AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER

Newsflash! My book, DISASTER: BETTING THE FARM ON GOD IN LIFE’S STORMS has finally been published. I got my first copy overnighted and the big print run should come next week. Two-hundred seventy-one pages! So many people are going through disasters…natural disasters and personal disasters…yet God often does His best work during these times. We can learn to live to the hilt God-sized adventures in our storms. You can view the book trailer (like a movie trailer) on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEoyY2CQyeA

Help me get the word out on how books can be ordered. I have decided all monies for the book will be donated to GRACE ADVENTURES. At this point books can be ordered in the following ways:

1.    If you are out of the area or local and want the book/books mailed to you - $20 will cover the book and shipping costs. Make the checks out to GRACE ADVENTURES and send the request to:  Michael Sprague, 701 Rue Marseille, Mandeville, LA  70471.

2.    If you are local you can pick up the book at a cost of $16.99. I’ll have books available at the house.

3.    In a few weeks the book will be at SIMPLE GOODNESS Christian Bookstore in Covington, LA. In a month or so it can be purchased through AMAZON.com and BARNES & NOBLE.com. I’ve been told AMAZON takes 60% off the top, so utilize the other options first. The book will be at all the big bookseller’s conventions in the fall so hopefully it will be picked up by some retailers.

4.    The book will be available for eBook publishing devices such as Kindle, B&N Nook, Microsoft and Sony e-reader, Mobi, Adobe Digital editions, etc. in about 5 weeks. More information to follow.

Please PRAY!!  I am trying to capitalize initially upon the 6^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on August 29^th. Our nation and media will once again look back at what is happening to the beloved city of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Television and radio have to fill a lot of air-time in the days around August 29th. I want to be available to tell the fresh, inspirational story behind the story of Katrina and give hope to thousands. If you have contacts in radio or television please put in a good word for me and pass on the contact information!!!!

 

SEARCH MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP

Last week Donna and I had the deep privilege of attending the SEARCH MINISTRIES Leadership Staff Retreat. I have benefitted from SEARCH for almost 30 years now and I have faithfully used their resources throughout the years. SEARCH is one of the premiere outreach and discipleship ministries in the country. It was great being back together with my friends Larry Moody and Dave Krueger who lead the ministry. Donna and I are going to take the next step to partner closer with SEARCH and see where God leads. You can check out their website at

http://www.searchnational.org/

MINISTRY OBSERVATIONS

Many mission organizations rightly focus in on what are called “the unreached people groups.” Rightly so. However, my observations over the first seven months of Grace Adventures are that business and political groups are almost like an unreached people group. Leaders are tugged at by everyone, but who cares for them personally? Who pays attention to their souls? Everyone usually wants something from leaders. It goes with the territory. People have agendas, demands, and wants and often these yearnings are contradictory from person to person. Leaders are pulled in all directions and aren’t always well anchored. Here’s my commitment to leaders…to not want anything from them… no favors, no agendas...but only a heart to be a friend and help them meet Jesus in a deep and abiding way. During a recent meeting with a leader, he commented that in all his years of doing business in New Orleans, he had never met anyone for lunch who did not want something from him until that day. In fact, he was surprised when I asked him how I could serve him. The Jesus way opens doors and surprises with a different culture and aroma. The leader and I committed to get together and go through the Bible.

This is what I do day-by-day. Bible studies are going great and leader appointments are divine appointments. PRAY for a number of significant new appointments this week. I had good opportunities to preach and teach in Maryland last weekend. PRAY for Donna and me as we are still figuring out how to manage all the aspects of ministry and organization.

One unexpected ministry I have is to reach out to many Christ-followers, leaders, missionaries and pastors who have experienced woundedness by toxic religious experiences. This issue seems to be an epidemic. I have such a heart to care for wounded shepherds and see their heart for Jesus and His church be healed and restored. I never knew I would be a pastor to so many disenfranchised people. It is simply a huge mission field. It is good to remind people that ministry is not our life…Jesus is. It is the life of the “easy yoke” in the midst of a world that is messy.

