Christ through church planting.

When I think of my journey of spiritual formation over the last year, the first thing I think of is the transformation God has done in me. I’ve been a pastor for 10 years. But, I think God had to take the pastor out of the church in order to teach him to be a missionary. We’re planting a church from scratch. When you’re a pastor with no people…you have to learn how to go out and find them.

Church planting is the most difficult thing we’ve ever done, but I feel more alive than I ever have. We have the opportunity, everyday, to start conversations with people, build relationships and look for opportunities to share Jesus’ love. To God’s glory, for the first time in my life, I know I’m doing what God made me to do.

God has also been using challenges along this journey to build faith in our hearts. In June, we began our first Bible study group with 13 in attendance. We’ve really been working hard to grow this group…praying, inviting new people…everything we can think of.

I remember the day in July when one person showed up to our meeting. Even though we had been prepared for this scenario mentally, I was so disappointed. I was thinking, “How are we going to build a church when we can only get one person to show up at a Bible study?”

That night, I spent several hours reading the Bible and crying out to God. God did something in my heart that night, and I haven’t been the same since. It’s hard to describe, because I don’t really understand it, but in those quiet, intimate moments with God, I sensed Him strengthening my heart. He confirmed our calling, assured me of His promises, His perfect plan, and timing, and of His presence with us. As I stand here this morning, and reflect back on that dark day, God used it strengthen our resolve. To God’s glory, I now feel a burning sense of confidence in my heart. I believe God is going to do improbable things miraculous ways because He wants a new church that loves people to a clear view of Jesus and His mission in northeastern Franklin County.

As I reflect on the last nine months, God has moved in amazing ways. To His glory, our journey has also included countless answers to prayer and miracles that only God could do.
• I remember the day Pastor Martin helped us move into our house. I didn’t know anyone. I felt afraid, lonely, and overwhelmed. 9 months later, those same people I was afraid of… we’ve met more than half of the people in the 191 homes in our neighborhood, hosted over 60 of them at our Neighborhood Bible Club, enjoyed 50 of them at our block party, and loved many of them in practical ways through mowing their lawn or delivering flowers at times of tragedy.

In one case, a lady we had never met was violently assaulted. With some friends, we arranged to send her flowers while she was in the hospital. A few weeks later, there was a knock at our door. That was the first time we met Mesarat. Wednesday night, I sat across from Mesarat and her fiancé, Gary, at Max and Erma’s. One topic of conversation was how excited they are about ClearView and their desire to be an important part of our team. Out of tragedy and kindness…God brought us a key couple.

In addition, God has allowed us plant our family into the soil of our community. We’ve met and are meeting hundreds of people through coaching soccer, pre-school, swimming lessons at the YMCA, and just being friendly and initiating conversations. Last Saturday, we reached a milestone…our first community-wide service project where we gave out over 750 balloons, painted hundreds of faces, and met countless new people at our ClearView booth at New Albany’s Oktoberfest. God is leading us to people and allowing us to make an impact. I wish I could tell you more amazing stories of people God has led us to. You’ll have to have us over for dinner…☺

• God is also answering prayer by leading us to our initial team members. In addition to our own, there are four families committed to our work. Considering we didn’t know anyone when we moved to the area, God has moved greatly and given us great people work with—people that are actively working to share the love and hope of Jesus with those around them.

I’m so thankful for the journey God has us on. He is teaching us about Himself as He reveals His plan for a new church step-by-step. Thank you, again, for your vital part in our work. Our journey continues…and as God leads, today, I ask you for your help.

You can help us in two important ways:
• We need prayer. Please pray with us. There is a prayer card in your bulletin with suggestions on how to pray. If you’d like to join our prayer team and receive regular updates, e-mail me at the address on the card.
• We need teammates. In a group this size, perhaps some of you live close to the northeast side of town. Maybe you know people in New Albany, Gahanna, or Westerville. Please tell them about our work. Refer them to our website. Give them my e-mail. Or, give me their name and I’ll contact them. If you would stop by our table in the Commons, I have some invite cards for our weekly meeting that you could give to them. Please help us find partners.

The Word About ClearView Is Getting Out!

