Beckie

So my friend Beckie is in Soroti, Uganda right now scoping things out for us. Will you be praying for her?

• That God gives her wide open eyes and a wide open heart.
  
• That she is able to listen to His leading.
• For the relationships she builds and interactions she has with people.

I'm so jealous!

International Teams- Sending 1200 workers in 210 teams to 66 countries in order to implement the transforming mission of Jesus

"MOBILIZING INTERNATIONAL TEAMS TO BUILD TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES "

MOBILIZING

"Mobilization" is the process of stirring individuals in the body of Christ to move out of their current situation into innovative, cross-cultural ministry and to place them strategically in the ministry context.

We speak prophetically to the church today regarding its responsibility for global evangelization.

We are catalytic and innovative in our approach, with a concern for quality in the process.

We communicate with integrity, seeking to match expectations with reality and our mobilization is church-based, because we believe that God's desire is to work through His church to redeem the world.

INTERNATIONAL

The "international" aspect of this ministry permeates our organization. It speaks of who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

"International" means that we are cross-cultural and cross-geographic as we facilitate the sending and receiving of strategic workers throughout the body of Christ worldwide.

Our teams reflect the diversity of Christ's body in many ways, including cultural background, ethnicity, giftedness, and social status.

"International" also speaks to an incarnational approach that gives respect and dignity to those whom we serve.

TEAMS

Scripture offers us "teams" as a primary model of ministry. Working together in teams is important because God has not given all giftedness to any single individual.

We help to create partnerships and unity not only among individuals, but also with other churches and various ministry organizations.

We seek to mobilize teams which are well trained and which have an environment that is open and honest enough to accept and challenge one another.

TO BUILD

How we do what we do is critically important.

We desire to be spirit-led, following His guidance and trusting His power to be an agent of change in the world.

We seek to be intentional and strategic by articulating a clear and compelling vision and well-designed plans.

We "build" by a holistic proclamation of the good news through words and deeds.

Our approach is long-term and in-depth because we value persistent efforts and enduring results.

TRANSFORMING

Our mission is true disciple making. It is not enough to see people merely accept Christian beliefs.

One of the greatest evidences of real transformation is the reconciliation of opposing segments of society.

We believe that it is through prayer that we stay in tune with the Master's will and access His transforming power.

Our efforts are aimed at results that multiply and reproduce on their own - lives being transformed by God and transforming others.

COMMUNITIES

When speaking of "communities" we mean at least three levels where the transforming power of Christ brings change:

THE TEAM - Teams are a microcosm of the unity and diversity that make up loving Christian community.

THE LOCAL CHURCH - Transforming "communities" also includes the local church.

THE LOCAL COMMUNITY - The development of vital, indigenous, effective communities of faith will also transform the local community. Therefore, our aims include the resulting transformation of the surrounding society.

Maps

Sacrifice

One of my co-worker frequently makes me think... today it was about sacrifice. Some people that I talk to perceive that leaving for Africa will involve such large sacrifice. But I know better. I am learning that it is not a sacrifice to give up things I don't value. So if I adjust my values away from what the world says is important I don't have to give up anything! I know that when I make this step in faith, and every step after that as I follow the leading of my Lord I will receive infinitely more than I have given up. Our God is amazing like that.
But can I take it a step further? Am I so bold as to say I even want to suffer for my Savior? Do I really want an opportunity to show my love to him? His disciples rejoiced in their chance to sacrifice. (Acts 5:41...rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.) I'm not sure I can honestly say that yet, maybe someday. For now I will just enjoy the privilege of being able to serve the Lord Jesus Christ how He asks as I prepare to go.

Rukiya

This is why I want to go so badly-
Rukiya is a new adition to the baby home in Soroti. She is three months old and 2.5kg (5.4lbs). Her mother died and was HIV positive and at birth she weighed 1.5 kg. A basket lady, Mary, her great grandmother was taking care of her but she is very sickly and malnourished. Rukiya is nothing but skin and bones really. She is drinking well and will be loved and cared for at Amecet but she just reminds me of the huge need. I can't help but wonder how I will even be able to help... then I remember I am just an empty vessel being used by the God of this universe who hates this suffering far more than I do.