Thank you for making the ministry possible for Donna and me. It is indeed a partnership with my friends to raise up more forever friends. AMEN!

JULY 2011 NEWSLETTER

WEDDING BLISS

There is now one more Mrs. Sprague in the world!  On June 11^th I had the privilege of presenting my son, Jonathan, and Patricia…husband and wife.  The wedding took place outdoors in Mesquite, Texas on the Florence Ranch Homestead that Patricia’s great, great, great grandfather built in 1871 when he founded the city.  It was a spectacular day, filled with the goodness of God, family and friends.

I had done many a wedding, but never one for a son.  This one had to be special.  I knew a fellow pastor who officiated at his child’s wedding.  You know the line in the movie’s where they say, “If there is anyone who has an objection why this ceremony shouldn’t happen, let him speak now or forever hold their peace?”  You rarely hear that in weddings today, but this pastor had a plant in the audience.  When he said, “Speak now or forever hold your peace” his plant stood up and said, “Actually, I’m Laura’s parole officer and I have an objection.”  I decided Patricia would kill me if I did this, soooo I went with Plan B.  When we got to the devotional part of the service, as the father of the groom and the pastor, I said to Patricia, “Patricia, I have one thing to say to you, with God’s help you be the very best friend and wife you can be to Jonathan.  Now Jonathan, I have a bunch of stuff for you!”  Then I pulled a scroll from my pocket and let it unwind and roll all the way to the ground and beyond with a long list of counsel.  (You should have seen his face.)

No, Jonathan didn’t need any more sermons from me.  He heard enough in his life.  He’s all grown up and I’m so proud of the man he has become and is becoming.  We gave him roots and we give him wings.   When Jonathan was growing up, I’d often put him to bed and told him on a thousand evenings, “Jonathan, if we could line up all the little boys and all the little girls in the whole world and I got to pick out just one little boy…I’d pick you out every time!!”  And if I had to pick out one little girl, I’d pick out Patricia every time.  Patricia is wonderfully sharp, bright, and beautiful with a heart of compassion.

Oh yes, I did have to share one piece of wedding advice.  It came from John 2 from the wedding at Cana that Jesus attended.  Remember they ran out of wine.  This would be the social and etiquette faux pas of the season.  Mary came to Jesus and as only mothers can do, she told Jesus to do something.  Mary came to Jesus and as only mothers can do she told Jesus to do something.  Jesus knew that his time had not yet come.  Mary was persistent.  She huddled with the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you to do!!”  That was my only advice for Jonathan and Patricia to have a successful marriage.  “Do whatever Jesus tells you to do!!”

It was the grandest of days for us.  We prayed for over 24 years for this one.  The memories will always be cherished.

MINISTRY TO LEADERS

The ministry continues to blossom and multiply.  There are Bible studies on every day except Saturday and on some of the days there are multiple studies.  It is absolutely thrilling to see leaders get into the Bible for the very first time.  I see a spiritual hunger and know that is certainly from God.  I yearn for these leaders to know Jesus more and make Him known.

One-on-one appointments are especially important to get to know leaders and drill deeper into discipleship, outreach and friendship.  Not many people are aware of the extent of the demands, challenges and burdens that leaders carry.  This month I am especially sensitive to the load of spiritual leaders who often endure a lot of junk but persevere in their callings.  Pray for my appointments this month with new political leaders and pastors as I invite them to greater relationship and connectedness.

SUMMER BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

1.    Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (Author of Seabiscuit), 2010.  Spectacular!! The powerful survival epic of Louis Zamperini…Olympic hero, and WWII hero and POW.  A page turner, or in my case, the perfect book on tape to drive over a thousand miles to a wedding and back.  A man’s man book about courage, perseverance and ultimately amazing grace.  This is scheduled to be made into a major motion picture, hopefully while ninety-one year old Louis is still alive.

2.    Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet and Spy by Eric Metaxas, 2010.  The definitive Bonhoeffer biography.  If you want to understand the coast of discipleship, read this one.  Against the backdrop of WWII, the German pastor takes on two devils:  Hitler and “cheap grace.”