I was thankful for the opportunity to sit down with Tom Avey, Fellowship Coordinator for the Fellowship Of Grace Brethren Churches, at a retreat last week. Tom asked me a few questions about how God led Trish and I into church planting and how people could pray for us.

If you'd like to take a listen, click here. This information may be familiar to most of you...but it may also help you further understand our story and context and how to pray for us. Thanks!

A Picture Of The Battle For Souls

I was moved today as I watched a video sent by a friend. I'm not one to quickly come to tears...but this video really touched my heart. It reminded me of the Scriptures that describe the very real battles going on around us all the time (see Ephesians 6:12), the need for constant prayer to maintain intimacy with Jesus and ministry effectiveness (see Ephesians 6:18-20), a heavenly crowd cheering us on as we serve Jesus (see Hebrews 12:1-2), and Jesus' desire to walk closely with us.

Take a look...could be more like reality than what you typically think of...

An Image And A Smile

We are praising God for a GREAT day Saturday at the New Albany Oktoberfest. God opened a door for us to have a booth at this event where several thousand people enjoyed almost 90 degree heat (enjoyed is a bit of a stretch for me!), great food, college football games on an enormous screen, games for children, and other vendors. This was our first ever ClearView Church festival booth...and I hope there will be many more to come. We met hundreds of people, gave out over 750 balloons, painted hundreds of faces, and were able to get hundreds of names/addresses with our free iPod Shuffle raffle. It was so cool to see the whole venue area filled with red ClearView balloons!

There were multiple God-victories to be excited about yesterday:

We accomplished our objective. Stated simply, we wanted to begin to seed ClearView in the minds of the people of New Albany and associate that image with a smile. One man even commented to me, after a great conversation, that "kindness will go a long way." Pray with us that a logo on a balloon, banner, or t-shirt will stick in people's minds and that when they see further advertising in future months, they might think, "Hey...I want to check that out...those people were great..."

God provided plenty of help. I was so thankful for our team. Each person that has been regularly attending our weekly gatherings were there with their families and all worked the whole 5-6 hours of the event. In addition to that, a couple I married earlier in the year helped for a few hours and two families from our ABF at Northwest Chapel drove over a half hour each way to work several hours painting faces and blowing up balloons. I was very concerned when we jumped into this opportunity (less than two weeks ago) that staffing our booth would be tough. But, thanks be to God, our team and friends came through BIG.

We were able to further conversations with several existing contacts, and have some good conversations with 4 or 5 families that might be interested in checking out what we're about. Pray that some team members would develop out of the conversations we had at Oktoberfest.

The most exciting thing for me was to observe our team and friends working cohesively, with great excitement for our mission. Several remarked how exciting it was to be out where people are, serving with love, and working together to make a difference for Jesus. I think serving at Oktoberfest expanded the missional horizons of our team...and we all want there to be much more community involvement and contact making to come as we build the history of ClearView together.

Thanks, God! And, thank you for praying with us for Kingdom impact to come from Oktoberfest.

Pray For 2008 Funds

Church Planting, for us, is all about trying new things in faith. Fundraising is one of those new areas. By all indications, it looks like we need to raise about $75,000 for 2008. This includes part of our salary and all of our ministry expenses for next year. I've begun praying, thinking, and seeking council on a multi-faced strategy to seek to secure needed resources. We'll approach organizations, churches, and individuals in coming months, share the vision God has given us, and ask for financial assistance. To God's glory... I have great faith in God's provision. One thing we felt God strongly saying to us at the outset of this faith journey was that He would provide the resources...we simply had to obey.

So... please pray with me... for wisdom to develop a sound strategy...boldness to ask...and that God would lead us to funds He has already appointed for His vision to be accomplished in northeastern Franklin County. Specifically, please:

• Praise God for a meeting with a godly man today. This person has been a great encouragement, prays and fasts for our ministry, and has a heart for church planting. He and his wife also made a $1,000 gift to our ministry today. Thus... the need for next year is $74,000! :)
  
• Pray that God would lead us to churches that would partner with us... I'm beginning to send letters to churches this week.
  
• Pray that God would allow us to achieve "Project Status" with Grace Brethren North American Missions. This would provide help in resource development and publications for financial solicitation. I'm sending in an application and project overview to request this support in the next few days.
  

