March 8, 2012
    Life Discovery Ministries 



 We continually remember before our God and Father
 
your work produced by
  faith   

your labor prompted by
 love  

and your endurance inspired by hope  

in our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

1 Thessalonians 1:3 
   
Praying Your "Reach"

Last week Todd Ellingson spoke at our Monday night fellowship. I think we were all moved by Todd's stories as he told us about his ministry in Rwanda and the work he and his wife are doing there among the people in that beautiful country. Some would call it a mission field; Todd and Andria call it home.

When I was young I used to worry about God calling me to the mission field. I didn't want to go. But in a way we are all called to missions, aren't we? It's part of belonging to the family of humanity around the globe.

So how do we answer that call to missions? Jack Hayford encourages us to 'pray our "reach."'

What he means by "reach" is that when we pray we should bring to God all those within our sphere of influence. These are all the people and places that are so often on our heart and, therefore, are given to us to pray for. We lift up our family and friends, our church community and our city; and we pray for our country. We also lift up to the Lord the greater circle of our human family around the world. Doing so enables us as "citizens" of the Kingdom of God to take up the sword and cut through the bonds of darkness.

And now, because of Todd, we have a "reach" in Rwanda. We have the faces and places imprinted on our minds and hearts.

We remember the children who have milk to drink because of the goats that are purchased and given out - one to each family. We remember the pictures of the women - the mothers and grandmothers - who are learning to sew on treadle sewing machines so they have a skill they can use to feed their households. We remember the men who have regained a sense of dignity by being hired to help build the new school and community center.

Make Rwanda part of your prayers as you pray your "reach." Ask God to show you where your sphere of influence extends, and faithfully go there in prayer. We are the troops in this great battle, folks. Take up your sword!

"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 16:18-19

Greg

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THIS WEEK:

Sunday, March 11
: Fellowship of Followers

For those of you who long for a more intentional and focused challenge to be a disciple of Christ, come this Sunday evening at 6:00 PM at Greg & Jeane's house.
The first book we will read is Jack Hayford's Penetrating the Darkness. This book lays the groundwork for Christian prayer. Most of you had a chance to get your name on the list to order your book. You can pick them up Sunday night. The cost is $11.20.  If you did not order them through us you can get the book on Amazon or at most Christian bookstores. (The library might also have it.) No food tonight. Just bring yourself and a heart to go deeper in your walk with the Lord.

Monday, March 12: Women's Game Night, Pizza, and Discussion About Next Book Study
Women of Life Discovery, are you interested in being a part of our next women's book study and discussion? Come for an evening of fun and bring a game if you have a favorite. Bring a friend! Contribute $3 for a Pizza/Salads/Drinks supper.
In February we finished discussing Max Lucado's Fearless, so what's next? Bring your ideas. Nancy will be sharing her idea about studying women of the bible in book or video format. Call Nancy for questions at 602-570-5531 about the study group. We meet at Enid's House, 6:30-9:30 PM. Please call Enid if you need directions at 623-486-5164. Love to see you on the12th!

Please Note: There is no class at Peace Lutheran on this night, which is the second Monday of the month.

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday Morning, April 7: Easter Hike, Breakfast and Communion Service in the White Tank Mountains
This is a very special time for us at Life Discovery. For many years we have held this event on the day before Easter. Put it on your calendar! More info to come.



Just a Note
: For those of you who have cox email, we are once again having trouble with cox bouncing your Life Discovery Enews. Sorry if you have missed an Enews in the past couple of weeks. We are having them work on it....AGAIN.