3.    Radical by David Platt, 2010.  Platt powerfully calls Christ-followers to surrender the American Dream if necessary in order to embrace the bigger dream of the GREAT COMMISSION.  This book will give you an “ouch” and an “Amen” for sure.  That is what powerful and Radical books do.

4.    MY BOOK!!!!!  Coming SOON.  It is at the publishers now.  I hope to have it out by August 1^st in time for the 6^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  If you are aware of a potential preaching, retreat or speaking opportunity after the book is published, let me know.  I could use your help in getting the word out.

JUNE 2011 NEWSLETTER

Maybe you remember the Rembrandt (1635 A.D.) painting depicting the Genesis 22 account of the angel of the LORD preventing Abraham from killing his son. For years this chapter was the most demanding chapter in the Bible for me; theologically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Can you relate?

God asks His servant to sacrifice his son, Isaac, whom he loves. It’s a test and Abraham passes. The ram is in the thicket. Abraham, of course, had to make his decision on the dark road to Mount Moriah when everything was perplexing and he didn’t know how the story would end. Our American ears may perceive the passage as dark, cruel and barbaric. How could God ask Abraham to do this?

Isn’t it a great lesson on faith as well as a beautiful allusion to the GOSPEL?  Martin Luther once read this passage to his children for family devotions and his wife, Katie, couldn’t believe God would do such a thing. She said God would never have treated a son like that, but Luther replied, “But He did.” God treated His son that way by sacrificing the son whom He loved, Jesus, on the altar of the cross to make a way of salvation for all. Many people are not aware that Calvary, Golgotha-the place of the skull-is actually a part of Mount Moriah. What imagery … what significance …. what a Savior.

To many, the cross is foolishness, nonsense, absurd, moronic, ridiculous and insane. A crucified Savior is viewed as an oxymoron and so uncool. But to those who get this gracious, scandalous Gospel … it is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe. GRACE ADVENTURES exists to faithfully introduce people to the Jesus of the Bible and to tell the grand story that one man could die on an ancient hill 2000 years ago in an obscure part of the world on a bloody cross and thereby shape the destiny of every person who was ever lived. There is even an empty tomb to prove it. It’s disturbing that so many today are trying to synthesize the gospel into a fashionable, eloquent, clever message that actually shrinks Jesus. Many churches are reinventing, reshaping and repackaging Jesus in an effort to impress an itchy eared world that craves a god made in their own image. Many end up with a loving God who has no wrath, people without sin, Christ without a cross, eternity without hell and salvation without repentance.  Drink deeply into the picture above and the biblical GOSPEL. You can’t help but be amazed by grace and love Jesus more.

The same gospel that impacted the world so mightily 2000 years ago is the same gospel we make known today.  The following are a few highlights from this past month:

MINISTRY  MULTIPLICATION

God’s favor! Let me give you a glimpse of one morning last week. The day started with a brand new study starting with governmental leaders in St. Tammany Parish. What an answer to prayer to see some of our highest elected leaders commit to a weekly Bible study and begin to discover who Jesus really is. This was followed by an appointment that led to sharing the gospel by using the BRIDGE illustration.  It was exciting to see someone move from one side of the bridge to another through faith in Jesus. Later that morning I lead a Bible study on the book of Romans for leaders who have not previously been in a Bible study. What excitement. It doesn’t get any better than this. This is who the Good News is for. One man wants to get together for lunch and talk more. I have been praying for open doors and now my cup runneth over with opportunities to share the gospel and meet with leaders. In the course of the month I have had the opportunity to meet with the Parish President, our area Mayors, State reps, Police Chiefs, judge, Parish Councilmen and many attorneys. Many are now in a Bible studies.

NEXT 52-DAY CHALLENGE

Remember GRACE ADVENTURES is called to reach business and political leaders, but also to serve Spiritual leaders. Over the next 52 days my goal is to reach out to as many Spiritual leaders as possible. I will share the ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES and invite pastors, missionaries and para-church leaders to join a monthly Leader Forum. These forums will be designed to provide a safe, refreshing and encouraging place for spiritual leaders to practice soul care that contributes to longevity, friendships and fruitfulness.

