Thursday, September 24, 2009
Kudos from Liz & Al
As fringe members of CEGRT, we are impressed with the willingness and effectiveness of you all, especially with the Kingdom Assignment. Our lives were changed by Blueprint. May our hearts be impacted forever by Kingdom Assignment. May our faithful stewardship work for God's glory in our church, in our community and in the world. And may His Spirit reign and rule in both our hearts and lives as He dwells within us.
With love and prayer,
Al and Liz
With love and prayer,
Al and Liz
Sharon's Habitat House KA
Lynette, you may share my thoughts with anyone... I am happy for others to know "the story" and if there's any encouragement in there for someone, all the better! I will invite Kay, but I'm not sure she'll respond... She seems to be a very private person, but I will try! You can pray about that for me!! Thanks... Sharon
PS God did answer our prayer. Kay came on Friday night, September 11 to hear Leesa speak!!!!!
PS God did answer our prayer. Kay came on Friday night, September 11 to hear Leesa speak!!!!!
Liz on Michael Darby's Report
Thanks for sending your report, Michael. We are so happy to see how our mighty God has worked in so many ways. I, personally, love both of the ministries you supported.
Your comments about PVPC are especially encouraging. I know the Spirit of the Lord is working there and that He has called Richard to pastor. It's good to hear someone from outside confirm those things.
We look forward to seeing you when you are visiting your family here. We hope to meet them, too!
With Jesus' love,
Liz and Al
Your comments about PVPC are especially encouraging. I know the Spirit of the Lord is working there and that He has called Richard to pastor. It's good to hear someone from outside confirm those things.
We look forward to seeing you when you are visiting your family here. We hope to meet them, too!
With Jesus' love,
Liz and Al
Liz & The Grocery Fairy
Wow! Paulette, what a great story. This is of God! You did have to "wait on Him" and also be proactive. Such a line to walk. So hard for us to do. Your persistance reminds me of the widow who went before the judge and bothered him so much that he gave her what she wanted. (Luke 18) But! it sounds like they all like you at Publix and are happy to be sharing in His kingdom work.
I can't wait until Celebration Sunday either!!!
Love, Liz
I can't wait until Celebration Sunday either!!!
Love, Liz
Grocery Fairy Does Exist
Ladies,
Thank you for being diligent prayer warriors over my Kingdom Assignment. I am very proud to announce that I finally spent my $100.00 bill.
Yesterday was the day of celebration for me as I received a phone call from Publix stating that they had my donation ready for me to come pick up.
If you recall I just met with Dwaine on Tuesday afternoon, I believe once I got to speak to him in person I was finally able to make a case for Christ, now we’re tight and he’s calling out for immediate action from his co-workers.
Anyway, with a Joy filled heart brimming with elation, I walked up to customer service, where they now call me by my first name and received my 40 free shopping bags and 30 $10.00 gift cards for Groceries. I then threw in my cash and added 10 more gift cards to the pile.
I CAN’TWAIT UNTIL CELEBRATION SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will be my goal to distribute them amongst the congregation and create a new army of Grocery Fairies.
I also secured the domain name “Groceryfairy.org” so I will have a place to share my story, show my feature interview and hear stories back from other folks who might be participating. I’m totally in over my head, but I am very excited.
Paulette Waterman
Thank you for being diligent prayer warriors over my Kingdom Assignment. I am very proud to announce that I finally spent my $100.00 bill.
Yesterday was the day of celebration for me as I received a phone call from Publix stating that they had my donation ready for me to come pick up.
If you recall I just met with Dwaine on Tuesday afternoon, I believe once I got to speak to him in person I was finally able to make a case for Christ, now we’re tight and he’s calling out for immediate action from his co-workers.
Anyway, with a Joy filled heart brimming with elation, I walked up to customer service, where they now call me by my first name and received my 40 free shopping bags and 30 $10.00 gift cards for Groceries. I then threw in my cash and added 10 more gift cards to the pile.
I CAN’TWAIT UNTIL CELEBRATION SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will be my goal to distribute them amongst the congregation and create a new army of Grocery Fairies.
I also secured the domain name “Groceryfairy.org” so I will have a place to share my story, show my feature interview and hear stories back from other folks who might be participating. I’m totally in over my head, but I am very excited.
Paulette Waterman
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
ACauseforChrist.com
Lynette:
I am happy to announce that my Kingdom Assignment project will be live no later than Thursday. I have previously sent you information about my website: www.ACauseforChrist.com.
I would very much like to have some type of opportunity to inform everyone about the site and ask for prayers for success as well as ask everyone to use all their conatcts from email, Facebook, MySpace, etc. to forward news about the site to all their friends. Please let me know what I might be able to do.
Thanks!!!
Joe
I am happy to announce that my Kingdom Assignment project will be live no later than Thursday. I have previously sent you information about my website: www.ACauseforChrist.com.
I would very much like to have some type of opportunity to inform everyone about the site and ask for prayers for success as well as ask everyone to use all their conatcts from email, Facebook, MySpace, etc. to forward news about the site to all their friends. Please let me know what I might be able to do.
Thanks!!!
Joe
Lynette, I have meant to send you this for a month or so, but just did not take the time to sit down and do this until now. I wanted to give you a little more detail on my KA and share how I have been so blessed to be part of it!
It really is amazing how God wove things together "behind the scenes" for me and my Assignment while I prayed about what He would have me do... I still spent precious time trying to make things happen on my own, and one of the biggest things I learned through this KA experience was to just let God take care of the details and He'd lead me to the right place at the right time! I knew my Assignment would be about making "house into home" and while all signs seemed to point to doing something with Beaches Habitat, all my efforts to contact someone there had failed to that point.
Here's the first cool thing that God worked out... providing direct contact with the family He intended for me to help. I only had to mention to you what I hoped to do, when I called you about not being able to attend the KA "Half-Way" evening at your home. Because you shared my "hope to" dream with the group that night, Kathy Fehling called me the next day to let me know she could introduce me to a Habitat home recipient who might be able to use my help. Kathy was already involved with Beaches Habitat through building a home, and had been able to develop a relationship with the new homeowner, a single Mom with 4 children, one of whom had spina bifida. You already know how Kathy's Assignment was underway for this family.... providing a bookcase and age-appropriate books for each member of the family when they moved into their new home.
The second issue God worked out was the perfect timing for my KA project. The reason I couldn't attend the get-together at your home was because I was working on a staging project all that week in an anticipation of hosting two open house events for the owner, one on June 14th, the other on June 16th. I also knew I would be out of town Father's Day weekend (June 21st) and leaving at the very end of June for a month-long trip to Canada. Stay with me here... I did not see any way I would be able to do meaningful work on KA until after I returned from visiting my parents at the end of July. BUT, God knew otherwise! Within 2 hours of the last open house event, I met Kay, the young mom that Kathy Fehling had wanted to introduce me to. After talking with her that evening, I knew that this was the family I should help with getting settled into their new home! What I didn't know but quickly learned, was that the dedication of her new home would be on Saturday, June 27th, just a week and a half away, and that she literally had nothing but a car trunk full of decorative items that she would be bringing to her new home. She and her family were sleeping on air mattresses, and their other furniture had been damaged or ruined by a major termite infestation at their then-present home. How would I help this family with only a few days before the dedication date (minus the weekend I would be away), no furniture to help move in, only a trunk full of Kay's belongings, and a $100 bill??? My Assignment was going to be much bigger than I had thought!
Another thing God had orchestrated was allowing my path to cross with Kay's through Kathy Fehling. Kay shared with Kathy and I the evening we first met that she had been abused at a very young age, removed from her family and placed into foster care. She moved so often - over 20 times in one year alone! - and by the age of 14, was legally emancipated from her family and out on her own. She shared how she had made some mistakes and bad decisions along the way, but now at the age of 30 and with 4 children, she wanted to provide a stable home for them, a place where they had a sense of belonging and family, something Kay never had as a child. I so admired her spirit and strong desire to reach her goals, and she was doing what she could to help provide... I mentioned earlier that one of her children has spina bifida. Kay shared with us that evening that while she was pregnant with this baby, her doctor told her that she would be better off having an abortion. He explained that there were doctors in Florida who would perform a late-term abortion, and that she should seriously consider having one because of the additional "burden" a special needs child would bring to her life, a child that would most likely never be able to walk. Kay told him at that very moment her unborn baby was kicking inside her womb... not elbowing her, not bumping with her tiny head, but kicking with her feet! Kay knew that this little life inside her was supposed to be born, and thought that if this tiny baby could kick like that, she would certainly be able to walk some day! By this time, we shared hugs and tears... I knew that this was the very family God intended for me to help all along!
So... through an e-mail to a small group of people and a few phone calls, God provided everything I needed to furnish Kay's home in just a few short days, further indication of what He had been doing to prepare others' hearts to respond to my requests. I received the donations of furniture that fit perfectly into this small home, including bedroom furniture for every member of the family. Others gave items that fit in with the things Kay had... and there were folks who donated money so I could buy the things that were missing. As if this wasn't enough, He sent me helpers in the most unlikely and unexpected ways... I could not have accomplished my KA in time for the house dedication without these wonderful friends who gave so much of their physical help and precious time. I am in awe of what God did when I was willing to let Him take care of the details!
And one more thing... Kay expressed to me several times how she was so overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to her and her family. I was able to share God's love with her, that "We love, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19) I continue to pray for Kay and her family, that God continues to place people in their path who show and share His love for them.
Thank you for letting me share this long KA story that really happened for me over just a few short days, but that God had made plans for over a very long time... There's even more I could share with you, but just know that while God chose us to participate in being a blessing to others, we have been immeasurably blessed through what God has done for us in each of our Kingdom Assignments!
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning to celebrate all of God's goodness!
With a grateful heart, Sharon Hawes
It really is amazing how God wove things together "behind the scenes" for me and my Assignment while I prayed about what He would have me do... I still spent precious time trying to make things happen on my own, and one of the biggest things I learned through this KA experience was to just let God take care of the details and He'd lead me to the right place at the right time! I knew my Assignment would be about making "house into home" and while all signs seemed to point to doing something with Beaches Habitat, all my efforts to contact someone there had failed to that point.
