2011 m2c texas prayer initiative 2.12

2011 Prayer Support for Mission V. 2; N. 12

Do you know people who would like to make a difference in the world?

Invite them to become an m2c Missional Prayer Partner. Forward them this link. click here!

MISSION HIGHLIGHT

FiveTwo Network

This network, based out of CrossPoint, Katy, is establishing vibrant training tools for church planters in Texas and across the nation.

For the Website click here.

If you would like to contact Bill Wolsey, click here.

Invocation

Gracious Father, thank you for making us FORGIVEN FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. Free us from all the things that keep us from following you and teach us to be, and make, disciples of Christ according to your will. In the precious name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Reading Luke 5:1-11; Psalm 91

Reflection

Two Questions

1) What are three things that prevent us from following Christ?

2) What are God's four resolutions?

This semester I have been teaching a "Discipleship and Mission" course for LINC Bible Institute and as I read this passage I was strongly compelled by some facts that hinder us from being followers of Christ who actively make disciples.

John 12:26 says, "Whoever serves me MUST FOLLOW ME; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

Luke 5:11 says, "they left EVERYTHING and FOLLOWED HIM."

Discipleship = leaving everything behind and following him. To a fisherman, nets, boats, and parents (and colleagues) are important. To God, it is important to "leave" everything and follow his Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:20, 22).

God calls us to be disciples ourselves first; then, as followers of Christ, we are to make disciples in Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

In light of the above passages, there are three obstacles that prevent us from being, and making, disciples:

Obstacles Meaning

Nets Things

Boats Places

Parents People

God's Four Resolutions (Luke 5:1-11 in Reverse):

1. God's Calling (v. 11 "they left everything and followed him.")

2. God's New Vision (v. 10b "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.")

...solely by and through...

3. God's Word (v. 1, 4-5 "pressing in on him to hear the word of God....But at your word I will let down the nets.")

4. God's Power (v. 6-10a "'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.' For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken...")

Apart from Christ we are lost. Lost people are important to God. Called first as forgiven and redeemed sinners, we followers of Christ are now sent by His Word and through His power, to reach other lost individuals. Amen.

Rev. David Kim, Mission Director of LINC Houston

Pray (As you pray include . . . people who don't know Christ; people who will plant & witness; people who pray. )

Benediction

May God be the source of your peace and courage today now and all day long. Amen.

Note: Those items that are in bold italic are newly added to or timely emphasis items for the prayer page

Pray that the members of the Texas District embrace the mission.

Pray for Missionaries and their Families -----

For the Preparation of new Church Planters who are ready to enter into this challenging and difficult ministry in Texas and throughout the nation

For the Center for Us Mission CPAC. Pray that men and their families are raised up for vital church planting in our church body.

For the unseen missional workers in neighborhoods and communities in Texas and around the world whose hearts would reveal Christ to the world.

For Rev. Julio Flamenco, Mision Evangelica Luterana

For Rev. Mark Couser, SoulThirst - Water Edge

For your own pastoral leadership

For church planter coaches and those being coached
For those preparing for the ministry, that they recognize the heart and desire of Christ in every ministry to which they are called.

Pray for New Missions -----

For the Holy Spirit to guide the formation of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Gonzales, Texas

For Hope Lutheran, Marble Falls, planted in connection with Genesis, Buchanan Dam

For Grace Community Church (Pakistani / Indian)

Rev. Ed Benarsi and Pakistani worship at Our Savior, Austin on Sunday evenings. Pray for effective outreach and God's blessings on this new beginning.

For Mission Marble Falls as it launches worship.

For Redeemer, Austin to strategize and implement childcare outreach.

For St. Paul, McAllen as they investigate a new start with SMP Vicar Mr. Andrew Perry

For St. Peter, Roanoke as it becomes a Texas Dist Church Planting Training Partner

For Mission Liberty Hill

For the development of mission in the northeast corner of Area A and Candelaria in the Southwest.

For St. John Cypress as they look for their next mission start.

For Epiphany, Pearland as they continue to develop their multi-site ministry.

Thanksgiving for God's movement in and through the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Makane Yesus.

Pray for Continuing and Key Events -----

The FiveTwo Wiki Conference on June 21-23, 2011

For congregations to make bringing Christ to communities their top priority

For strong fellowship development among like minded witnesses

For Hope, Lubbock as they discern their next mission step

For the Ten new church starts in Area B

St Paul, Ft Worth / The Summit at Aledo as they search for direction concerning their next Multi-Site Mission location.

For POBLO and a new Ethnic Mission Plant in partnership with Our Savior, Rockwall.

For continued support for LINC

For the search for Director for LINC San Antonio

For Missional Worker Training in Area C

For workers as they gather together that the Mission of God be foremost in their discussions and that such resides in the hearts and mind's of each participant.

For 10% of the Baptized members of TxDistLCMS to pray for mission

Pray for Congregations to grow in their discipleship response to the Gospel including their financial support for kingdom work. For Stewardship Resources click here.

Message to Partners -----

Even though changes on these lists may be subtle and infrequent, do not be discouraged in your prayers and do not conclude that things are not happening. There is active mission movement in the Texas District. Perseverance in prayer is one of the characteristics of this ministry, as I am sure you know.

I assure you that your prayers are being heard and are greatly needed. There is movement in the body of Christ in Texas and around the world. Thank you for your persistent prayer support.

This publication is made available for your encouragement in prayer ministry and prayer support for Mission 200 of the Texas District, LCMS. Reflections are authored by missionaries and leaders in the Texas District whose heart is to bring the Gospel to people who do not know Jesus Christ.

If you have questions, comments, prayer requests for planting, or if you are looking for information concerning church planting in your community, you may email your Area Mission and Ministry Facilitator:

Steven Misch | Paul Krentz | Mike Newman | Jon Braunersreuther

Mission 200 (M2C) is the effort of Texas District Congregations to start 200 new Word and Sacrament Ministries by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The Texas District prays that a mission movement can grow in Texas.

For more information and resources for mission planting in Texas go the m2c website by clicking here.

For information about Missional Work Training in the Texas District, click here.

Blessings,

Rev. Steven Misch
Texas District LCMS
806-433-4536