Where's The Ledge By Wes Willett

WHERE'S THE LEDGE?

Written By Wes Willett

1 Cor 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

So there we were, on the mission field in Albania. God was moving in one of the most powerful displays of His gospel I'd ever seen. Six people had already come to know Christ earlier in the week; we had our eyes on a seventh, though! Her name was Yasha. She was a beautiful young girl that lived a few hours from where we were holding our meetings. One of the striking things about Yasha's situation, was that her Mother and sister were two of the first folks to receive Christ earlier that week, so of course our hearts and hopes were set high for Yasha to know the same Savior that her mother and sister now did. 

As the week drug on, something interesting began to dawn on me. A gospel that seemed almost irresistible to Yasha's mother and sister, for some reason, lay out of reach for Yasha herself. She simply would not respond. She didn't respond to the first call, the second call or third and so on.
We were there for ten days and the gospel was given all week long.

As our team geared up for the last evenings small-group, our hearts were excited about the work God had done, but there was also a sense of urgency, knowing that 15 year old, Yasha, had resisted every attempt to reach her. It was the last night of the last meeting. Pastor Eric was speaking privately to our little group when Gracie(my daughter) interrupted him and blurted out, "I'm sorry for interrupting, but would you all pray for me? I believe God is telling me to talk to Yasha! I'm nervous," she said, with tears rimming her eyes.

Well, the part of the story that I've neglected to mention, is that Gracie and Yasha had become fast friends over the week we had spent in Albania. Wherever Gracie was, Yasha was...
This should have been a clue to me(but it wasn't). The ground work had been laid right in front of me, I just didn't see it yet. The ground work had been laid, but not by pastors and their acumen. The ground work had been laid by friendship; the simplicity of two young girls, an ocean apart, who found a friend in each other.

Wow...did I ever miss this one. There was an earnestness in Gracie's plea that was a jolt for me. Suddenly, all of my training, all of my theology began to melt right in front of my eyes, and left standing in its place, was the love my daughter felt for another girl, just like herself...her friend. While I had been busy that week, pouring over apologetics, trying my best to persuade Yasha, to explain to her the difference between our God(Jehovah) and all of the other Gods of the world, Gracie was making a friend. The irony of this story is almost humorous if it didn't cut so deep. I was actually worried about Gracie. It was my daughter's first international missions trip and I was a dad trying to protect her. I was afraid that she would come across someone of the Muslim religion that would tangle her up in her young faith. I was afraid that she would not be ready to handle a theological debate.

You see the difference? I was busy trying to "persuade" Yasha to God, while Gracie was loving a new friend right into the arms of the Savior. Do you see the cut now?

John 3:16 says:

For God so "loved" the world. 

He didn't persuade the world. He didn't win them with a 5 point summery on soteriology. He won them by loving them. I was the sounding brass. God help me. The tinkling symbol...was me.

So, there we stood, a hand full of missionaries at the precipice of faith, and my own daughter walks up to the edge with obedience in her eyes. What's a dad to do? I prayed, and as I prayed for her, God revealed what was lacking in me. He showed me that I cannot walk out my daughter's calling for her. Lord knows I tried. Some callings are just not ours to walk. Gracie had to own obedience just like we all do. Frankly, He showed me that I was in the way, that I needed to step aside, and let His daughter step up to that ledge and leap with everything she's got, so she can know the joy of a never failing embrace, an embrace stronger than my own, and the strength that can only come on the other side of a faith that has been tested. 

We both grew a little that day. But me probably the most.

O yeah, do you know what Gracie said to, Yasha? She told Yasha that she would see her mom and sister again someday in heaven, but she didn't know if she would get to see her again. She told Yasha that she wanted to see her again, just like her family. 

Yasha excepted Christ that night.

Where is the flaw in a Gospel like that? That's right, there isn't one. Gracie might not be a pastor, but through her, God reached one little girl that 3 pastors could not. We tried...

Where is the ledge of faith in your life? Who has God placed close to you that a pastor cannot reach?
If you need a clue, start where fear meets love, walk up to the edge, and jump like Gracie!

Wes

SEND North American Conference August 3th & 4th

Ministry Focus Of The Week

This year NAMB has partnered with the IMB for the Send North America Conference  and promises to be one of the largest missions conference gathering in North American history. This two day event is a gathering and movement for the people within the church to live out a life of missions. This conference isn't just for Pastors and Lay persons, this conference is for business men and women, grandmothers and grandfathers, contractors, ect.  A list of speakers includes Platt, Matt Carter, Louie Giglio, Al Mohler and Eric Mason, among others. Worship sessions will be led by Passion Band, Casting Crowns, David Crowder and Shane and Shane.

	SPEAKERS:		WORSHIP:
	David Platt Matt Carter Louie Giglio Al Mohler Eric Mason		Passion Band Casting Crowns David Crowder Shane and Shane

If you would like to know a little  more about the leaders of the conference, just click on their names above. We hope that you will join us in a God given opportunity to have two huge organizations come to Nashville to talk about the church and missions. You can register FREE with TSC if you are interested in going to this two day event. If you have any questions please feel free to email Pastor Reagan. This is a free opportunity, don't miss out. See you at the event!!!