Here's the first cool thing that God worked out... providing direct contact with the family He intended for me to help. I only had to mention to you what I hoped to do, when I called you about not being able to attend the KA "Half-Way" evening at your home. Because you shared my "hope to" dream with the group that night, Kathy Fehling called me the next day to let me know she could introduce me to a Habitat home recipient who might be able to use my help. Kathy was already involved with Beaches Habitat through building a home, and had been able to develop a relationship with the new homeowner, a single Mom with 4 children, one of whom had spina bifida. You already know how Kathy's Assignment was underway for this family.... providing a bookcase and age-appropriate books for each member of the family when they moved into their new home.
The second issue God worked out was the perfect timing for my KA project. The reason I couldn't attend the get-together at your home was because I was working on a staging project all that week in an anticipation of hosting two open house events for the owner, one on June 14th, the other on June 16th. I also knew I would be out of town Father's Day weekend (June 21st) and leaving at the very end of June for a month-long trip to Canada. Stay with me here... I did not see any way I would be able to do meaningful work on KA until after I returned from visiting my parents at the end of July. BUT, God knew otherwise! Within 2 hours of the last open house event, I met Kay, the young mom that Kathy Fehling had wanted to introduce me to. After talking with her that evening, I knew that this was the family I should help with getting settled into their new home! What I didn't know but quickly learned, was that the dedication of her new home would be on Saturday, June 27th, just a week and a half away, and that she literally had nothing but a car trunk full of decorative items that she would be bringing to her new home. She and her family were sleeping on air mattresses, and their other furniture had been damaged or ruined by a major termite infestation at their then-present home. How would I help this family with only a few days before the dedication date (minus the weekend I would be away), no furniture to help move in, only a trunk full of Kay's belongings, and a $100 bill??? My Assignment was going to be much bigger than I had thought!
Another thing God had orchestrated was allowing my path to cross with Kay's through Kathy Fehling. Kay shared with Kathy and I the evening we first met that she had been abused at a very young age, removed from her family and placed into foster care. She moved so often - over 20 times in one year alone! - and by the age of 14, was legally emancipated from her family and out on her own. She shared how she had made some mistakes and bad decisions along the way, but now at the age of 30 and with 4 children, she wanted to provide a stable home for them, a place where they had a sense of belonging and family, something Kay never had as a child. I so admired her spirit and strong desire to reach her goals, and she was doing what she could to help provide... I mentioned earlier that one of her children has spina bifida. Kay shared with us that evening that while she was pregnant with this baby, her doctor told her that she would be better off having an abortion. He explained that there were doctors in Florida who would perform a late-term abortion, and that she should seriously consider having one because of the additional "burden" a special needs child would bring to her life, a child that would most likely never be able to walk. Kay told him at that very moment her unborn baby was kicking inside her womb... not elbowing her, not bumping with her tiny head, but kicking with her feet! Kay knew that this little life inside her was supposed to be born, and thought that if this tiny baby could kick like that, she would certainly be able to walk some day! By this time, we shared hugs and tears... I knew that this was the very family God intended for me to help all along!
So... through an e-mail to a small group of people and a few phone calls, God provided everything I needed to furnish Kay's home in just a few short days, further indication of what He had been doing to prepare others' hearts to respond to my requests. I received the donations of furniture that fit perfectly into this small home, including bedroom furniture for every member of the family. Others gave items that fit in with the things Kay had... and there were folks who donated money so I could buy the things that were missing. As if this wasn't enough, He sent me helpers in the most unlikely and unexpected ways... I could not have accomplished my KA in time for the house dedication without these wonderful friends who gave so much of their physical help and precious time. I am in awe of what God did when I was willing to let Him take care of the details!
And one more thing... Kay expressed to me several times how she was so overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to her and her family. I was able to share God's love with her, that "We love, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19) I continue to pray for Kay and her family, that God continues to place people in their path who show and share His love for them.
Thank you for letting me share this long KA story that really happened for me over just a few short days, but that God had made plans for over a very long time... There's even more I could share with you, but just know that while God chose us to participate in being a blessing to others, we have been immeasurably blessed through what God has done for us in each of our Kingdom Assignments!
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning to celebrate all of God's goodness!
With a grateful heart, Sharon Hawes
Monday, August 3, 2009
Paulette's Prayer Request
Dear Friends,
I’m ready for all 49 plus of you to send up prayers this week on behalf of my Kingdom Assignment. I have been working diligently since early on in our assignment to create an idea that involves the sharing of groceries with anyone in need. I created the concept and pitched it in person locally and via the internet to a large grocery store chain. Everyone in my local store and those few folks that I have shared the idea with believe it’s a terrific idea and that it could have a nice impact on our community. Here’s where I‘ve hit a snag. I can accomplish my Kingdom Assignment on a variety of scales, but I didn’t want to limit God, so I started by reaching for the stars and went to a man higher in the chain of command in the corporate offices of this grocery chain. Three weeks have passed since I e-mailed him my package and I haven’t heard one word back. (Crickets chirping in the silence) I don’t want to pressure him for a decision and ruin any chance I might have, but since we’ve received the notice that we have only 4 weeks to go, I’m starting to feel the pressure and want to give him a call. Please pray for God’s timing to be perfect, and for me to feel his direction as to when to act. Please also pray that this Gentleman(Dwaine) will have some reason to run back across my e-mail this week and take an action. For all I know he may love the idea and have passed it along to another area of the corporate office, but I just don’t know anything at this point. I’ve never been good with the “be still and know” part of God’s plan, so I am asking for your help in the area of prayer. Also, If I get a big fat no, I’ll need to be lining up things for plan B, which I don’t want to begin if I will get a big fat yes and some additional funds to make my original assignment take flight. Your prayers are appreciated and I’ll let you know where I end up by the end of this week.
With Faith and High Expectations to see God’s Mighty hand at work,
Paulette Waterman
June 28,2009
I’m ready for all 49 plus of you to send up prayers this week on behalf of my Kingdom Assignment. I have been working diligently since early on in our assignment to create an idea that involves the sharing of groceries with anyone in need. I created the concept and pitched it in person locally and via the internet to a large grocery store chain. Everyone in my local store and those few folks that I have shared the idea with believe it’s a terrific idea and that it could have a nice impact on our community. Here’s where I‘ve hit a snag. I can accomplish my Kingdom Assignment on a variety of scales, but I didn’t want to limit God, so I started by reaching for the stars and went to a man higher in the chain of command in the corporate offices of this grocery chain. Three weeks have passed since I e-mailed him my package and I haven’t heard one word back. (Crickets chirping in the silence) I don’t want to pressure him for a decision and ruin any chance I might have, but since we’ve received the notice that we have only 4 weeks to go, I’m starting to feel the pressure and want to give him a call. Please pray for God’s timing to be perfect, and for me to feel his direction as to when to act. Please also pray that this Gentleman(Dwaine) will have some reason to run back across my e-mail this week and take an action. For all I know he may love the idea and have passed it along to another area of the corporate office, but I just don’t know anything at this point. I’ve never been good with the “be still and know” part of God’s plan, so I am asking for your help in the area of prayer. Also, If I get a big fat no, I’ll need to be lining up things for plan B, which I don’t want to begin if I will get a big fat yes and some additional funds to make my original assignment take flight. Your prayers are appreciated and I’ll let you know where I end up by the end of this week.
With Faith and High Expectations to see God’s Mighty hand at work,
Paulette Waterman
June 28,2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM MIKE DARBY
Way to GOOOOOO, Paulette! Good for you for hanging in there!
Be encouraged dear ones--we have NOT failed--and darkness has NOT prevailed.
God clearly said HE had a "few tricks up His sleeve," and darkness is about
to meet head on "the SON of Righteousness!" Oh what a glorious collision
this will be!
Let's Pray On!
So-----Be encouraged....God is STILL in control! Ro: 8:28
forever!.....Michael
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Michael Darby
1810 Murray Cove Rd-Tiger, GA 30576
(H)706-782-7425;(Cell)706-490-0549
Be encouraged dear ones--we have NOT failed--and darkness has NOT prevailed.
God clearly said HE had a "few tricks up His sleeve," and darkness is about
to meet head on "the SON of Righteousness!" Oh what a glorious collision
this will be!
Let's Pray On!
So-----Be encouraged....God is STILL in control! Ro: 8:28
forever!.....Michael
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain."
Michael Darby
1810 Murray Cove Rd-Tiger, GA 30576
(H)706-782-7425;(Cell)706-490-0549
GOD & GROCERIES - ENCOURAGING!!!
Lynette,
Girl, I wish I could type as fast as I can talk because I have such fun and AWESOME news to share. (yes you can blog it). Today I was given an opportunity to put my Kingdom Assignment Plan B into action (Big Thanks to my friend Eden). I met with a videographer who represents the Time Union and Jacksonville.com. She interviewed me on camera allowing me the opportunity to share my Kingdom Assignment. Then she followed me around while I was shopping at the grocery store. We spent an hour and a half together and had the best time. I’m not sure how she will represent my story. I’m not even clear on which venue she will use to share my story, but I have given her every piece of information and plenty of video footage for her to spread my story all over the place. I was starting to feel disappointed in the fact that my Kingdom Assignment Plan A wasn’t falling into place the way I had hoped. I’ve been disillusioned thinking I was going to be the only person who couldn’t make something happen before July 31st. Then I re-read my Kingdom Assignment book and prayed and prayed like crazy knowing there were a bunch of hurdles to cross before getting to the finish line. As I was praying yesterday in anticipation over the opportunity that might come my way today, God showed me this verse through a devotional. It’s made me crack up laughing over and over. It doesn’t start with my name in the first line, but it might as well. Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?”
APPARENTLY NOT! As of last night there were speed bumps and road blocks, but by 10 am, we had a green light and smooth sailing up ahead.
I’ve always known God to be faithful, and sometimes he tests me just to see if I’m going to be trusting of his faithfulness. This is just another great example of how God works things out in his time for his goodness to be seen. Again this is not my $100.00 or My great idea, It’s God’s and today he allowed me to be his voice. I can hardly wait to see where it goes from here. If Plan B was so awesome, one of two things can be said. Plan A wasn’t God’s plan after all, or Plan A is going to rock it bigger than I can ever fathom. Either way, it’s all GOOD. Thanks for praying me through.
