 |
||
|
|
||
|
LEADERSHIP LETTER ARCHIVES
A MONTHLY READING
FOR ALL ARC LEADERS
REFLECTIONS FROM BRAZIL
My recent time in Brazil was wonderful. Here are a few random impressions:
--The ARC conference was great. I thought Scott Pursley did a remarkable job in handling the Scriptures regarding human identity. One of the reasons I am so concerned about this teaching is that if it is not well understood, believers can tend toward a peculiar super-spirituality (a kind of neo-gnosticism) that renders them quite ineffective and unfruitful. I recommend that ARC leaders take their own leaders through these tapes. It's very foundational stuff.
-- I had wonderful visits with the main ARC Leaders in Belo Horizonte—the Padleys, the Oliveiras, the Freires, and the Wideners. These are such dedicated servants of God and I was yet more impressed with the grace of their service. I also felt very privileged to get to know Paulo and Graco (Community in Nova Lima), Wagner and Luciene (Ouro Bronco) and Christiano and Deborah (Jungaxi?). I wish that I could have had extensive time with everyone. Pray for your leaders "for they are keeping watch over your souls" (Hebrews 13:17) and they are encountering a level of spiritual warfare that others never taste.
-- We had three meetings with ARC main leaders in Belo. They were good meetings and one major word emerged from our times together. We believe that God is very desirous of cross-pollinating the particular areas of grace expressed in Brazil, Poland and the U.S. with each other. This of course is already at work, but I believe that the Spirit is calling us to a more deliberate expression. The U.S. (Word and Orthodoxy), Brazil (Worship and Power) and Poland (Evangelism and Ministry to the Poor) can bless each other more significantly. To that end, I'll be taking Daniel Yang (from Brazil) with me to Poland in November for their first annual leadership conference in their newly renovated ministry center. Four years ago Pastor Marek Kiewra and I stood outside his church building and spoke together with faith and vision about the need for such a facility to encourage and train leaders, heal marriages, and empower youth for service to the church and to the world. God has worked a substantial wonder. I believe also that Thomas Padley and other Brazilian leaders may be able to join us. It will be a great mix of grace and gifts for the furthering of God's mission.
-- I had a wonderful four days in Sao Paulo. It began with the monthly ARC training session. Pastor Ruiz is a great leader and I hope to spend some time with his people next year. After I spent much time with Pastor Daniel and Juliana and Jonathan Yang. Little Jonathan filled a gap for me in the absence of my sweet granddaughter, Claire, who has captured my heart (I am a devoted prisoner!). I love the work that is going on in this church. But even more, I am deeply impressed with the particular call on Daniel's life to launch a training school that will send money to the ends of the earth. In that light, I am so glad that Daniel will meet Pastor Marek and Andrew Kurzawski (his assistant) in Poland to see the grace that fuels this mission. Daniel and I spoke at some length about this call and needless to say, this will require much prayer support.
-- I was deeply touched with seeing my Whitewater intercessors again, but so sad to hear that no one had received any of my email communications. But then I was so heartened to hear that they had prayed together every Friday for this work. What a great testimony of service given without any form of outside encouragement. It was very humbling for me to hear that, but so powerful to my own faith to continue on without seeing much external fruit. So to God's Whitewater intercessors, I say, "Well done, good and faithful servants." It is a great privilege for me to have you with this work in prayer.
On the national scene, I would ask you to pray for the following:
That's all for now. God bless you all.
Love, Ned
|
||
 |
||
