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