Paulette Waterman
Girl, I wish I could type as fast as I can talk because I have such fun and AWESOME news to share. (yes you can blog it). Today I was given an opportunity to put my Kingdom Assignment Plan B into action (Big Thanks to my friend Eden). I met with a videographer who represents the Time Union and Jacksonville.com. She interviewed me on camera allowing me the opportunity to share my Kingdom Assignment. Then she followed me around while I was shopping at the grocery store. We spent an hour and a half together and had the best time. I’m not sure how she will represent my story. I’m not even clear on which venue she will use to share my story, but I have given her every piece of information and plenty of video footage for her to spread my story all over the place. I was starting to feel disappointed in the fact that my Kingdom Assignment Plan A wasn’t falling into place the way I had hoped. I’ve been disillusioned thinking I was going to be the only person who couldn’t make something happen before July 31st. Then I re-read my Kingdom Assignment book and prayed and prayed like crazy knowing there were a bunch of hurdles to cross before getting to the finish line. As I was praying yesterday in anticipation over the opportunity that might come my way today, God showed me this verse through a devotional. It’s made me crack up laughing over and over. It doesn’t start with my name in the first line, but it might as well. Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?”
APPARENTLY NOT! As of last night there were speed bumps and road blocks, but by 10 am, we had a green light and smooth sailing up ahead.
I’ve always known God to be faithful, and sometimes he tests me just to see if I’m going to be trusting of his faithfulness. This is just another great example of how God works things out in his time for his goodness to be seen. Again this is not my $100.00 or My great idea, It’s God’s and today he allowed me to be his voice. I can hardly wait to see where it goes from here. If Plan B was so awesome, one of two things can be said. Plan A wasn’t God’s plan after all, or Plan A is going to rock it bigger than I can ever fathom. Either way, it’s all GOOD. Thanks for praying me through.
Paulette Waterman
CHRISTIAN CARE MINISTRY UPDATE
July 28, 2009
Lynette, I just received the email below from the president of Christian Care Ministry, along with the precious letter attached to it ...... You've got to read that letter......What a great God we have.
Bill Flemister
NOTE: Please copy & past the link below in your browser to read Bill's email & see the attached letter.
http://webmail.aol.com/43792/aol/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.23154916&folder=NewMail&partId=2&saveAs=doc07282009122026.pdf&a=2357&z=24249
Lynette, I just received the email below from the president of Christian Care Ministry, along with the precious letter attached to it ...... You've got to read that letter......What a great God we have.
Bill Flemister
NOTE: Please copy & past the link below in your browser to read Bill's email & see the attached letter.
http://webmail.aol.com/43792/aol/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.23154916&folder=NewMail&partId=2&saveAs=doc07282009122026.pdf&a=2357&z=24249
Friday, July 10, 2009
Christian Care Ministry - Bill Flemister
Is the “KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT” calling YOU?
God charges us to be good stewards of all the blessings He bestows on us.
Following a recent Sunday morning sermon by Dr. Denny Bellesi, author of The Kingdom Assignment*, one of Christian Care Ministry’s members was given a $100 bill by his church with three instructions: (1) This is God’s money. (2) Grow this blessing as God has told us in the parable of the talents and, within 90 days, see what God can do, and (3) Use the multiplied blessing for the kingdom.
This member, Bill Flemister, came to Christian Care Ministry with the $100 and said, “I am praying that not less than 100 members of Christian Care Ministry will come forward and join the ‘Kingdom Assignment,’ each with an additional gift of $100 or more to support CCM families who have lost their jobs and incomes.”
CCM regularly encounters members who are out of work and can no longer afford to send in their monthly share for Medi-Share or Manna, or even pay for the basic necessities of food and shelter.
Is He calling your name? The resources are God’s. The decision is yours.
Please pray, and ask God if YOU should come forward and be one of those 100 to join the “Kingdom Assignment”. Together, we can multiply that $100 into $10,000 or even more, to help these families who need our help right now. We join our fellow member, Bill, in praying that God will answer and that YOU will come forward and join the “Kingdom Assignment” to support those who need our help. Every “gift,” in any amount, is welcome and appreciated.
The amount you give toward this appeal will be tax-deductible and restricted for the purpose described in this letter. You can respond to Bill’s challenge by sending your donation to: Christian Care Ministry, attn: Kingdom Assignment, PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912. Please include the form on the back of this letter but do not send it with your share payment, as that is mailed to a different address.
If you are a CCM member-household in need of this type of assistance, please lift up this project in prayer and use the form on the back of this letter to let us know about your need.
Blessings,
Christian Care Ministry
*For more information about the Kingdom Assignment Project or author, visit their website at http://www.kingdomassignment.com/ .
I want to be a part of Christian Care Ministry’s
Kingdom Assignment!
Member Name:________________________________________________________________
Member Number:______________________________________________________________
Member Address:______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Choose your part of the Kingdom Assignment below!
______I am committing now to pray for this project and for the Lord’s guidance in the distribution of these blessings to my fellow Medi-Share members.
______Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation for $________ to the CCM Kingdom Assignment. My check is made out to Christian Care Ministry and I am mailing it to CCM, PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912. (Please do not enclose this form with your share payment as it goes to a different address.)
_______Please consider my/our need for assistance. I am entrusting the Ministry staff to make the best decision regarding distribution of any funds collected and will abide by their decisions, even if I am not selected for assistance.
Need Amount:______________________________
Situation (use this area to briefly outline your need and the circumstances regarding your financial situation that have led you to request assistance):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Return this completed form to:
Christian Care Ministry, ATTN: Kingdom Assignment Assistance Request
PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912
God charges us to be good stewards of all the blessings He bestows on us.
Following a recent Sunday morning sermon by Dr. Denny Bellesi, author of The Kingdom Assignment*, one of Christian Care Ministry’s members was given a $100 bill by his church with three instructions: (1) This is God’s money. (2) Grow this blessing as God has told us in the parable of the talents and, within 90 days, see what God can do, and (3) Use the multiplied blessing for the kingdom.
This member, Bill Flemister, came to Christian Care Ministry with the $100 and said, “I am praying that not less than 100 members of Christian Care Ministry will come forward and join the ‘Kingdom Assignment,’ each with an additional gift of $100 or more to support CCM families who have lost their jobs and incomes.”
CCM regularly encounters members who are out of work and can no longer afford to send in their monthly share for Medi-Share or Manna, or even pay for the basic necessities of food and shelter.
Is He calling your name? The resources are God’s. The decision is yours.
Please pray, and ask God if YOU should come forward and be one of those 100 to join the “Kingdom Assignment”. Together, we can multiply that $100 into $10,000 or even more, to help these families who need our help right now. We join our fellow member, Bill, in praying that God will answer and that YOU will come forward and join the “Kingdom Assignment” to support those who need our help. Every “gift,” in any amount, is welcome and appreciated.
The amount you give toward this appeal will be tax-deductible and restricted for the purpose described in this letter. You can respond to Bill’s challenge by sending your donation to: Christian Care Ministry, attn: Kingdom Assignment, PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912. Please include the form on the back of this letter but do not send it with your share payment, as that is mailed to a different address.
If you are a CCM member-household in need of this type of assistance, please lift up this project in prayer and use the form on the back of this letter to let us know about your need.
Blessings,
Christian Care Ministry
*For more information about the Kingdom Assignment Project or author, visit their website at http://www.kingdomassignment.com/ .
I want to be a part of Christian Care Ministry’s
Kingdom Assignment!
Member Name:________________________________________________________________
Member Number:______________________________________________________________
Member Address:______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Choose your part of the Kingdom Assignment below!
______I am committing now to pray for this project and for the Lord’s guidance in the distribution of these blessings to my fellow Medi-Share members.
______Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation for $________ to the CCM Kingdom Assignment. My check is made out to Christian Care Ministry and I am mailing it to CCM, PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912. (Please do not enclose this form with your share payment as it goes to a different address.)
_______Please consider my/our need for assistance. I am entrusting the Ministry staff to make the best decision regarding distribution of any funds collected and will abide by their decisions, even if I am not selected for assistance.
Need Amount:______________________________
Situation (use this area to briefly outline your need and the circumstances regarding your financial situation that have led you to request assistance):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Return this completed form to:
Christian Care Ministry, ATTN: Kingdom Assignment Assistance Request
PO Box 120099, Melbourne, FL 32912
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Paulette's Celebration Time!!!
Friends,
I’m about to wet my pants with elation!!!!!!! The Grocery guy called me today! I was supposed to be on the Ichetucknee River, and bailed out at the last minute due to the weather. I’m so very excited, even if nothing happens from here, at lease finally I got to speak with someone. He said he had not received any e-mails from me and once I checked I had missed placing a dot in his address, so my info wasn’t getting to him. Thank God I followed up with a phone call last Friday.
It’s so crazy!!!!! I hired a photographer to take some photos for me so I could go on with plan B solo, and she only had one day to work with me before she had to go out of town, so I whipped together some clothes and groceries and met with her only two days ago. She left me a CD with some of the images on her porch yesterday on her way to the airport. I buzzed by and picked them up not thinking twice about taking an action until she return ed later in the month.
Then, as I sit here sad in the rain…… my cell phone rang and it was him!!!!!
Please start praying now that the emails and images will be well received. He plans to pass it along to the Marketing Department.
I need to scream really loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paulette
July 8, 2009
I’m about to wet my pants with elation!!!!!!! The Grocery guy called me today! I was supposed to be on the Ichetucknee River, and bailed out at the last minute due to the weather. I’m so very excited, even if nothing happens from here, at lease finally I got to speak with someone. He said he had not received any e-mails from me and once I checked I had missed placing a dot in his address, so my info wasn’t getting to him. Thank God I followed up with a phone call last Friday.
It’s so crazy!!!!! I hired a photographer to take some photos for me so I could go on with plan B solo, and she only had one day to work with me before she had to go out of town, so I whipped together some clothes and groceries and met with her only two days ago. She left me a CD with some of the images on her porch yesterday on her way to the airport. I buzzed by and picked them up not thinking twice about taking an action until she return ed later in the month.
Then, as I sit here sad in the rain…… my cell phone rang and it was him!!!!!
Please start praying now that the emails and images will be well received. He plans to pass it along to the Marketing Department.
I need to scream really loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paulette
July 8, 2009
Ben Goldsmith, Campus Crusade for Christ KA
BEN GOLDSMITH IS 'ON ASSIGNMENT' FROM THE JACKSONVILLE BUSINESS FELLOWSHIP KA LAUNCHED BY JIM WHORTON, CROWN FINANCIAL MINISTRIES.