WEDDING JUNE 11th

I have conducted many a wedding but never one for a son. It will be a profound privilege to officiate Jonathan and Patricia’s wedding in Mesquite, Texas on June 11. Jonathan and Patricia each have just found new jobs in Dallas and will be living in the city. Happy Day!!

WEBSITE GOSPEL PRESENTATION

Check out the website at www.graceadventures.info. I have posted a clear new presentation of the gospel story that starts at CREATION and then goes through the FALL, REDEMPTION and RECREATION. You may find it useful as you help others understand the heart of God.

BOOK

I have picked out a publisher. The book is going through final editing over the next 2-3 weeks. We are starting to work though book-cover and layout design. I am hopeful the book will be printed in the next 6-8 weeks.

PRAYER

I’ve been praying Colossians 4:2-6: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

May Update and Prayer Requests

My new endeavor is three months old now and it is fresh, invigorating, challenging and targeted to a niche that is so often overlooked in the cause of Christ … .namely LEADERS …. business, political and spiritual leaders.  God has given me a huge heart for leaders. I love leaders who stand in the gap … who stay solution centered … who choose not to shrink back and who are learning  to honor God above all else. The mission of GRACE ADVENTURES is Transforming Our World through Christ, One Leader at a Time. Day after day I invest in leaders. My call is to bring people to Jesus and leave them with Him. Jesus is the vine, we are the branches … Apart from Him we can do NOTHING. Jesus said, “Nothing.” (Sometimes the Spirit reminds me, “What part of NOTHING do you not understand?”)  In light of this, I thought this month I would give you a few prayer requests to bring to Jesus on our behalf.

1.    I am still a pastor by calling.  A pastor at large in the community to go to all the places I hear the Spirit’s tug. The Holy Spirit has impressed on me that I am in the people building business.  If I stay focused on people I best serve the church of Jesus Christ. Pray I bring people to Jesus and leave them there.

2.    Leaders are running at warp speeds and in many cases it is unsustainable. Pray I inspire leaders to soul care, spiritual formation and a God-centeredness. A fisherman told me that if trout stay in the current too long they get exhausted and end up on their backs dead. They need to occasionally hide behind a big rock, find quiet waters or discover a deep spot. Isn’t that true for all of us. Pray for leaders to come apart before they come apart.

3.    Pray for my visits with elected officials. It is easy to knock political leaders but they are people too.  The demands are great. The resources scarce. Long hours are demanded. Almost no one is happy these days. Pray for your leaders (I Tim. 2:1-4). Pray Bold. Pray Well. Pray for their spouses. Pray for open doors with each appointment I have.

4.    Pray for the Bible studies and key discipling relationships that are forming. Pray for the business community of Christ-followers to adorn the doctrine of God in the marketplace (Titus 2:10).

5.    Pray for my work with spiritual leaders. Who shepherds shepherds? Isn’t it true - Smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter (Zech. 13:7). Many leaders are weary, wounded and even thinking of quitting. This is at epidemic levels. Pray.

6.    Our first three months have been fruitful and rigorous for Donna and me. Pray we are on guard for ourselves and the flock of God (Acts 20:28a) and Above all else, guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23). Pray we choose God’s pace and not the endless treadmill of ceaseless activity.

7.    We are still in times of transition. Pray for wisdom, spiritual eyes, discernment and the joy of the Lord as our strength (Neh. 8:10).

8.    Pray for open doors for the gospel (Col. 4:3). Pray that leaders trust Jesus and choose to abandon cheap grace, entertainment Christianity, and choose to abandon themselves to a cross-centered faith that follows Jesus no matter what.

9.    Pray for Jonathan and Patricia. The wedding is June 11.

10. My book is done. I’m shopping for a publisher. As a rookie, there is a lot to learn, but it is going to happen. Right now the working titles are either DISASTER or WHEN THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS or BETTING THE FARM ON GOD. The subtitle is GRACE ADVENTURES IN THE MIDST OF LIFE’S DISASTERS. What do you think? Maybe you literary geniuses can suggest something more provocative or catchy.

