Apr
10
Mission Update from Chad
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Perhaps many of you have wondered how things are going on our mission field in Chad since the crisis that became the focus of our prayers in February. Following is an update from Matthew Rogness, Executive Director of World Missions that he asked me to pass on to you. - MAJ
Dear friends,
Over the past several months you have been praying for the people of Chad and our missionaries there because of a rebel attack on Ndjamena that attempted to overthrow the government. The resulting humanitarian crisis and the evacuation of our missionaries have had far reaching consequences. Because of the generous financial support from the Church here in North America, we have been able to send funds to help our sister Churches deal with the humanitarian needs and we have been able to address the evacuation needs of our missionaries. I returned two weeks ago from Chad, Cameroon, and France, where I consulted with our missionaries on the ground. This is my report to you who have so faithfully prayed. Read more
Apr
9
Outreach Through Building Relationships
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Today I read an interesting article by Doug Murren and Mike Meeks entitled “Preparing Your Church for Evangelism” taken from Leadership Magazine. The following statement jumped right off the page at me.
“A church will fail if it tries to assimilate today’s un-churched person only through events and programs. The effective glue is relationships—friends bringing friends and including them in church life. Research has shown that of ten people who visit a church and stay, nine were brought by a friend.”
Community of Joy has a threefold vision - Honoring God (Reaching Up), Building Lives (Reaching In), and Impacting the World (Reaching Out). We are committed to doing all three, but advancing the Kingdom of God by influencing people toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (Outreach) is at the heart of our cause. Read more
Apr
6
The Emmaus Experience
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Two men, in despair over Jesus’ recent death, while journeying from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus, were suddenly joined by an anonymous traveler. Their mood changed from despondency to hope when they realized that this stranger was none other than the risen Christ Himself. Jesus was alive! Lives are transformed whenever the resurrected Christ shows up. Scripture passage from Luke 24:13-35.