We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into….Who would have thought that when I and nine others went forward to volunteer at the Jacksonville Business Fellowship Bible Study we would each be handed a crisp $50 bill by our teacher Jim Whorton of Crown Financial Ministries and given the assignment to multiply it and invest it to bless people and extend the kingdom of God.
As my wife, Diane, and I prayed about this assignment, I knew it was from God and felt it was serious. I thought about individual needy families, at-risk children, assisting evangelistic efforts, giving out Bibles, and equipping Christians as possible assignments.
After about three weeks, God showed me that He had already given me my assignment and that it included all of the above. In May after prayer, our Here’s Life Inner City Jacksonville ministry had set the goal to train 1,850 Christians from 120 churches to evangelistically distribute a Box of Love to 3,700 un-churched needy families. Likewise, God had given us the faith goal of 1,600 people committing their lives to Christ during the distribution and being followed up by those distributing the Boxes of Love.
Yes, God had already given the assignment, with the cost of the project being $125,000. The Lord also showed me that as we sought to complete this assignment, He would cover an anticipated $25,000 short fall in our ministry operating budget between now and August 31.
Therefore, Diane and I have given $1,000 to the ministry to multiply the $50 we received with the assignment. Now I would like to ask you to join me in multiplying it and fulfilling the exciting assignment God has given us. Your check and those of others you may invite to multiply the gift would be made payable to Campus Crusade For Christ and mailed to me at 5860 Mount Carmel Terrace, Jacksonville, FL 32216. I am really thrilled to think how God is going to use this assignment He has given to help people and advance His Kingdom.
Ben Goldsmith
Jacksonville, FL
June 2009
We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into….Who would have thought that when I and nine others went forward to volunteer at the Jacksonville Business Fellowship Bible Study we would each be handed a crisp $50 bill by our teacher Jim Whorton of Crown Financial Ministries and given the assignment to multiply it and invest it to bless people and extend the kingdom of God.
As my wife, Diane, and I prayed about this assignment, I knew it was from God and felt it was serious. I thought about individual needy families, at-risk children, assisting evangelistic efforts, giving out Bibles, and equipping Christians as possible assignments.
After about three weeks, God showed me that He had already given me my assignment and that it included all of the above. In May after prayer, our Here’s Life Inner City Jacksonville ministry had set the goal to train 1,850 Christians from 120 churches to evangelistically distribute a Box of Love to 3,700 un-churched needy families. Likewise, God had given us the faith goal of 1,600 people committing their lives to Christ during the distribution and being followed up by those distributing the Boxes of Love.
Yes, God had already given the assignment, with the cost of the project being $125,000. The Lord also showed me that as we sought to complete this assignment, He would cover an anticipated $25,000 short fall in our ministry operating budget between now and August 31.
Therefore, Diane and I have given $1,000 to the ministry to multiply the $50 we received with the assignment. Now I would like to ask you to join me in multiplying it and fulfilling the exciting assignment God has given us. Your check and those of others you may invite to multiply the gift would be made payable to Campus Crusade For Christ and mailed to me at 5860 Mount Carmel Terrace, Jacksonville, FL 32216. I am really thrilled to think how God is going to use this assignment He has given to help people and advance His Kingdom.
Ben Goldsmith
Jacksonville, FL
June 2009
Another Kingdom Assignment Launch!!
In November 2008, my 90 year old mother went home to be with the Lord and I had the responsibility of settling her estate between my sister and myself. The estate was pretty small, but I committed to giving off of the top of my portion to Kingdom work. I knew that my church and a few ministries that my wife Christy and I felt were important would be recipients of this financial blessing, but I kept sensing that God wanted me to do something special and radical with a portion of it. As we got closer to the time that the estate was probated and that funds would be available for distribution, the question of “what and how much” kept gnawing at me. I really wanted to do something out of the ordinary that would maximize the impact of the gift. Quite frankly, one of my concerns was that I didn’t want it to be about me or bring any attention to me. Although it wouldn’t be a significant amount anyway by the world’s standards, my prayer was that the gift could be given in a way that would please God and multiply His Kingdom.
In early April, my friends Robert and Lynette Brown invited me to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration service at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church. Robert told me that Denny Bellesi, a pastor from California who had become known for the Kingdom Assignment, would be speaking and that they’d be launching a Kingdom Assignment at the service. I remember that my church, Christian Family Chapel, had conducted a “reverse offering” a few years ago, where people actually removed envelopes of cash from the offering plate, rather than placing money into the plate. Each envelope contained a $10, $20 or $50 bill, and we were instructed to pray about how God might want us to use it and report back what was done. From my recollection, there was about a 5x – 10x return on the amount of money “given back” to attendees. All of this got me thinking about how my gift could be multiplied.
I was scheduled to speak and teach at a local bible study meeting about six weeks after the Ponte Vedra Presbyterian celebration service and I found myself thinking that perhaps God wanted me to use this Kingdom Assignment concept as part of the teaching. I had already selected the topic and had entitled it “Everything in Order and Finishing with a Flurry”, discussing our responsibility to get our financial houses in order and leave a legacy through our successor stewards. God made it very clear that this concept of leaving a legacy fit perfectly into the Kingdom Assignment. So, there it was. I began re-reading the Kingdom Assignment book that I received through Robert, sought counsel from several folks, including Robert and Lynette, who had been intimately involved with the Kingdom Assignment effort at PVPC, and prepared diligently for how I would present this assignment to the Jacksonville Business Fellowship group on Friday, June 12th. When I shared this with my wife Christy, her initial reaction was “Are you crazy?”, which didn’t exactly confirm what I thought God was telling me to do. Once she read the Kingdom Assignment book, it became clear to her that this was the path that God wanted us to take.
On June 12th, I shared the lesson about preparing for eternity with the Jacksonville Business Fellowship group and intertwined the parable of the talents from Matt 25:14-30. I emphasized the importance of faithfulness in using what we know is not our own, and that one day, we’ll all have to give an account of what we did with the Master’s resources. Then I asked for 10 volunteers to come forward and gave each one an envelope with $50. I explained the Kingdom Assignment and how each of us has opportunities to multiply the Master’s money for His purposes. In the week’s that have followed, stories have been shared of how the Lord has been leading those on assignment with different ideas of how to use God’s money. One person has already reported that the $50 has grown to well over $1000! We’ll have our celebration meeting on Friday, September 11th and it will be exciting to hear how God has worked in and through each of these 10 volunteers in different ways.
I believe that this experience with the Kingdom Assignment has confirmed in me the desire to help others understand money’s role as a tool in our lives to fulfill God’s purposes and calling and not to be the goal itself. In my role as Area Director of Crown Financial Ministries, we teach God’s principles of handling money, and I am more convinced than ever that a greater understanding and application of the Bible will help defeat the bondage of materialism in the lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike. What an awesome assignment that is!!!
Jim Whorton
St Augustine, FL
July 2009
In early April, my friends Robert and Lynette Brown invited me to attend the 20th Anniversary celebration service at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church. Robert told me that Denny Bellesi, a pastor from California who had become known for the Kingdom Assignment, would be speaking and that they’d be launching a Kingdom Assignment at the service. I remember that my church, Christian Family Chapel, had conducted a “reverse offering” a few years ago, where people actually removed envelopes of cash from the offering plate, rather than placing money into the plate. Each envelope contained a $10, $20 or $50 bill, and we were instructed to pray about how God might want us to use it and report back what was done. From my recollection, there was about a 5x – 10x return on the amount of money “given back” to attendees. All of this got me thinking about how my gift could be multiplied.
I was scheduled to speak and teach at a local bible study meeting about six weeks after the Ponte Vedra Presbyterian celebration service and I found myself thinking that perhaps God wanted me to use this Kingdom Assignment concept as part of the teaching. I had already selected the topic and had entitled it “Everything in Order and Finishing with a Flurry”, discussing our responsibility to get our financial houses in order and leave a legacy through our successor stewards. God made it very clear that this concept of leaving a legacy fit perfectly into the Kingdom Assignment. So, there it was. I began re-reading the Kingdom Assignment book that I received through Robert, sought counsel from several folks, including Robert and Lynette, who had been intimately involved with the Kingdom Assignment effort at PVPC, and prepared diligently for how I would present this assignment to the Jacksonville Business Fellowship group on Friday, June 12th. When I shared this with my wife Christy, her initial reaction was “Are you crazy?”, which didn’t exactly confirm what I thought God was telling me to do. Once she read the Kingdom Assignment book, it became clear to her that this was the path that God wanted us to take.
On June 12th, I shared the lesson about preparing for eternity with the Jacksonville Business Fellowship group and intertwined the parable of the talents from Matt 25:14-30. I emphasized the importance of faithfulness in using what we know is not our own, and that one day, we’ll all have to give an account of what we did with the Master’s resources. Then I asked for 10 volunteers to come forward and gave each one an envelope with $50. I explained the Kingdom Assignment and how each of us has opportunities to multiply the Master’s money for His purposes. In the week’s that have followed, stories have been shared of how the Lord has been leading those on assignment with different ideas of how to use God’s money. One person has already reported that the $50 has grown to well over $1000! We’ll have our celebration meeting on Friday, September 11th and it will be exciting to hear how God has worked in and through each of these 10 volunteers in different ways.
I believe that this experience with the Kingdom Assignment has confirmed in me the desire to help others understand money’s role as a tool in our lives to fulfill God’s purposes and calling and not to be the goal itself. In my role as Area Director of Crown Financial Ministries, we teach God’s principles of handling money, and I am more convinced than ever that a greater understanding and application of the Bible will help defeat the bondage of materialism in the lives of both Christians and non-Christians alike. What an awesome assignment that is!!!
Jim Whorton
St Augustine, FL
July 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Encouragement from Pastor Denny Bellesi
Great to hear from you. I think you're experiencing the "normals" of this project. I think an encouraging phone call or even a prayer from the pulpit in church for all those people "on assignment" from the pastor could be very helpful. More than likely, some people are having that "panic" or "frustration" time between having a good idea, but now not knowing how to pull it off. This is a time to encourage them to listen to God. Remind them this is not a contest or a competition. This is about hearing from the Lord and being faithful with what God has entrusted to them. So, yes, encouraging calls / conversations/ prayer is great!!!