Spiritual Movement...

I've been asking God for opportunities to share my faith. I've seen God answer this prayer in diverse ways in the last week or so...

• A week ago I followed up on a contact from a fellow Columbus GBC pastor. I called (let's call him...) Tim and we talked a bit. Long story short, he shared that he's struggling in many areas of his life. I drove about 15 minutes to pick him up and bring him back to our Thursday gathering. I think he enjoyed himself and I'm so pleased with our group/team and how they welcome new people. They really understand what it means to accept new...and even different... people. On the way home, we talked through the elements of the Gospel. Tim believes in Jesus...but also a lot of other things that even contradict John 14:6. A typical post-modern, 25 year old, Tim kind of has a synchretistic view of theology. We had a great discussion and I was thankful to be able to affirm him as a person while challenging his other-than-biblical worldview. Hopefully we'll see Tim again.
  
• A few nights ago a neighbor walked over. I've intiated conversations with (let's call him) Joe on numerous occasions. I've found him cautiously friendly but a little distant. He came over and we talked about our patio and some work related stuff. Out of the blue (to me... not to God!) he said something to the effect of, "I've been talking with a friend at work about God. He's giving me some passages to read from the Bible and I've really been making some changes in my life." As I picked myself off the floor...God gave me the opportunity to really celebrate God's work in Joe's life. We talked about the best Bible translation to pick up and I offered to talk any time. I'm going to try and follow up with Joe. Would you pray with me that God would open a door for continued relationship and confirmation of belief in Jesus?
  
• Silas and I were shopping for a raffle prize for our free raffle at the Oktoberfest (we landed on an iPod Shuffle). We're hoping to get hundreds of contacts/addresses to expand our mailing list. In the Best Buy parking lot was a "vegetable-oil powered bus" inhabited by some very friendly, young envrionmentalists that are criss-crossing the country. My little evangelist wanted to see the bus...so we want over and started a conversation. They showed us the bus and we had a pleasant conversation. After exchanging business cards, I offered to take them home and allow them to use our shower. I know this sounds foolish in our (sometimes) overly skeptical society...but I really think the Holy Spirit told me to offer hospitality. They had an appointment they needed to get to...so I couldn't carry on the conversation. As I thought back on this, I was thankful God pushed me to just be friendly and kind. I'm sure these fine young people and I would disagree on much politically...but I sure hope they saw me as a pastor who was kind and a positive representation of Jesus. Who knows...maybe they'll be back in town someday and we can have them over.
  

Please pray with me that God continues to teach me how to share His love and grace wisely and boldly. With all my heart I want to used of God to lead people Jesus and help others lead people to Jesus.

Pray for ClearView Impact at Oktoberfest

I'm so excited about tomorrow! This will be one of our first community-wide servant-evangelism type outreaches. Community Event planners are anticipating 3-4,000 people from the area will participate in this event. We're ready! God has provided almost 20 people to staff our booth (from our team and Northwest Chapel), we've purchased 1,000 balloons with new ClearView logo and website, arranged for free face painting, purchased free hand sanitizer for people to use, purchased a beautiful 3x8 banner complete with logo and website, printed 1,000 invite cards (to our weekly gatherings) to hand out, and most importantly...our team has prayed that God will use our smiles and acts of kindness as a positive testimony of Jesus and a very beginning recognition of a new church in town. (Was that the longest sentence ever!).

Please pray with us... that we'll meet hundreds of people, that God would bring people to us that are spiritually sensitive (maybe even willing to check out a new church), and that God would cement a hunger and thirst in the hearts of our team members for loving people to a clear view of Jesus and His mission.

What Do You Think?

We're close to finishing our new ClearView Church website. Check it out. Tell us what you think leave a comment below or e-mail me. My only request is that you do your best to think like an unchurched person. Is the wording clear? Is the site neatly organized (not too much stuff). Does it communicate life and movement? Is our mission clear? If you wanted to, can you discern how to get involved?

Keep checking back. I'll post a note when the site is completed. We're hoping to add some personal video components soon that explain who we are, what we're about, and several different types of Gospel presentations. Please pray with us that God will use this resource to help us find launch team members and love people to a clear view of Jesus... Thanks!