Donna and I are rich … in friends. We thank God for you. Please send us your prayer list. We do pray when they are sent our way. Promise.

Grace Adventures Report

March 22, 2011

Dear Friends,

Now more than ever our leaders need to hear and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. To this end, the energies of GRACE ADVENTURES are focused. The key next step objectives are:

1.   Developing relationships with key leaders

2.   Launching new ministry while encouraging, partnering and bolstering existing ones.

3.   Establishing a good foundation to sustain GRACE ADVENTURES for the long run.

Please pray for us as we strive to proclaim Christ to business, political and spiritual leaders in Louisiana and beyond. I trust this letter will cause you to PRAISE for our last 52-Day Adventure and PRAY for the coming 52-Day Adventure.

PRAISE for Support Raising 52-Day Grace Adventure

You may recall that I have been inspired by Nehemiah who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 52 days. If a cupbearer could do so much in ancient times then surely I could focus on raising a wall of monthly financial supporters so that the ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES is fruitful and sustainable. It has been an awesome time of continuing to meet with friends and sharing the vision. Amazingly, no one has thrown rocks at me yet. God is generous and God’s people are willing to invest in Kingdom work. I am poised to jump into the work of multiplying ministry and sharing Christ with many. Thank you to all who pray.

PRAYER for Outreach Next Step 52-Day Adventure

God worked over the last 52-day stretch. Here’s the specific prayer request for next 52 day Grace Adventure:

Pray for the Capitol Commission mandate of the Great Commission - the biblical thread of emphasis to reach political leaders with the gospel. Over the next 52 days I will endeavor to meet with our key state leaders and share Christ and explain the opportunities to partner with GRACE ADVENTURES. Pray BIG!! Pray BOLD!! Pray for open doors of opportunity with our Senators, Governor, Congressmen, Mayors, Parish and City leaders.

The Capitol Commission has been called the “missing mandate in modern missions.” Consider the commission:

      “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead  a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:1-4). 

Scripture urges us to pray that our political leaders come to know Christ.

      “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine, to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15).

Kings were one of the three “people groups” God called Paul to reach. Eight of the cities he traveled to in Acts were Capital cities.

      Book of Acts

Of the thirteen individual conversions recorded in the book of Acts, seven were politically related people (Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:27); Cornelius, the military Centurion (Acts 10:17); Blatus, the King’s Chamberlain (Acts 12:20); Sergius, The Roman Governor (Acts 13:7); the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:27); Dionysius, the judge (Acts 17:34); Publius, the Governor of Malta (Acts 28:7). In fact, Acts is written to Theophilus (Acts 1:1) who is likely a governor. Paul took the gospel to Caesar (Acts 27:23) and some in Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22) trusted Jesus.

      “I will also speak of your testimonies before Kings and shall not be ashamed” (Psalms 119:46). 

The Capitol Commission is prominent throughout the Scripture.

The Great Commission includes a specific strategic emphasis in reaching political leaders with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES is, in part, a missiological response to this mandate. I welcome your partnership in this calling and covet your prayers over the next 52-days as I knock on the doors of our governmental leaders.

PRAYER for Japan

The door continues to open for me to work with Touch Global and the Crisis Response ministry. It is amazing how God took what we learned in Katrina and is now using these lessons around the world. Mark Lewis, Director of Touch Global Crisis Response, is now in Japan. If you want to follow the work or pray with more information, check out the progress at www.efcacrisisresponse.blogspot.com

PRAYER for YOU

You pray for me. I can pray for you as well. E-mail me a note and let me know how you are doing!! What is new with you? How is life? How is your soul doing? Really! I want to know. What are you really enjoying? Is there a Grace Adventure you are currently experiencing?

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael

P.S.  Check out our new website at www.graceadventures.info

Grace Adventures Update

Donna and I are soooo grateful for the prayer, encouragement and support of friends who have helped us launch the new ministry called GRACE ADVENTURES. Keep praying. Your prayers are making the difference. Here’s the update:

52-DAY CHALLENGE

There is one week to go in my 52-day challenge of focusing time on support-raising. My inspiration is Nehemiah who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 52 days. If a cupbearer could do so much in less than 2 months, than surely I could tackle my wall of raising partners for the ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES. The prayer is to build a team of monthly supporters so the ministry can be sustainable and fruitful.