Denny Bellesi
Kingdom Assignment
www.kingdomassignment.org
Denny Bellesi
Kingdom Assignment
www.kingdomassignment.org
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Small Group's Kingdom Assignment
If you were not in church on Sunday, you missed hearing Sharon Hawes provide an inspiring report of her Kingdom Assignment. She let the congregation know that she was touched when she met a mother of 4 who was soon going to move into a habitat for humanity home and all of the furnishings that the mother was going to bring to this new home fit in the back of her car.
Suffice to say, that God worked through Sharon with plans to brighten the hearts of this otherwise stranger and her four children. The dedication of this woman's home was this past Saturday and Sharon, with the generosity and support of others, was able to multply her $100 into fully furnishing this home as well as provide for many of the soft goods.
It is now time for us to get serious about our small group's Kingdom Assignment. A few things have happened over the last three weeks that I should report back to the group. First of all, the pastor has spoken with Richard and Diana regarding the Kingdom Assigment concept for his church and he is happy to have this brought to his church. He now has a copy of the book and is planning to be at our worship service on September 13th when we hear from Denny Bellesi and also from several of our members who have been "on assignment". Afterwards, this message will be preached at Chuck's church and we will be the catalyst for their Kingdom Assignments.
John Kunkel
Suffice to say, that God worked through Sharon with plans to brighten the hearts of this otherwise stranger and her four children. The dedication of this woman's home was this past Saturday and Sharon, with the generosity and support of others, was able to multply her $100 into fully furnishing this home as well as provide for many of the soft goods.
It is now time for us to get serious about our small group's Kingdom Assignment. A few things have happened over the last three weeks that I should report back to the group. First of all, the pastor has spoken with Richard and Diana regarding the Kingdom Assigment concept for his church and he is happy to have this brought to his church. He now has a copy of the book and is planning to be at our worship service on September 13th when we hear from Denny Bellesi and also from several of our members who have been "on assignment". Afterwards, this message will be preached at Chuck's church and we will be the catalyst for their Kingdom Assignments.
John Kunkel
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A Pastor's Lunch - Susan Alberti
Our God is awesome! I give Him all praise and glory for the Ponte Vedra Pastor's Lunch yesterday! I know God encouraged many pastor's hearts and that the fellowship was important. God was so faithful to send many to help. The anointing onThe Body of Christ coming together is always amazing to me! I was so thankful for God touching the pastors and those serving. One pastor gave me permission to share his thought:
"Here we labor to win souls for the Savior while building and equipping saints--and we operate in our own little sphere not knowing others engaged in the same cause.
There are times when I feel like Elijah when he told the Lord that he was all alone. And God replied there were seven thousand others.
Thank you for showing all of us that we are not alone."
As for the saints
who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
Psalms 16.3
May He continue to weave us together for His Kingdom and His glory!
Susan T. Alberti
June 27,2009
"Here we labor to win souls for the Savior while building and equipping saints--and we operate in our own little sphere not knowing others engaged in the same cause.
There are times when I feel like Elijah when he told the Lord that he was all alone. And God replied there were seven thousand others.
Thank you for showing all of us that we are not alone."
As for the saints
who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
Psalms 16.3
May He continue to weave us together for His Kingdom and His glory!
Susan T. Alberti
June 27,2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Kathy Fehling Beaches Habitat - HELP!!!
I have an urgent need for my Kingdom Assignment and thought you may be able to help me get the word out. Part of my assignment involves a bookshelf that will be given to a Habitat Homeowner when they move into their new home (loaded with books customized to their family’s ages including a bible or two). The thought occurred to me that men in our church involved in other ministries (Rod Firestone and Salvation Army or Mike Charles and the Prison group or maybe a senior citizen that enjoys building) may have someone that would benefit from the money and work involved in word-working a bookshelf.
Therefore, before I go down to Target or some other store and buy a mass produced bookshelf for a couple hundred dollars, I wanted to get the word out to see if someone in another ministry knows of a person who could benefit from making 15-20 (not sure of the number yet) bookshelves a year at a fair price. Our first home dedication is at the end of this month so we may end up with the mass produced shelf for that one but please help me get word out as we would much prefer the custom version. Thank you!
Therefore, before I go down to Target or some other store and buy a mass produced bookshelf for a couple hundred dollars, I wanted to get the word out to see if someone in another ministry knows of a person who could benefit from making 15-20 (not sure of the number yet) bookshelves a year at a fair price. Our first home dedication is at the end of this month so we may end up with the mass produced shelf for that one but please help me get word out as we would much prefer the custom version. Thank you!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The King's Cup - Lew Barber
Kingdom Assignment 2009 & Forward
Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church
Competing for “The King’s Cup”
Kingdom Assignment
PVPC June, July August 2009
Lewis Barber
$100 Kingdom Gift
Object: To develop an athletic ministry within the Body of Christ at PVPC which will (1) attract young adults to offer growth in understanding of God’s purpose for their lives (2) directly support a love ministry benefiting others outside the church body and (3) allow participants to develop relationships with others, learning the joys of gathering for His glory.
Use of Gift from God
$100 Trophy “The King’s Cup”
Basis of Young Adult (18-30) Program
Under the PVPC Young Adult Ministry (Jake)
1. Hold three (3) Sporting Events
Fall (soccer) --- Winter (basketball) --- Spring (softball)
2. Compete for “The King’s Cup”
3. Basic “rules” for Competition
A. In order to compete, young adults within the body will
be encouraged to bring guests, friends, workmates, etc. to
join in the fellowship
B. A gift ($20 recommended) will be given to compete
(winning team to select ministry, non-profit, mission, or
Kingdom Assignment cause to support with funds)
C. A word on discipleship / stewardship will be given either
before or after the event, with refreshments to follow
D. A separate work will be done to secure funding for
equipment, venues, refreshments and shirts (to
commemorate the event)
Biblical Basis for Kingdom Assignment
The King’s Cup
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:8-10
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church
Competing for “The King’s Cup”
Kingdom Assignment
PVPC June, July August 2009
Lewis Barber
$100 Kingdom Gift
Object: To develop an athletic ministry within the Body of Christ at PVPC which will (1) attract young adults to offer growth in understanding of God’s purpose for their lives (2) directly support a love ministry benefiting others outside the church body and (3) allow participants to develop relationships with others, learning the joys of gathering for His glory.
Use of Gift from God
$100 Trophy “The King’s Cup”
Basis of Young Adult (18-30) Program
Under the PVPC Young Adult Ministry (Jake)
1. Hold three (3) Sporting Events
Fall (soccer) --- Winter (basketball) --- Spring (softball)
2. Compete for “The King’s Cup”
3. Basic “rules” for Competition
A. In order to compete, young adults within the body will
be encouraged to bring guests, friends, workmates, etc. to
join in the fellowship
B. A gift ($20 recommended) will be given to compete
(winning team to select ministry, non-profit, mission, or
Kingdom Assignment cause to support with funds)
C. A word on discipleship / stewardship will be given either
before or after the event, with refreshments to follow
D. A separate work will be done to secure funding for
equipment, venues, refreshments and shirts (to
commemorate the event)
Biblical Basis for Kingdom Assignment
The King’s Cup
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“The one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:8-10
“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Pastors Lunch - Susan Alberti
Please pray for the Kingdom Assignment that God has given me. I felt I was to host a Pastor's Lunch for the PVB area on Thursday, June 25 from noon -1:45pm at the Palm Valley Community Center. (Psalms 133, John 17:21) God has asked me to bless the leaders in the Christian Community in our area. They are so pulled on and have so much stress / responsibility. We are also commanded to pray for those in authority. I felt that blessing them food, fellowship and prayer would bring encouragement to the area pastors and then this would flow down to the Body of Christ. The date is Thursday, June 25 noon - 2pm at the Palm Valley Community Center. Please pray this week as I resend emails to the pastors list I have compiled and as I also take invitations to their churches. The local restaurants are considering discounted food. Please pray for favor. Most of all - please pray God knits the leaders in PVB together to fulfill His purposes. To God be the Glory! Thank you for the prayer support - Susan Alberti
Monday, June 15, 2009
KidStuff - Bob Carithers
My kingdom assignment will be directed toward “kids stuff” and working with chuck baxter on formulating a marketing plan to enhance attendance each Sunday and possibly other things chuck feels like he needs that I can provide, along with some other folks. That is the only thing that I feel God has placed on my heart for spending His $100 and other funds that I can raise in this effort.
Thanks for your encouragement and direction with this project. I feel the results of all efforts will be beyond all of our imagination.
Love to you and Robert,
Bob & deede
On Assignment in Georgia, Mike Darby
Dear fellow "K.A.-ers"
I'm Brooke Bishop's dad, live in the mts of N GA & was at the service at your church with you & volunteered for this assignment from the Lord.
Since Lynette asked for us to share, I wanted to share what the Lord led me to do. I share it to encourage all 50 of us to "GO FOR IT", in the name of Jesus and for His glory!
So far, in two weeks, I've received 8 donors for $1000 & am believing for a lot more donors & dollars for my two ministries.
Also, one of my recipient ministries is that of Anne Graham Lotz, who graciously replied (in part):
"Dear Michael…
What a dear email and very precious initiative you have taken to invest in our ministry! Thank you! I had no idea you were in JAX with your daughter at 'Just Give Me Jesus'…I would love to have seen you, if even briefly. We will make sure you are given an account of any funds that come in…"So....brothers & sisters....keep on keepin' on! Peace....Michael Darby
Here's my letter:Saturday, May 30, 2009
Dear Family & Friends,
I have accepted an exciting & challenging KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT! Let me explain.
On April 22, 2009, I went to PonteVedra Beach, FL to visit my daughter, Brooke Bishop & her family, to celebrate Brooke's 40th birthday. She & I had the blessing of attending the “Just give Me Jesus Revival”, led by Anne Graham Lotz. That was inspirational enough...yet there was more that I didn't know was coming!
On Sunday, I attended Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church with Ben, Brooke, Cord & Darby Bishop. Visiting pastor, Rev. Denny Bellesi, had preached an ordinary stewardship sermon to his congregation at the Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, California some years ago. He did the same this particular Sunday to us, using the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30). He followed the sermon with an extraordinary call to action, asking for 100 volunteers. I was one of those who volunteered, not having any idea what was coming! He handed us each a new, crisp $100 bill! Bellesi told us volunteers that the money was not ours, but God's, and that we needed to "invest" it in some way that would build God's kingdom. This is a 90 day assignment and ends July 31st!