Blogging Does Have Its Benefits!

Well...you're some of the first to know. God has more things planned for 2008 than we anticipated! There is more than one way to form a launch team and find people for a new church!

We learned a few months ago that #3 is on his or her way. This little church-planter is due sometime in early April and will make for an exciting year- birthing a baby and a church in the same year, Lord willing.

We are thankful for this little blessing. Please praise God and pray with us. Some of you noted my reference in last month's prayer letter to some "health concerns" of Trish's. Please keep praying with us. We've been a bit anxious in these initial stages due to some thyroid abnormalities that doctors (Thankfully) discovered in Trish around the time of confirming pregnancy. By God's grace, she got on the right medicine just about the time we realized pregnancy, so hopefully God will allow the baby to develop normally. Trish has also had a severe cough that has made her very uncomfortable and added to the weariness of the early stages of pregnancy (not to mention the energy that two big brothers extract daily!). Now one of the medicines she is on seems to be the cause of some pain and skin irritation she is dealing with. Pray for healing and strength.

God has a plan for next year! It looks to be exciting! Please pray for wisdom, perseverance, and joy over what God is doing. Thanks for praying with us!

How Many People Is 3,000?

Sounds like a stupid question. But, have you ever noticed how MANY people 3,000 is?

One of the key values of our new church will be to find as many ways as possible as often as possible to be in the community serving and loving people where they are already gathered. To this end, my friend Mark and I volunteered at the annual New Albany Walking Classic this past Sunday. Here, Mark is pictured in front of his house. Just kidding! But, this is the typical home in New Albany! We served as course guides and cheered on 3,000 people as they walked by us! I was impacted deeply as I looked in the eyes of thousands of people just walking by. I wondered, "Does she know Jesus..." "What is troubling him?" "Does she have a church home anywhere?" "How can we reach him?".

It's amazing how much easier it is to understand Jesus' words in Matthew 9:35-38 when you're out among thousands of people. We saw three thousand people on Sunday...but there are HUNDREDS of thousands of unchurched people within just a few miles of us...and probably of you. Would you please pray with us for our community? Would you pray for yours? Pray for workers. Answer your own prayer by being one. For, "When (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion for them...and he said...'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore PRAY EARNESTLY to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest'."

Yes...Your Eyes Are Correct

If you noticed and did a double take as you scan the blog today...yes...there are three different pictures where I am wearing the exact same shirt. Looking at the blog today reminded me I need to expand my wardrobe! :)

A Busy...But Great Day!

I found myself saying this many times yesterday and thanking the Lord for good things. I drove 500 miles out to Winona Lake, IN and back, taught a class for three hours at CE National's new Russell Center (beautiful!), and then returned home via Lexington, OH (Mansfield area) for a quick interview with Pastor Dean Risser to help mobilize prayer in the North Central OH district of Grace Brethren Churches for our ministry. Obviously, it was also a busy day for Trish going solo at home with two active pre-schoolers. By God's grace, the day went pretty well for Trish at home. I praise God for safety, great students to interact with at CE, great content to teach (always good reminders for me to go over again), and opportunities to raise prayer awareness of what God is doing here in northeastern Franklin County. As I reviewed the content of the class and talked with the students about principles of healthy and balanced ministry, I was so thankful for the opportunity God has given us to build one from the ground up. What a great privilege! Thanks for praying with us!

Prayer Cards Available!

If you'd like one to remind you to pray for the Wirts and a new church in the New Albany, OH area, please let me know. If you'd like a hard-copy sent via USPS, be sure to include your address in the e-mail.

Prayer Items for Tuesday (9/17)

I'd appreciate you praying about two things tonight or tomorrow:

1. I'm making a quick trip to Winona Lake, IN to teach an afternoon course for CE National/Grace College and The National Institute For The Development Of Ministries To Youth. I've had the privilege of teaching this segment of The Institute's "Foundations Course" for the last 7 years and enjoy the GREAT opportunity of being a small part of the development of tomorrow's church leaders. I'll be teaching on Jesus' paradigm of ministry and discipleship and how to build a youth program (or church) around these key, Biblical principles. Please pray for safe travels (I go out and return the same day- about 8 hours of driving and 3 hours of teaching- to limit time away from home), connection with students, skill in teaching, and long-term Kingdom results. Please also pray that Trish and the boys would have a good day while I am gone.
   