Contact: reagan@tsclife.org
Read More at: sendconference.com

REGISTER

Ministry Focus of the Week "Unchained Movement"

Ministry Focus Of The Week
Unchained Movement

By Mikayla Lewis

Nearly 100 mid-state teens become sex trafficking victims each month, according to Unchained Movement. The non-profit is trying to close in on the number, by opening up a residential program for survivors. Unchained Movement’s first transitional home is set to open this Wednesday. Kakeisha Brown is a survivor. She was lured into the dark world at 12-years-old and finally got out at age 33. Brown says," The shame and the guilt…it's a lot of work and I don't think a lot of people understand." She says a residential program helped her get her life on track. Brown says, " I didn't have real job or things to put on a resume. The structure of the program was like the main thing and the best thing because that was the foundation."

Brown is now the program coordinator for Unchained Movement. She is working with the founder, Rachel Irby to open the home for female survivors between the ages of 18-24. Irby says,"They tend to fall through the cracks because you have an 18- year-old in a program with a 40-year-old . We are looking to do a program that's more high energy, it's going to get them out more in the community. We're trying to work slowly on changing someone's mind and the way they view things. " The program will serve up to six young women at a time, typically for about a year. The clients will attend therapeutic and educational services, addiction recovery, case management and learn life and job skills. With the help of volunteers renovating, the home is complete with furniture and décor donations from the community. Irby says, "It really feels like a home now. It really does meet with the vision that we had to provide a safe and therapeutic place for girls."

Brown says, " I get to share my experience, strength and hope with these women and let them know that the program does work. Women can get out of the life and live a successful life." Unchained Movement is looking for a variety of volunteers.

To learn more about Unchained and how you can be involved, contact:
Rachel Irby, UNCHAINED Executive Director (480) 258-2777
or
visit: UnchainedMovement.org

Read More at: fox17.com

Restored Church Has A New HOME!!!!

In 2014, Restored Church received a $100,000 grant from The Luzerne Foundation. The donors said they have seen Restored remain faithful in small things, and they believe that our church can be entrusted with greater things! We couldn't be more thankful for their generosity.

On Friday, we closed on an existing church property about a mile from our current Gathering location. Click Here to see the pictures of their New Church. The final purchase price was $98,400 for a church building, parking lot, and 7 bedroom house! Our re-grand opening will be September 13th!

This means we will have no mortgage payments, but we will need to fundraise for minor renovations. We have 6 interns this summer; 4 of them (all guys) will live in the house as part of their internship program. We'll stay at the current Downtown Arts location for Sunday Gatherings through the summer.

On Facebook this morning a guy from our area wrote this:

"Although I have never attended services at Restored, I talk to people everyday who are coming to know Jesus through your ministry. The Spirit is really working through all of you."

God IS faithful, and he continues to confirm our vision to give every man, woman, & child in Wilkes-Barre repeated opportunities to hear, see, and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ!

~ Dan & Joy Nichols

Website: restoredchurch.org
www.credoindeum.com

Nepal Earthquake, Baptist Relief Efforts Aid Survival

After Nepal earthquake, Baptist relief efforts aid survival 

Despite advanced planning for such an event, the people of Nepal are reeling from damage in the aftermath of a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Kathmandu Valley April 25. As the death toll rises, aftershocks hinder rescue efforts and cause more uncertainty. IMB can confirm that all personnel in South Asia are safe, and some are now involved in relief efforts in Nepal.

Baptist Global Response, the Southern Baptist humanitarian organization with which IMB partners, released $50,000 for initial relief efforts in the aftermath of Nepal’s massive earthquake. This quick response provides hurting people with basic survival needs like water, shelter, food and healthcare. Your donations to BGR’s Nepal Earthquake Response Fund will provide continued emergency response as needs rise in the disaster area.

Pray for the people of Nepal and those who are providing relief.

Ministry Focus of the Week "The Congo/Rwanda"

CONGO MISSION TRIP
Letter From Pastor Duane

Wednesday we traveled 1.5 hours into the mountains from Kigali.  The mountain villages and cities are remarkable.  Rwanda countryside is beautiful. 

We were with Pastor Jean Marie, who I met last year in Kigali.  He was in the first class that graduated from the Bible Center Training for Pastors led by Pastor Mezeck.  After BCTP, Jean Marie went on to get his undergraduate in Social Work and just completed his Masters in Community Development.  Here are the marvelous ways he is using these skills to be the Church in Rwanda.

In the mountains of Rwanda there is a city of 600,000 people called Muhanga.  This was where Jean Marie was raised.  After he succeeded in Kigali with his outreach to women and men at risk, he decided to start working in other cities in Rwanda with high concentrations of these high risk groups.  He decided a good place to start would be his home town.