In the case of his church in CA, the volunteers saw their $100 bills being multiplied into thousands as total strangers offered more money to help them undertake their charity projects. When his volunteers reported back to a standing-room-only church (and, via a Dateline NBC segment, to millions of viewers), they described how the money had been spent to transform lives, build churches, feed the hungry and comfort the sick. These invigorating real-life stories offered excellent examples of Christian faith in action, as church members were forced to leave their comfort zones and search for ways to bless others in the community.
So----this is MY story, as to how I feel God has led me, after MUCH prayer, to invest my (God's) $100:
First I personally matched the $100. Then I selected two ministries...AnGeL Ministries & the Joshua Fund.
1) AnGeL Ministries is an independent, non-profit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is committed to giving out messages of Biblical exposition so that God's Word is personal and relevant to ordinary people. The ministry’s name is derived from the initials of Anne Graham Lotz (AGL) and is especially fitting as an angel’s biblical role is to go only where the Lord sends and to proclaim only the Word of the Lord. AnGeL Ministries serves as the umbrella organization for the diverse ministry of Anne Graham Lotz – The Purpose is to serve God by evangelizing the lost and reviving the hearts of God's people in their relationship with Himself through exalting Jesus Christ and proclaiming God's Word.
2) The Joshua Fund, founded in 2006 by Joel Rosenberg, author of EPICENTER, THE LAST JIHAD and five others---The Mission:
Blessing Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus, according to Genesis 12:1-3 Blessing Israel and the nations of the Middle East means:
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6)
Bringing good news to the afflicted (Isaiah 61:1)
Rebuilding the ancient ruins (Isaiah 61:4)
Caring for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Being a light to the nations of the Middle East (Isaiah 49:6)
The Joshua Fund, therefore, is a non-profit educational and charitable organization founded to encourage Christians to:
Pray knowledgeably and consistently for Israel and the Middle East
Invite speakers to their churches and conferences to talk about how to bless Israel and her neighbors and to share what God is doing in the Middle East today
Take vision trips to and attend conferences in Israel and the Middle East
Publish Christian books and music in Israel and the Middle East
Invest in the rebuilding of the ancient ruins in the Holy Land
Assist the poor and needy in Israel in the name of Jesus Christ
Support the evangelical Church in Israel and the Middle East as the only true hope for peace and reconciliation
I have personally supported both of these godly ministries for several years and have seen their substantial results in Kingdom work. My prayer and belief is that God will bless those who give and we will see a multiplication of this beginning of $100 + $100 that will impact literally thousands of lives in the name & for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior!
I will coordinate with the two ministries--both the dollars that come in and the results of the investment of same and report them to my partners in this exciting venture.
1) Please make your check payable to AnGeL Ministries and mail to AnGeL Ministries, 5115 Hollyridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612.
2) Please make your check payable to "The Joshua Fund" and send to: The Joshua Fund, 18940 Base Camp Road, Monument Colorado 80132-8009---One final request, dear ones...write on the memo line: Darby Kingdom Assignment AND send me an email of the amount & which ministry. Normally I wouldn't ask, but it's the way I can be accurate in my reporting.
THANKS!My prayer is that you will be as blessed in giving as I am in accepting & activating this KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT! (Any & every dollar counts equally!)
In appreciation for you & what God is going to do...your brother in Christ, Michael Darby
"Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 'But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.'"-1 Chronicles 29:12-14
I'm Brooke Bishop's dad, live in the mts of N GA & was at the service at your church with you & volunteered for this assignment from the Lord.
Since Lynette asked for us to share, I wanted to share what the Lord led me to do. I share it to encourage all 50 of us to "GO FOR IT", in the name of Jesus and for His glory!
So far, in two weeks, I've received 8 donors for $1000 & am believing for a lot more donors & dollars for my two ministries.
Also, one of my recipient ministries is that of Anne Graham Lotz, who graciously replied (in part):
"Dear Michael…
What a dear email and very precious initiative you have taken to invest in our ministry! Thank you! I had no idea you were in JAX with your daughter at 'Just Give Me Jesus'…I would love to have seen you, if even briefly. We will make sure you are given an account of any funds that come in…"So....brothers & sisters....keep on keepin' on! Peace....Michael Darby
Here's my letter:Saturday, May 30, 2009
Dear Family & Friends,
I have accepted an exciting & challenging KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT! Let me explain.
On April 22, 2009, I went to PonteVedra Beach, FL to visit my daughter, Brooke Bishop & her family, to celebrate Brooke's 40th birthday. She & I had the blessing of attending the “Just give Me Jesus Revival”, led by Anne Graham Lotz. That was inspirational enough...yet there was more that I didn't know was coming!
On Sunday, I attended Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church with Ben, Brooke, Cord & Darby Bishop. Visiting pastor, Rev. Denny Bellesi, had preached an ordinary stewardship sermon to his congregation at the Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, California some years ago. He did the same this particular Sunday to us, using the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30). He followed the sermon with an extraordinary call to action, asking for 100 volunteers. I was one of those who volunteered, not having any idea what was coming! He handed us each a new, crisp $100 bill! Bellesi told us volunteers that the money was not ours, but God's, and that we needed to "invest" it in some way that would build God's kingdom. This is a 90 day assignment and ends July 31st!
In the case of his church in CA, the volunteers saw their $100 bills being multiplied into thousands as total strangers offered more money to help them undertake their charity projects. When his volunteers reported back to a standing-room-only church (and, via a Dateline NBC segment, to millions of viewers), they described how the money had been spent to transform lives, build churches, feed the hungry and comfort the sick. These invigorating real-life stories offered excellent examples of Christian faith in action, as church members were forced to leave their comfort zones and search for ways to bless others in the community.
So----this is MY story, as to how I feel God has led me, after MUCH prayer, to invest my (God's) $100:
First I personally matched the $100. Then I selected two ministries...AnGeL Ministries & the Joshua Fund.
1) AnGeL Ministries is an independent, non-profit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is committed to giving out messages of Biblical exposition so that God's Word is personal and relevant to ordinary people. The ministry’s name is derived from the initials of Anne Graham Lotz (AGL) and is especially fitting as an angel’s biblical role is to go only where the Lord sends and to proclaim only the Word of the Lord. AnGeL Ministries serves as the umbrella organization for the diverse ministry of Anne Graham Lotz – The Purpose is to serve God by evangelizing the lost and reviving the hearts of God's people in their relationship with Himself through exalting Jesus Christ and proclaiming God's Word.
2) The Joshua Fund, founded in 2006 by Joel Rosenberg, author of EPICENTER, THE LAST JIHAD and five others---The Mission:
Blessing Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus, according to Genesis 12:1-3 Blessing Israel and the nations of the Middle East means:
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6)
Bringing good news to the afflicted (Isaiah 61:1)
Rebuilding the ancient ruins (Isaiah 61:4)
Caring for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Being a light to the nations of the Middle East (Isaiah 49:6)
The Joshua Fund, therefore, is a non-profit educational and charitable organization founded to encourage Christians to:
Pray knowledgeably and consistently for Israel and the Middle East
Invite speakers to their churches and conferences to talk about how to bless Israel and her neighbors and to share what God is doing in the Middle East today
Take vision trips to and attend conferences in Israel and the Middle East
Publish Christian books and music in Israel and the Middle East
Invest in the rebuilding of the ancient ruins in the Holy Land
Assist the poor and needy in Israel in the name of Jesus Christ
Support the evangelical Church in Israel and the Middle East as the only true hope for peace and reconciliation
I have personally supported both of these godly ministries for several years and have seen their substantial results in Kingdom work. My prayer and belief is that God will bless those who give and we will see a multiplication of this beginning of $100 + $100 that will impact literally thousands of lives in the name & for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior!
I will coordinate with the two ministries--both the dollars that come in and the results of the investment of same and report them to my partners in this exciting venture.
1) Please make your check payable to AnGeL Ministries and mail to AnGeL Ministries, 5115 Hollyridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612.
2) Please make your check payable to "The Joshua Fund" and send to: The Joshua Fund, 18940 Base Camp Road, Monument Colorado 80132-8009---One final request, dear ones...write on the memo line: Darby Kingdom Assignment AND send me an email of the amount & which ministry. Normally I wouldn't ask, but it's the way I can be accurate in my reporting.
THANKS!My prayer is that you will be as blessed in giving as I am in accepting & activating this KINGDOM ASSIGNMENT! (Any & every dollar counts equally!)
In appreciation for you & what God is going to do...your brother in Christ, Michael Darby
"Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 'But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.'"-1 Chronicles 29:12-14
Joe Bryant, Intrenet Beggar
Since I will not be able to attend on Wednesday night, I thought I would take a few minutes and give you an update on my Kingdom Assignment project.
My plan is that I'm going to basically be an internet beggar. With my $100 I have secured the website: ACauseforChrist.com and have received a commitment from a website development company to build a very high-end, upscale, classy web site. The site will be designed to bring attention to the two ministries that I want to raise money for: The Walk through Bethlehem and Charles Amisee's (sp ?) work in Haiti. The website will include a personal statement from me about my being brought back closer to the Lord through my attendance at PV Presbyterian and the immense impact these two missions have made on my personal and spiritual life. There will be two short videos highlighting the two missions along with a "Donate Now" box which will allow individuals to make a donation through an SSL (secure socket layer) connection using PayPal or any major credit card. The site will also include a short summary of the Kingdom Assignment program along with links to the Kingdom Assignment website and Lespawaworldwide.com which the website for the Haiti mission as well as the Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church website.
Most people are not aware of the immense power that is being unleashed through viral internet marketing. My project intends to take fully advantage of the latest cutting-edge principles of the internet marketing community. This will include tagging and adding all meta data as well as invisible page file names to include keywords for better Search Engine crawling and indexing. We're also going to be able to do the newest and latest SEO (search engine optimization) which will greatly increase the visibility of the site on Google. The website development company, GoBreeze.com, has agreed to pull out all stops as it relates to media attention, intense tags for all search engines, strategic placements of news releases, etc. We are also going to create an on-line Blog which will have multiple daily updates. Then, utilizing the power of social networking through sites like Facebook, Squidoo, MySpace, LinkedIn, Flickr, Diggl, etc.