It is easy to have a goal, but the reality of raising support can seem like a huge obstacle is standing in your way. This is particularly true for me. I’m not good at fund-raising and have never had to raise missionary support. In fact, one friend said I was pathetic at it ... so pathetic he made up 25 business cards for me and said to take someone out to lunch, excuse myself, hand them a business card and go to the bathroom. The business card reads:

Hi, my name is Michael Sprague. I am Pastor of GRACE ADVENTURES. I am shy about asking for financial support. Excuse me, but I need to go to the bathroom. While I am absent from your presence would you mind considering some financial support for my ministry. Thank you, and if you have any additional questions please ask my wife Donna. Thank you.

It’s good to laugh at yourself and be amazed that God can use the foolish things (even pathetic) of this world like me in His grace adventures. When you minister in your weaknesses, it creates incredible dependency. It is quite an adventure to be fully dependant upon the grace of God. Of course, whether it’s your strengths or weaknesses isn’t Jesus always asking, “Is it you or is it Me you are depending upon?” The update with a week to go - I am at 72% of my initial monthly support raising needed for the ministry of GRACE ADVENTURES. I started at zero a few weeks back and now there is 72%. That’s God!!!!!  That is a lot of generous friends!!!!  That is GRACE. I thank God.

Please keep praying. A number of additional people are praying about being on the monthly support team. The sooner I can get toward the monthly support goal the more I can give full attention to the awesome opportunities in ministry with outreach and discipleship. If you can help with a monthly support commitment, you are needed and wanted.

MINISTRY

Ministry Development

Donna and I have been working diligently to launch GRACE ADVENTURES. It is like launching a rocket…it takes 80% of the fuel to get it started up. We are in the midst of making contacts, communicating the vision, starting new outreach and Bible studies, data base development, donor processes, literature development, PayPal, website, non-profit and IRS authorizations, and on and on it goes. The good news is there is progress on every front. It seems like everyone I talk to gives another piece of the ministry foundation. I love to do God’s bidding and do it with the people I love. Doors are flying wide open. The Spirit is alive. Lives are changing. It is almost like after KATRINA when every hour God came through visibly.

2011 Ministry Focus

Here is the 2011 ministry focus of GRACE ADVENTURES so that you can have a better understanding of the ministry and to see how you can pray.  You can also check out the new ministry website at www.graceadventures.info. Please give some input as well. How can I improve? What would be helpful?

Business and Political Leaders

·         Multiply Bible Studies for Leaders

·         One-on-One Evangelism and Discipleship

·         Business Forums

·         Oil Field Fellowship

·         Mayor’s Prayer Breakfasts

Spiritual Leaders

·         Monthly Pastor Forums

·         Consulting, Mentoring, Training, Seminars

·         Preaching

World Missions

·         Periodic Spokesman for Touch Global Crisis Response

Grace Adventures

·         Men’s Adventure Events

·         Short-Term Mission Opportunities

·         Retreats

·         Annual National Prayer Breakfast, Louisiana Delegation

Resource Development

·         Books

·         Evangelism and Discipleship Tools

·         Blog

BOOK

The book is back from the editor. I’m finishing up the footnotes and then will be turning my attention to find a publisher. I’ve got 4 possibilities at this point, and I’m hoping for Tyndale. Pray for an open door for the book to be published.

Thank you all for caring. It is wonderful to have friends like you. My favorite cartoon is a robber holding up a man and saying, “Put all your valuables in this sack!” In the next frame you see the man stuffing all his friends into the sack. That is my life story.  “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:2-3).