 What we saw today was an independently functioning community outreach that is based on the gospel but funded by the government.  Jean Marie began working with a few women in prostitution in the community in 2006.   Initially, Jean Marie focused on sharing the gospel, but most of the women continued to prostitute themselves even after they accepted Christ.  "We don't have any other way to make a living," they would tell Jean Marie.  So he offered basic health training and an opportunity to form an association that could provide them basic healthcare and new occupational training as well as small business loans.  Many accepted the offer and willingly changed their lives for a new beginning.  Now there are over 161 women in the association in Muhanga. 

 From 2012-2015 they had a contract with the city government to clean the streets of the city for payment.  (Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries I have ever seen).  The Catholic church in the community is letting them farm a large section of land that is providing income.  Next to the crops, they have seven fish ponds that are used to raise and sell tilapia in the market.  They also process their own fish food from local maze and rice crops and sell the excess to other farmers.  They raise rabbits over the fish pond (cooler temperatures), too, and feed them the same feed as the fish.

Collette provides other training for the women including sewing and salon care.  Of the 161 women in the association over 120 are HIV positive.  Some of the older and sicker women are unable to work the fields, so these alternative means of income provide less demanding work opportunities for them to provide for themselves and their families. 

You don't have to ask them about the spiritual aspect of the program.  They eagerly tell you and show you.  Salome got on her knees and prayed with thanksgiving for us coming before she told us about the fish food processing.  Collette shared how the person training them to sew teaches a Bible study before every training.  Every time they bring additional health or career training, Jean Marie comes and begins each session with the gospel.  "If you improve your life but you miss eternal life, you have missed everything."  Jean Marie

 How does this happen?  The blessing of God.  And the vision he gave one man, Jean Marie, and the skills he learned to raise up leaders.  Collette is the Director of the association in Muhanga.  She is providing independent leadership.  Jean Marie and the NGO that he founded in 1999 for this work provides advisement and seed capital.  He is a leader of leaders.  A great example of common ground initiatives. 

Duane

Ministry Focus of the Week "Letter From Bill Sullivan"

MINISTRY FOCUS OF THE WEEK 

CONGO

CONGO MISSION TRIP
Letter From Bill Sullivan
Hey All,

Here goes my update for the day… First, I am super tired, and I know I’m not alone; everyone is. The voice is a little horse too; we’ve been singing goofy songs, dancing, running relays, playing blob tag and big shark/little shark, and we broke out the soccer balls today as well. If you don’t know what half of what I mentioned means, you’re not alone; I didn’t know it either until today and yesterday. Luckily the rest of the team members are veteran VBS crew leaders, so they can pick up a little of my slack. In any event, no matter what we are doing I’ve usually got two or more grinning kids holding each of my hands as we run full blast across the compound trying not to get bit by a big shark. Tammy said she hasn’t seen me smiling this big in a while, and I’m not sure that she’s wrong.

I’m not sure how to describe what I’m feeling… I simply can’t help but smile when I am with a bunch of kids that genuinely want to grab your hand and not let go. At the same time, their stories are so… unexpected? shocking? sad? precious? Each one is different and yet there are so many similarities. Of the six kids that are in my group, not one still has a father…

The activities today… One of the first activities was to describe, draw, and discuss the first good thing you can remember, I can’t even begin to explain some of the things that came out of this; eye opening is about the best way I can describe it. I think this session was more visibly traumatic than describing the worst thing; likely because those things are buried nice and deep with plenty of safe guards surrounding them… And the good things… well, you just don’t expect the good things, the best things, to be so… bad.

We wrote a lament letter. Have you ever done this? Written a letter to God telling Him exactly how you feel about His seeming lack of action or complacency about your situation? The kids were given the  example of Psalm 13:

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget about me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,' and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me” (NASB).

Every single one of the kids in my group took this seriously (as did I) and filled a complete page in their workbook with their cries to God. Then they came back and shared with the group. Sobering.

Good day though. Duane’s a rock star (if anyone was in any sort of doubt about this).

Ministry Focus of The Week "The Congo and Rwanda"

Ministry Focus Of The Week

The Congo/Rwanda

Pray For Those Leaving
Letter From Missions

As we approach Easter Sunday, I want you to remember all that Jesus has done for us. He is the reason that we are saved. He is the reason that we can call ourselves the children of God. He is the reason that we are forgiven of all our sins. By the shedding of his blood we are made whole. I want you to reflect on something as we enter into a new week. When Easter comes and you hear the story of how Christ lived a sinless life, how he cared for those around him, how he came to heal the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even raised the sleeping. He came with compassion and love, because he knew without the shedding of his own blood, no one would be fit to enter unto the kingdom of Heaven. Your Savior chose to save YOU, he thought of YOU and loves YOU. 

We have a team partnering with African Leadership that is leaving on Easter Sunday and heading to The Congo and Rwanda, Africa. They could of chosen to stay home, but instead chose a to go to a country that needs the Gospel of Jesus. Please pray for Pastor Duane, Tammy Wallin, Buffie Goddard and Bill Sullivan as they take the healing word of Jesus to the children, men and women over in Africa. There are still people out there that need to know that our Jesus has risen and is much alive. Pray for their safety to and from. Pray that the word is welcomed with open arms and that they understand.