The final action will be an intense email campaign to every email address we can muster. In effect, we will be creating a viral chain letter where we will be asking everyone who receives our message two requests. One, no matter if it is only $1, PLEASE contribute to this wonderful cause, and two, please forward the message and website on to everyone on their contact list.
I candidly don't know what the end result will be, but this is a website with a fabulous story that will be in place with all the internet marketing "gimmicks" for several years. With God's blessing I pray we raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Joe Bryant
My plan is that I'm going to basically be an internet beggar. With my $100 I have secured the website: ACauseforChrist.com and have received a commitment from a website development company to build a very high-end, upscale, classy web site. The site will be designed to bring attention to the two ministries that I want to raise money for: The Walk through Bethlehem and Charles Amisee's (sp ?) work in Haiti. The website will include a personal statement from me about my being brought back closer to the Lord through my attendance at PV Presbyterian and the immense impact these two missions have made on my personal and spiritual life. There will be two short videos highlighting the two missions along with a "Donate Now" box which will allow individuals to make a donation through an SSL (secure socket layer) connection using PayPal or any major credit card. The site will also include a short summary of the Kingdom Assignment program along with links to the Kingdom Assignment website and Lespawaworldwide.com which the website for the Haiti mission as well as the Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church website.
Most people are not aware of the immense power that is being unleashed through viral internet marketing. My project intends to take fully advantage of the latest cutting-edge principles of the internet marketing community. This will include tagging and adding all meta data as well as invisible page file names to include keywords for better Search Engine crawling and indexing. We're also going to be able to do the newest and latest SEO (search engine optimization) which will greatly increase the visibility of the site on Google. The website development company, GoBreeze.com, has agreed to pull out all stops as it relates to media attention, intense tags for all search engines, strategic placements of news releases, etc. We are also going to create an on-line Blog which will have multiple daily updates. Then, utilizing the power of social networking through sites like Facebook, Squidoo, MySpace, LinkedIn, Flickr, Diggl, etc.
The final action will be an intense email campaign to every email address we can muster. In effect, we will be creating a viral chain letter where we will be asking everyone who receives our message two requests. One, no matter if it is only $1, PLEASE contribute to this wonderful cause, and two, please forward the message and website on to everyone on their contact list.
I candidly don't know what the end result will be, but this is a website with a fabulous story that will be in place with all the internet marketing "gimmicks" for several years. With God's blessing I pray we raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Joe Bryant
Sunday, June 14, 2009
George Knapp's 2nd Letter
GEORGE R. KNAPP
®®®
8208 Seven Mile Drive
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-373-0095
Grknapp@aol.com
June 1, 2009
To My Friends and Family:
Here is an update on the “Kingdom Assignment”, about which I wrote to you several weeks ago.
Funding--The $100 with which I began has grown to over $5,000, thanks to your generous contributions. There is still plenty of time to make a donation, which should be payable to me and mailed to my home address. While I cannot yet be sure how things will turn out, I believe that most, if not all, of the donations will be tax-deductible to the giver—I will supply a copy of a receipt from a charity and a note explaining what percentages were given to which charities.
Ideas—You have responded with a large number of great, worthy projects. It has been difficult to choose from among them. My leaning right now is to support Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs, FL. This is a wonderful facility that houses children, who cannot live with their parents, in real family home environments, with live-in married couple supervision, education, counseling, real-life skills teaching, etc. Please visit their website at http://www.seamarkranch.com/. Seamark Ranch needs to equip a library for the resident children—they have plenty of books but need shelving, tables and other equipment to turn stacks of reading materials into a usable study and research facility. Other projects are also under consideration, with betterment of underprivileged or hurting children being the common denominator among them. After my interviews with charity directors, I decided that for any goods purchased as part of this project I would personally get involved in negotiating prices.
Prayers—Your prayers certainly have been heard, for I have felt a strong calling to apply the project funds to help children in need. Your continued help in this regard would be most appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading this update all the way through and thank you for your help. I will report to you further on the status of the Kingdom Assignment.
Best regards,
.
®®®
8208 Seven Mile Drive
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-373-0095
Grknapp@aol.com
June 1, 2009
To My Friends and Family:
Here is an update on the “Kingdom Assignment”, about which I wrote to you several weeks ago.
Funding--The $100 with which I began has grown to over $5,000, thanks to your generous contributions. There is still plenty of time to make a donation, which should be payable to me and mailed to my home address. While I cannot yet be sure how things will turn out, I believe that most, if not all, of the donations will be tax-deductible to the giver—I will supply a copy of a receipt from a charity and a note explaining what percentages were given to which charities.
Ideas—You have responded with a large number of great, worthy projects. It has been difficult to choose from among them. My leaning right now is to support Seamark Ranch in Green Cove Springs, FL. This is a wonderful facility that houses children, who cannot live with their parents, in real family home environments, with live-in married couple supervision, education, counseling, real-life skills teaching, etc. Please visit their website at http://www.seamarkranch.com/. Seamark Ranch needs to equip a library for the resident children—they have plenty of books but need shelving, tables and other equipment to turn stacks of reading materials into a usable study and research facility. Other projects are also under consideration, with betterment of underprivileged or hurting children being the common denominator among them. After my interviews with charity directors, I decided that for any goods purchased as part of this project I would personally get involved in negotiating prices.
Prayers—Your prayers certainly have been heard, for I have felt a strong calling to apply the project funds to help children in need. Your continued help in this regard would be most appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading this update all the way through and thank you for your help. I will report to you further on the status of the Kingdom Assignment.
Best regards,
.
George Knapp's Letter
GEORGE R. KNAPP
®®®
8208 Seven Mile Drive
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-373-0095
Grknapp@aol.com
May 1, 2009
To My Friends and Family:
Along with several others, I have just accepted a “Kingdom Assignment” from my church. Each of us has been given $100 and asked to apply it to God’s work in the world, then report back to the congregation at a meeting in a couple of months. The scriptural passage on which the challenge is based is Matthew 25:14-30, which recounts Jesus’ parable of the master who gave funds to his servants and then assessed their stewardship of them. While I have not decided the direction in which I should go with this challenge, I did decide on the first step, namely to ask for your help in three areas.
You can help with funding. While I am sure that I could make some impact with the $100 plus the $1,000 that I will add to it, I am even surer that with more money I can accomplish much more. I want to multiply the $100 stewardship fund, hoping to reach at least $10,000 in total. I ask you to make a contribution, matching the $100 or bettering it if you can, but any amount will be gratefully received.
You can help with ideas. Hunger, housing, disease, conflict, broken families—these are all broad areas of humanitarian concern, within which my chosen project will probably fall. Of interest to me right now are supporting worthy, needy immigrant families in the United States (such as the Lost Boys of Sudan), providing groceries or meals to the poor, and aiding Iraqi children in need of medical care or educational assistance, but I am completely open to other ideas. You may know of a specific individual or family that has a pressing need or a mission that is near to your heart. Please let me know of your thoughts in this area.
You can help with your prayers for all of us stewards to invest God’s money wisely and for His purposes.
Thank you so much for reading this email all the way through and thank you for your help. I will also report to you on the outcome of the Kingdom Assignment.
Best Regards,
P.S. Contributions can be mailed to me. If the Kingdom Assignment turns out to be a contribution to a registered charitable organization, I will provide you with the backup paperwork so that you can deduct the contribution.
®®®
8208 Seven Mile Drive
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-373-0095
Grknapp@aol.com
May 1, 2009
To My Friends and Family:
Along with several others, I have just accepted a “Kingdom Assignment” from my church. Each of us has been given $100 and asked to apply it to God’s work in the world, then report back to the congregation at a meeting in a couple of months. The scriptural passage on which the challenge is based is Matthew 25:14-30, which recounts Jesus’ parable of the master who gave funds to his servants and then assessed their stewardship of them. While I have not decided the direction in which I should go with this challenge, I did decide on the first step, namely to ask for your help in three areas.
You can help with funding. While I am sure that I could make some impact with the $100 plus the $1,000 that I will add to it, I am even surer that with more money I can accomplish much more. I want to multiply the $100 stewardship fund, hoping to reach at least $10,000 in total. I ask you to make a contribution, matching the $100 or bettering it if you can, but any amount will be gratefully received.
You can help with ideas. Hunger, housing, disease, conflict, broken families—these are all broad areas of humanitarian concern, within which my chosen project will probably fall. Of interest to me right now are supporting worthy, needy immigrant families in the United States (such as the Lost Boys of Sudan), providing groceries or meals to the poor, and aiding Iraqi children in need of medical care or educational assistance, but I am completely open to other ideas. You may know of a specific individual or family that has a pressing need or a mission that is near to your heart. Please let me know of your thoughts in this area.
You can help with your prayers for all of us stewards to invest God’s money wisely and for His purposes.
Thank you so much for reading this email all the way through and thank you for your help. I will also report to you on the outcome of the Kingdom Assignment.
Best Regards,
P.S. Contributions can be mailed to me. If the Kingdom Assignment turns out to be a contribution to a registered charitable organization, I will provide you with the backup paperwork so that you can deduct the contribution.
Kingdom Assignment Mid-Way Gathering
Wow, what an awesome time we had! It was a great evening of food, sharing stories & needs and talking to Denny on the phone!! We missed those who were unable to attend & can't wait to hear your stories, too.
A couple of common threads from the stories we heard:
Richard started everything with a blessing & brief talk, thanking everyone for coming & acceptance of their Kingdom Assignment charge. Members of the Connect, Engage, Go Resource Team told a little of their responsibilities with Kingdom Assignment & Blueprint for Life which they facilitated for our church-wide study.
Project Partners, Liz & Al Hammack, spoke about their role & thankful hearts to hear the stories & be part of our Kingdom Assignment.
Our 'Well Done Celebration' will be Sunday, September 13, 2009. We are prayerful that Denny & his wife, Leesa, will be able to be with us. Please join us in those prayers.
One of PVPC's small groups is going to fund a 'Kingdom Assignment' for another local church - with Richard's blessing & help.
Some individual videos were shot (thanks to Kevin Fornes!) and we plan to show them to the congregation soon.
David Swicegood prayed for us all and introduced the 'Kingdom Assignment' Prayer Team who has been praying for each one 'on assignment' 6 weeks before the 'Kingdom Assignment' was launched. One prayer was from Sharon Hawes who couldn't be with us at the last minute. For her 'Kingdom Assignment' to move forward she needed to speak with someone from Habitat for Humanity & was not having much luck. A prayer that Sharon would connect with the person she needed to talk to was lifted up and Kathy Fehling said that she could help Sharon with that. Well, answered prayer: Sharon & Kathy have talked to Habitat for Humanity and are moving forward with their 'Kingdom Assignments' that fit so well together!
Denny encouraged each of us to continue moving forward on our Kingdom Assignments. He's excited & encouraged to hear all the stories. Bill Flemister asked Denny if he would contribute $50.00 to his Kingdom Assignment! Denny talked about their recent annual "Well Done Awards" & hoped that we might be there next year!
We always save the 'best for last'. Here it is:
The financial climate had affected his ability to give as before. As the offering plate was passed at PVPC on Sunday morning, April 26, 2009, he reached into his pocket to find a crumpled $1.00 bill. As he placed the $1.00 bill in the plate, he prayed: Father, I know you can take this gift & it will reap a hundredfold. A short time later and not knowing why, he responded to Denny's invitation to come forward. Little did he know that his response of stepping forward would result in his receiving $100.00 from our Lord to do God's work. Talk about answered prayer!!!
God never asks us to do something without giving us power for the task.
A couple of common threads from the stories we heard:
- Many are seeking the financial help of friends & family to grow their 'assignment'.
- There is a lot of need out there - so much so that it's hard to decide.
- Right place at the right time - it was amazing to hear how God put people in place at the right time.
Richard started everything with a blessing & brief talk, thanking everyone for coming & acceptance of their Kingdom Assignment charge. Members of the Connect, Engage, Go Resource Team told a little of their responsibilities with Kingdom Assignment & Blueprint for Life which they facilitated for our church-wide study.
Project Partners, Liz & Al Hammack, spoke about their role & thankful hearts to hear the stories & be part of our Kingdom Assignment.
Our 'Well Done Celebration' will be Sunday, September 13, 2009. We are prayerful that Denny & his wife, Leesa, will be able to be with us. Please join us in those prayers.
One of PVPC's small groups is going to fund a 'Kingdom Assignment' for another local church - with Richard's blessing & help.
Some individual videos were shot (thanks to Kevin Fornes!) and we plan to show them to the congregation soon.
David Swicegood prayed for us all and introduced the 'Kingdom Assignment' Prayer Team who has been praying for each one 'on assignment' 6 weeks before the 'Kingdom Assignment' was launched. One prayer was from Sharon Hawes who couldn't be with us at the last minute. For her 'Kingdom Assignment' to move forward she needed to speak with someone from Habitat for Humanity & was not having much luck. A prayer that Sharon would connect with the person she needed to talk to was lifted up and Kathy Fehling said that she could help Sharon with that. Well, answered prayer: Sharon & Kathy have talked to Habitat for Humanity and are moving forward with their 'Kingdom Assignments' that fit so well together!
Denny encouraged each of us to continue moving forward on our Kingdom Assignments. He's excited & encouraged to hear all the stories. Bill Flemister asked Denny if he would contribute $50.00 to his Kingdom Assignment! Denny talked about their recent annual "Well Done Awards" & hoped that we might be there next year!
We always save the 'best for last'. Here it is:
The financial climate had affected his ability to give as before. As the offering plate was passed at PVPC on Sunday morning, April 26, 2009, he reached into his pocket to find a crumpled $1.00 bill. As he placed the $1.00 bill in the plate, he prayed: Father, I know you can take this gift & it will reap a hundredfold. A short time later and not knowing why, he responded to Denny's invitation to come forward. Little did he know that his response of stepping forward would result in his receiving $100.00 from our Lord to do God's work. Talk about answered prayer!!!
God never asks us to do something without giving us power for the task.
The Upper Room May 31, 2009
Blessings,
Lynette
Numbers 6:24-26
Lynette
Numbers 6:24-26
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
This is a letter I sent out for my Kingdom Assignment
Dear Friends:
As you may know, this past year I was heavily involved in the teenager ministry at our church, Ponte Vedra Presbyterian. I became a "Salt Life" leader of 6 girls with whom I quickly bonded and fell in love. They are just your normal teenagers struggling through issues our generation could not even imagine....extreme body self-image, drugs, sex, drinking, constant connection with technology devices, sexting, etc. During our time together, they slowly opened up and shared their life as I did with them. They are just like sponges and I can tell you...you want them soaking up the right stuff!!!!
One girl in particular, "M"., touched my heart and soul. Her mom is really not in the picture or involved in her life and she lives with her father and brother in a rented house in Ponte Vedra. She's a lovely girl with long, blond hair and infectious smile. We quickly connected. So, when it came time earlier this year to sign up for the yearly youth camp, I was excited to spend more time with her and the other girls as this was the high school camp they would be attending since they are rising 9th graders.
As you can imagine, the economic situation has made it very difficult for many to attend, including "M". She said "there is no way my Dad could afford it." I respected her maturity in dealing with this disappointment and did not press the issue. However, a few weeks ago, at our church's 20 year anniversary celebration, we had a guest pastor, Denny Bellesi, from California who asked for 50 volunteers to come forward. Both Bill and I left our seats and joined the other 48 people. Mr. Bellesi then proceeded to hand us each a crisp $100 bill! We were stunned to say the least...as was the congregation!
He quickly explained that:
#1) this was not our money but God's;
#2) we were trusted to invest the money in a way that would extend God's kingdom; and
#3) to report to our congregation in 90 days how the money was used.
I was so excited about this adventure, and began to pray about how God could use this $100 through me. I heard nothing....days and weeks have gone by.....and now, I know in my heart, I am to use this $100 as the seed money to send "M" to camp. We only need $300.00 more as the total is $400 for the week. I am asking you all to join me in making a difference in this young girl's life by giving her a week I'm sure she'll never forget and one that can have an eternal significance. No contribution is too small....$25, $50...whatever you can afford at this time. I know times are hard for everyone right now...including us! Bill and I would sponsor the whole thing, but I think with the timing of the Kingdom Assignment and this camp...it's beyond coincidence....and isn't it neat if we could join together as a group and be used in such a mighty way!!!!
I know there are alot of wonderful charities and causes out there much more serious and heart-breaking than sending a child to church camp; however, you have an opportunity to make a true difference in "M's" life. She will not only be with her other friends and trusted leaders, but hear the truth of God's love and purpose for her life...which is exactly what these teenagers need....a sense of purpose and destiny...including just being loved and accepted...and having strong, female role-models.
She does not know I am writing this, as she would be too embarrassed. I am planning on saying that the Kingdom Assignment is sponsoring her to go and including your name, if you wish. Or you may wish to remain anonymous. I am only sending it to a few, trusted friends right here in Ponte Vedra and Atlanta. I trust God will make this happen one way or another....if you could just reply back to me and let me know if you're interested, or need more information, I would appreciate it. I don't even have to have the money, just the pledged amount! It is somewhat time-sensitive however....we are leaving for camp on Monday!!!!! (I'm going too as their Leader.)
I would be honored if you would join me in this "Kingdom Assignment" for "M".
With a grateful heart,
Leslie
From: Leslie Flemister
As you may know, this past year I was heavily involved in the teenager ministry at our church, Ponte Vedra Presbyterian. I became a "Salt Life" leader of 6 girls with whom I quickly bonded and fell in love. They are just your normal teenagers struggling through issues our generation could not even imagine....extreme body self-image, drugs, sex, drinking, constant connection with technology devices, sexting, etc. During our time together, they slowly opened up and shared their life as I did with them. They are just like sponges and I can tell you...you want them soaking up the right stuff!!!!
One girl in particular, "M"., touched my heart and soul. Her mom is really not in the picture or involved in her life and she lives with her father and brother in a rented house in Ponte Vedra. She's a lovely girl with long, blond hair and infectious smile. We quickly connected. So, when it came time earlier this year to sign up for the yearly youth camp, I was excited to spend more time with her and the other girls as this was the high school camp they would be attending since they are rising 9th graders.
As you can imagine, the economic situation has made it very difficult for many to attend, including "M". She said "there is no way my Dad could afford it." I respected her maturity in dealing with this disappointment and did not press the issue. However, a few weeks ago, at our church's 20 year anniversary celebration, we had a guest pastor, Denny Bellesi, from California who asked for 50 volunteers to come forward. Both Bill and I left our seats and joined the other 48 people. Mr. Bellesi then proceeded to hand us each a crisp $100 bill! We were stunned to say the least...as was the congregation!
He quickly explained that:
#1) this was not our money but God's;
#2) we were trusted to invest the money in a way that would extend God's kingdom; and
#3) to report to our congregation in 90 days how the money was used.
I was so excited about this adventure, and began to pray about how God could use this $100 through me. I heard nothing....days and weeks have gone by.....and now, I know in my heart, I am to use this $100 as the seed money to send "M" to camp. We only need $300.00 more as the total is $400 for the week. I am asking you all to join me in making a difference in this young girl's life by giving her a week I'm sure she'll never forget and one that can have an eternal significance. No contribution is too small....$25, $50...whatever you can afford at this time. I know times are hard for everyone right now...including us! Bill and I would sponsor the whole thing, but I think with the timing of the Kingdom Assignment and this camp...it's beyond coincidence....and isn't it neat if we could join together as a group and be used in such a mighty way!!!!
I know there are alot of wonderful charities and causes out there much more serious and heart-breaking than sending a child to church camp; however, you have an opportunity to make a true difference in "M's" life. She will not only be with her other friends and trusted leaders, but hear the truth of God's love and purpose for her life...which is exactly what these teenagers need....a sense of purpose and destiny...including just being loved and accepted...and having strong, female role-models.
She does not know I am writing this, as she would be too embarrassed. I am planning on saying that the Kingdom Assignment is sponsoring her to go and including your name, if you wish. Or you may wish to remain anonymous. I am only sending it to a few, trusted friends right here in Ponte Vedra and Atlanta. I trust God will make this happen one way or another....if you could just reply back to me and let me know if you're interested, or need more information, I would appreciate it. I don't even have to have the money, just the pledged amount! It is somewhat time-sensitive however....we are leaving for camp on Monday!!!!! (I'm going too as their Leader.)
I would be honored if you would join me in this "Kingdom Assignment" for "M".
With a grateful heart,
Leslie
From: Leslie Flemister
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
