From the President's Pen
As 2006 drew to a close, Operation Andrew concluded
its sixth year of ministry. Our brief history has been
marked by God's gracious provision as we have seen
a strong foundation laid and a clear ministry vision
developed.
Looking back, we are thrilled that among the many
things accomplished was the development of a
strategic plan that will provide us with a "road map"
until 2010. God also surprised us last year by
bringing us into a strategic partnership with
ThriftSmart, an outstanding new business/ministry
that now has two retail outlets in greater Nashville with
plans to develop several more.
At our January board meeting we approved the 2007
ministry plan which includes a new prayer initiative . A
major aspect of that is a "Pastor's Prayer Summit"
being planned for March 19-20 to be held at a nearby
retreat center. Five pastors serving with me as a
leadership team have extended a personal
invitation to sixty senior pastors to participate.
Another aspect of our 2007 prayer initiative is the
development of a comprehensive prayer network.
This is a major undertaking being led by our "prayer
point person" Karen Robinson who has developed a
Prayer Network Leadership Team from across the city
to lead the effort. We expect to identify prayer leaders,
both in local churches and in various "free-standing"
prayer movements, and enter them into a database so
that critical information might be shared and
intercessors could be quickly mobilized.
We need your prayers and support as we continue to
serve Christ by serving as a unifier and catalyst for the
body of Christ in our city.
Join the prayer network
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Racial Reconciliation Lunch to Learn Builds Bridges
On February 1 over fifty pastors gathered in the
fellowship hall of Spruce Street Baptist Church for a
luncheon to focus on the dynamics of
racial reconciliation.
Those gathered were captivated as they listened to
Baptist pastor Denny Denson, and Presbyterian
pastor Scott Roley tell their story. Pastor Denson, a
fomer Black Panther from Chicago, and Pastor Roley,
born in a home of privilege, wealth, and influence,
encountered each other in Franklin in the early 90's
and began a long , and often difficult journey toward
reconciliation. Today they count each other as
best friends and know that they are willing to die to
defend and support one another.
During an intense discussion that followed the telling
of their story, it became obvious that God is calling His
children to move beyond being nice to each other.
The call is to become intentional in developing deep
friendships across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic
lines. As that happens the radical dimensions of the
kingdom of God will become more visible in the world
in which we live.
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Operation Andrew, White House Enjoy First Gathering for 2007
On Wednesday evening January 31, our Operation
Adnrew chapter in White House held it's first of several
planned worship gatherings in 2007. Northridge
Church, a new church in the city and new to Operation
Andrew, hosted the successful event.
Between 400-500 children, youth, and adults
assembled from participating churches to worship our
great God and celebrate our unity in Christ. Candy
Christmas provided the special music and Dr.
Charles McGowan delivered a stirring message.
We were challenged to "make visible the reality" of our
unity in Christ as His body. Jesus accomplished the
task of making us one at the cross... it's now our
responsibility to press it into existence before a
watching world. This was the essence of Dr.
McGowan's message, and many were wonderfully
impacted in heart and mind.
During the service, a love offering was received from
the saints in White House for their Hispanic brothers
and sisters in the El Shaddai Church in Nashville, to
provide vinyl floor covering for their children's Sunday
School rooms. The people cheerfully and generously
gave three thousand dollars- the amount needed to
meet the need! Praise the Lord!
It was a glorious evening! The next OA White House
Gathering is planned for Wednesday evening, May 2,
on the eve of the National Day of Prayer. Wonderful
plans are already underway for it to be a grand event!
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Upcoming Mercy Ministries Pastor's Luncheon
On Tuesday March 6th, Mercy Ministries is hosting an
informational luncheon for area pastors at their facility
on Old Hickory Blvd., next to Christ Church. The
luncheon will serve as an opportunity for pastors to
learn more about their incredible and effective ministry
to young women who are dealing with eating
disorders, unplanned pregnancy, depression, and
other needs.
Our staff recently had an opportunity to visit the
beautiful facility and learn more about the impact of
Mercy Ministries. We were amazed! This ministry is
one of the best kept secrets in the geographical area.
You will be greatly blessed to carve out some space in
your day on March 6th, from 12pm-1pm, to attend the
luncheon. This is not an Operation Andrew "Lunch to
Learn" but we certainly encourage you to take
advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
To RSVP please call Elizabeth Claybaker at 615-831-
6987, or send an e-mail to
eclaybaker@mercyministries.com
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Operation Andrew, White House Honors Area Clergy & Staff
On Monday evening, February 19, twenty-three area
clergy and spouses were honored for their faithful
service to our Lord. The banquet was sponsored by
Operation Andrew and The Church at Grace Park on
their church campus at the Precept Mansion facility.
It is the first of what is going to become an annual
event on the OA White House calendar. Dr. Charles
McGowan was once again used wonderfully by God's
spirit to touch every heart present by speaking words
of honor, ecnouragement, and challenge.
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Upcoming "Ministry and Healthcare Strategies for the Aging" Lunch to Learn
The demographics of our nation are rapidly changing.
One of the most dramatic are the mind-boggling
statistics related to aging. The "bottom line" is that the
ratio of those over 65 is much greater today than just
10 years ago, and that ratio is steadily increasing.
The local church is already being dramatically
impacted, and there is an urgent need to effectively
minister to that sector of our culture.
Our next Lunch to Learn, set for Thursday March 1, will
be held at Hope Center, 2415 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204. The focus will be "Ministry and
Health Care Strategies for the Aging". We are
fortunate to have two outstanding leaders in this field
to be with us- Gary Aiken, a specialist in Medicare and
health insurance, and Rev. James Vandiver, Director
of the Resource Center on Aging.
Lunch will be provided. To RSVP please call Hilary
Barnett at 297-7293 or send an e-mail to
office@operationandrew.org
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