2. Our family has been looking forward to a visit from my mom. She was due to fly in tomorrow and return to PA on Saturday. She called today saying that she wouldn't be coming out because her husband is hospitalized and most likely having his gall bladder removed on Tuesday (9/17). Please pray for Bill- he's in much pain- and that surgery would be successful and recovery quick.
   

Thanks!

Pray, Pray, Pray for "5 To Come Alive"

God is moving in our church planting ministry on many fronts. We're meeting lots of people, having good interactions with people we already know (neighbors, soccer families, etc.), ministry finances are strong, we're learning a lot about the process of beginning a church, and see God working in our lives. Yet, one of the points of (seemingly to us) slow movement is growing our spiritual formation group. There are a group of 7-9 adults that regularly attend our meetings. We have a great time together and we praise God that each of our teammates are seeking to reach those around them with Jesus' love. We thank God for these pioneers!

As you know, it has been our goal for several months now to see 5 families, in addition to our own, committed to the vision of meeting together regularly with the goal of forming a church. To realize this goal, we really need 2 more families.

In an effort to grow our group, we've changed our meeting time to better accommodate people's schedules that we are reaching out to. We're praying actively for God to move. We're inviting new people all the time. In fact, I committed to our group that I would personally contact at least 20 families. I'm about 3/4 through my list and changing/adding to it all the time. The others in our group are also looking for opportunities to invest and invite. Please pray that people would respond to our invitations and check out one of our gatherings. We're trying to do what is within our control to grow our group.

For whatever reason, God is moving slowly in this area. That's His prerogative. He's the One with the perfect plan and timing. I like to think I know what needs to happen and when...but church planting seems to be a tool in God's hands that gently hammers (like that image!) my pride. Or, maybe God just wants us to keep trusting Him and keep working. This is what walking by faith and NOT BY sight is all about.

Please pray with us that God would move by revealing people/families (seekers or saved) willing to journey with us towards beginning a new church in northeastern Franklin County.

A Week Of Firsts!

This is a big week in our family. Seth played in his first soccer game on Saturday (picture left), began his first day of pre-school today (picture below), and jumps in the pool at the YMCA for the start of swimming lessons tonight. It is amazing to think how our family is progressing. God is good.

In addition to fun family times, there are at least 2 additional benefits I've praised God for in this week of firsts:

1. I've been learning some lessons and been able to process some things God is teaching me as I watch Seth move forward in his development as a boy and young man. Two things have touched my heart:
   
   
   
   • In the cases of soccer and school, we've seen signs of fear in Seth as he encounters new situations and people. We're learning about his personality and how he handles change and adversity. On the way to our soccer game Saturday and school today, I found a recurring theme coming up in my conversations with Seth. Before both events (first game and first day of school), Seth and I were talking about the fact that it is OK to be afraid. I was trying to explain to Seth that Daddy is also often afraid as I encounter new situations or have to push myself to do something that is uncomfortable. That is understandable and OK. It was fun to also explain to Seth that God promises to be with us and asks us to not be afraid as we ask Him for help. We also talked about what courage is...that courage is moving forward into something, with God's help...even when we are afraid. What a joy to watch Seth take these lessons to heart and run into his game/walk into his classroom and try something new.
     
   • I've seen myself and our church planting experience as I watch Seth try soccer and attend a new class. As a Dad, I watch Seth captively and try to be sensitive to his fears and feelings as we work through these new stages. I see his care and concern to get things right as he learns to pass or dribble a soccer ball and I am touched deeply in my heart as I sense the fear he experiences around new children on his team or in his class.
     
     A thought has entered my mind on more than one occasion this week: could God be watching me like I watch Seth? As a family, there have been so many firsts in the last 7 months. So many scary situations, so many times where we've tried something new. So many people we've initiated conversations with. There has been fear, tears, hesitance, anxiety, times where we've forgotten to ask God for help... I was comforted as I thought of God watching us as I watch Seth: loving, caring, helping, prodding, teaching, instructing, allowing us to go through difficult times because that is what is best... The more I experience as a Dad...the more I understand my heavenly Dad...and the more determined I am to please Him, even when it means moving forward through my fear. Be encouraged- you're heavenly Father is with you as you face whatever giants loom large in your service to Him.
     