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael Sprague

Active Hands

Friends,

Donna and I have gone from “open hands” to “active hands.” I am now the pioneer and President of a non-profit ministry called, “GRACE ADVENTURES.” This Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused, Grace-motivated, Bible-based ministry seeks to reach, engage and train leaders for Christ and the cause of Christ. The opportunities God has thrust into my lap are amazing and as fresh as yesterday and today. I am working with business, political and spiritual leaders, Bible studies, and am leading and speaking in a variety of sectors of the community. I am amazed at the diversity of ministry God has brought my way:  from work with street people to preaching in African-American churches, a Presbyterian and a Bible church, a Baptist adult Bible fellowship, and Mars Hill discussions with spiritual investigators.

The Bible is active and sharper than any two edged sword. A spiritually investigating business owner told me recently, “I am either going to become the greatest follower of Christianity or the greatest detractor of Christianity. I am on the fence right now.” I think the hound of heaven, the Holy Spirit, is reeling him in, and it’s only a matter of time. Another seeking business leader stopped me on the basketball court and for the first time in his life was interested in getting into a Bible study. He said, “Michael how much would it cost for you to lead one of those Bible study things?” I told him I’d never charge anything to talk to someone about the Lord and the Bible. He’s getting twelve of his friends together for their first ever GRACE ADVENTURE. I’ve got opportunities with CEO forums, the newly formed Oil Field Fellowship, and potential speaking opportunities with Touch Global. All of these opportunities were initiated by God, not me. My cup overflows.

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for my support raising process over the next 52 days. I am fully responsible in this missionary position to raise all my family and ministry expense financial support. This is challenging. I’ve never done this before. On top of this, I’ve always been a lousy fundraiser … in fact “pathetic” as one sympathetic friend puts it. When I get to full-support the credit will only go to God and generous friends.

Here is my plan. If Nehemiah could build a wall in 52 days - then I can devote myself to talk to friends for 52 days and invite them to invest in Kingdom work as God leads. I’m convinced God owns everything, where He leads, He supplies and God will nudge the right people at the right time to co-labor with me. Already a number of people have committed to monthly support. Missionaries have counseled me to try to get monthly support and trust God to get to full support before devoting full attention to the ministry side. They tell me without a support base your marriage suffers, you are distracted in the work and easily discouraged. Please pray for me as I set up appointments in January and February. Pray for a two-day missionary training seminar Donna and I are attending in Dallas next week called BODY BUILDERS. If you want to talk to me about partnering in support, please call me at 985-502-4265 or email me at MDSprague00@bellsouth.net. Support can be sent to GRACE ADVENTURES, 701 Rue Marseille, Mandeville, LA 70471.

2. Pray for all the foundational aspects of the ministry to be organized. Bank accounts, electronic fund transfers, webpage, data base, newsletter design, systems, contacts, etc. Mostly pray for God’s favor. I so thankful for this. Divine favor is God doing something for you that you know you can’t do for your self. There is nothing else like the Father’s favor relationally, spiritually and financially. Remember Daniel.  He had favor with those in places of great authority. Favor opens doors.

3. Book - Finally I got the book I’m writing out the door and into the hands of an editor, and Lord willing then on to a publisher. I need favor big-time. A friend told me this week   the governor of Louisiana told him he wanted a copy of my book as soon as it gets published. FAVOR. I’m thankful.

Donna and I are grateful for being blessed with friends. Thank you for praying and caring. We had a white Christmas in Maryland with our families. Jonathan and Patricia got to spend four days with us. The June 11 wedding is in Mesquite, Texas will soon be here. I’ve done many weddings but never one for a son. How sweet it will be!!! You can check out Jonathan’s wedding website at http://www.jonathanandpatricia.com/. Jonathan is a software developer … can you tell?

I will be preaching at Forcey Memorial Church in Silver Spring, MD on February 13th at their morning services. If you are in the area, please come.

Please send me an e-mail on how you are doing. I’m interested.

Have a great 2011. May you be full of life and health this year. May you be surrounded by family and authentic friendships. May the Word nourish your souls and may the Holy Spirit apply His comforting salve to your nicks and wounds. May you be fully used in the purposes of God and find delight and wonder and worship in Him. May perseverance and stick-to–it-ness be yours. May you live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. May the living God guide, protect and direct as you live dangerously for Him. May the Shalom of God be upon you and give you His peace and Favor. Amen

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael