Mission Control: We are a go! 5...4...3...2...
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
September - a month of firsts: first day of autumn, first day of college and NFL football, first day of school, and first day of SEND! After a long and hot summer (season) of hard work, preparation, and endurance, we are finally here! We have now started our new season to train young adults to be modern-day disciples. Last Monday, the SEND team got moved in and acquainted with northeast Indiana. On Tuesday, we had an incredible first day of orientation, teaching, and prayer at our training center in Kendallville. Tuesday night was a great night of fellowship at the Hunter's, with a tasty barbecue and several games of corn hole. Half-way through the week, we had a two-day retreat. The first day was at Pokagon State park where we prayed, went on an awesome hike, had a picnic, shared testimony, built a fire, made S'mores, and played Frisbee and football. On the second day, we met at Bixler Lake and had some eye-opening teaching from Dr. Kent Hunter in the afternoon. Friday night was huge night of celebration, as we had our open house at Destiny Family of Faith. We worshiped and had a great night! The entire Church Doctor staff was there, along with our board, family, friends, mentors, teachers, and supporters of all kinds. One of the night's highlights was hearing from J-Dog (Jonathon H.) via Skype from Sheffield, England. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us and meet our incredible young adults! On Saturday night, we had some wonderful worship at our home church, New Hope Christian Center, for the first time. The team was commissioned and prayed on by Pastor Diehl and the church body. Tears come to my eyes as I write this because we have had quite a jam-packed, exciting, and encouraging first week of SEND. Being a Christ-follower and doing SEND is fun, exciting, and will never be boring. We are all ready to do this. We have now started the adventure! God Speed!
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3
I want to take just a moment and praise God for this ministry. Thank you, Lord, for this awesome privilege. These young, 20-something, adults are ready to invest themselves in God, ministry, and mission for an incredible 10-month adventure in SEND. I ask for your prayer support over the next 10 months. I pray you join us on this journey. I pray you join us in mission. I pray you join us in starting a North American movement. In looking at what SEND is and will do, let us go to what SEND means. Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, so also I SEND you" (John 20:21). As leader of this year's SEND team, we at SEND North America have three goals for our students: (1) to help them find God's unique ministry call on their life; (2) to help them grow in discipleship; and (3) to equip them as a 21st century missionary with revival DNA. SEND provides guidance and leadership, teaching and opportunity. It is the Holy Spirit who will transform them during these 10 months. It is God who accomplishes all this. How incredibly exciting to be a part of this. Until next month, many blessings to you all. Thank you for helping us launch SEND. Let us all keep focused on our mission.
Jesus - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
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