   
   
2. As we've participated in these adventures with Seth, we've been meeting tons of new people AND seeing previous contacts in the community. It is so fun when something like soccer or school or swimming lessons gives us natural opportunities to connect with other parents, etc. For instance, at pre-school today, I was able to talk with a lady from our neighborhood (that came to our block party), meet a new family, talk with the dad of another child that was in Seth's class last year, and connect with the mom of a soccer player I coached last season. We're starting to see some of our contacts multiple times in various places around the community which helps further our relationships. What a difference 7 months makes- when Trish and I walked into Seth's school in mid February- we knew NO ONE! We get more and more opportunities to tell others what we are doing here.
   
   Please pray for more and more opportunities to meet new people, communicate our mission, and invite people to join us. Pray that God would use us to love people and reveal spiritually sensitive people that would partner with us. Thanks!
   

Sorry For Lack Of Communication

I know we have loyal blog readers who keep up to date with what God is doing and pray! Thanks! I apologize for being negligent in updating our site over the last few weeks. I'll try to post a bunch this week to catch you up and keep posting at least weekly! Hope this finds you well. Thanks for praying with us as you read! Blessings!

Awesome Prayer Walk!

We'd like to thank our friends from the ABF we attend at Northwest Chapel for joining us on August 25 for a prayer walk in our community. We targeted about 5 different areas and prayed as we walked or drove through these sections of our community. We believe that prayer is THE essential work to our ministry and that God will move in people's hearts as we beg Him to work here. We had a great time getting to know our new friends better, seeking God, and having lunch together at our house afterwards. We're so thankful for Northwest Chapel as our principle sponsoring organization is so many ways...but having people come and pray on sight was an over-the-top blessing. Praise God!

If you'd like a copy of the list of requests we brought before God, please post a comment here or e-mail me at andywirt@sbcglobal.net. I'd love to send you one.

New Soccer Season!

I just sent an introductory e-mail to soccer parents for our new season, Fall 07. As I was writing, I realized I had forgotten to add this season as a prayer request in our prayer update that I sent out yesterday. Please pray with me that our contacts with these 8 families would be positive and honoring to Jesus. Pray that we would be sensitive to spiritual movement in people's lives and be used by Jesus to move people towards Him. Pray also for Seth, in his first soccer season and for me as I learn how to be Dad AND coach! :) Thanks!

Area Prayer Walk- August 25

We're planning a prayer walk with our Adult Bible Fellowship (Sunday school class) from Northwest Chapel in the New Albany area neighborhoods this Saturday (August 25) from 9:30a-12:30p. We'll do a brief orientation at our house, walk various neighborhoods and pray (easy- anyone can do this- we'll teach you how!), and end with a cookout back at our house. Children are welcome!

So, if you are (or could be!) in the Columbus area this Saturday, PLEASE JOIN US! If you can make it, e-mail me so we can plan to feed you well!

Please Pray With Us for the Presleys

I met Chad Presley a few months ago at a church planting training event. Chad is planting a Grace Brethren Church in Fort Worth Texas. He has frequently asked prayer for some health concerns of his wife, Christina, who is also pregnant with their second child. Here is an e-mail from Chad today on an urgent health concern. Please pray with us for healing for Christina and protection for their baby.

From Chad Presley (church planter, Ft. Worth, TX):
Christina is currently in Oklahoma City visiting her mother with Autumn. While there, she began to have lots of pain in her side and so was admitted to the hospital. It appears she has a staff infection in both of her kidneys and the infection is resistant to antibiotics. The doctors are worried about kidney failure, which could be fatal. As you know, Christina is pregnant and the doctors are also worried about the staff infection spreading to the baby, which would be fatal to it as well. Please pray for us and ask for prayer from others where appropriate. This is a trying time for us..

Block Party a Success!

We're praising God for answering prayer and working in a big way during our block party on August 18. We met new people and deepened relationships (and hopefully trust) with existing contacts in our neighborhood. Almost 50 people showed up from 14 households. Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed great food, getting to know one another, and playing some yard games.

Thanks for praying! Here are some answers to prayer:

• We met one new family.
  
• Several families came to the party that have not responded to other invitations we have given them.
  
• People enjoyed connecting with others they hadn't met before.
  
• Several missional believers helped us by cooking and inviting others to come.
  
• Our patio, poured by a friend on August 11, was ready to go and was a super tool for entertaining a large group.
  
• We were able to invite several people to our spiritual formation group and discuss our work of beginning a new church with others.
  
• God brought out 14 families even though only 4 R.S.V.P.d.
  

Thanks, Lord! Please continue to pray with us that God will work in our neighborhood and draw people to Himself. We'd love the privilege of continuing to be used as a light for Jesus in Asbury Ridge (our subdivision).

Lexington, OH GBC

I was thankful to God for the opportunity to preach at this Grace Brethren Church on August 12 (Jason Carmean, Pastor). The people were very warm and seemed to respond well to what God has been lovingly drilling into my soul from Acts 4:23-31. We discussed a path to prayer that rocks the world and how God accomplishes His mission when believers come together in prayer. We looked at 4 traits of powerful prayer:

1. Urgency from mission. Prayer is powerful when it is urgent and urgency comes from a concern for the souls of specific people that God has placed around us to reach through us.
   
2. Unity with partners. Prayer is powerful when we pray in harmony with key friends for God's missional movement in our local context.
   
3. Faith from good theology. Prayer is powerful when we pray prayers shaped by our view of God. When we see God as sovereign, Creator, fulfiller of prophecy (faithful to His Word), and director of a perfect plan...our prayers lead us through obstacles to mission.
   
4. Supernatural results from a Kingdom perspective. Prayer is powerful when we're more concerned about the advancement of God's Kingdom through God's power for God's glory than we are about our personal welfare.
   

Take a close read of Acts 4:23-31 and see if the same principles shake out for you. Through this passage and what He's taught me through it... God is helping us forge ahead through obstacles to church planting and missional living. My prayer is that He'll encourage you in the same way. I've found that things appear brighter when I pray with urgency (there are people Jesus loves to reach), pray with other missional people for God's movement, pray with respect for Who God is, and pray with a mind for God's agenda, not my comfort. See what you think. I'd love to hear your comments (click "Comments" below and leave note).

Can 7 People Change The World?

I'm contemplating this question this week. My response comes out of the sense of energy and excitement I drew from the meeting we enjoyed with our spiritual formation group this past Sunday evening. 7 adults present...all illustrating God-stories of how we met them and how God drew them to our team. As the gathering progressed, I punted what I had planned as a Bible study/discussion and the Holy Spirit led us through a time of discussion around the purpose and methods of church planting, missional group activity, and how we can help each other be better missionaries in our own personal environments. Really, to God's glory, one of the best small group meetings I've been a part of!

I should share a bit of context on God's school of church planting- tailored to Andy Wirt. I've been battling frustration and periodic discouragement over why our group isn't growing faster and why people aren't responding to the many invitations to check out our group that we and our fellow groupies have handed out. That's a whole other discussion. BUT, as I sensed God moving in our meeting Sunday night and I realized that the people God HAS given us really want to make a difference for Jesus- THEY ARE LIVING ON MISSION- I was energized by a sense of thankfulness to God and hopefulness with what our all-powerful God can do with 7 missional people. It's like God set up a neon sign with bold letters screwed to my thick skull that said FOCUS ON MISSION THROUGH THOSE I HAVE PROVIDED INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT WHO'S NOT HERE.

So, can God build a healthy, vibrant, reproducing church around 7 people? Yes. Because nothing is impossible for Him (Luke 1:37). Because even where a few are gathered in His name to do His work...Jesus is there with them (Matthew 18:20). And, because God cares about the prayers of 2 or 3 or 7 and promises (Matthew 18:19) that ...if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my father in heaven.... God doesn't promise to tell me when it will be done or how it will be done or allow me to SEE it being done...but He does promise to answer the prayers of people who meet together to seek Him and accomplish His assignments.

God, here we are. Send us. God changed the world through His 12 disciples, surely He can build a church from 7.