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| Everyone a Missionary
| He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."
(Matthew 9.37, 38) |
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Greetings!
I know that the last two spring pictures had snow in them, but not this one! The aspen in the foreground has its leaves and the crab apple tree in the backyard is in full bloom! 
There was the feeling of spring in our meetings last week, thanks to your prayers! God was in those meetings, and I'm going to be more faithful about letting you all join the ministry in prayer. So this will update and add to the prayer requests from last week and tell a great story about how God uses all kinds of people. The theme is "All of us are missionaries," and I'd like you to read a letter I wrote to an 8-year-old friend of mine. Young Matthew, along with his sister and parents are in a home group with June, me and several other families. Matthew had to interview a missionary, and he chose me. I wrote the letter in response to his excellent questions: What do you do for The Navigators? How do you help churches grow disciple-makers? To read my simplified explanation of our ministry, please click here. |
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God-enhanced encounters
The women's ministry: June's meeting with the director of women's ministry for a growing church in Colorado Springs left her breathless. There's a fine line between no vision and a vision that's so far out in front that people are likely to be disheartened rather than encouraged and empowered. Please pray that June's follow-up meetings and her September presentation will help these leaders set an appropriate pace.
Church in the City-Beth Abraham, Denver: this team is always fun to meet with, and last week was no different. We've set a meeting for June 8 to begin a process for implementing intentional disciple-making. Since the May 17 meeting, we've been exchanging emails on the important issue of priorities. No one whose plate is already full can add new activities without cutting somewhere else. Please pray that everyone will come to this process eager to do what is necessary so that this dynamic church body will make even more of an impact for the Kingdom as they not only meet immediate needs but also build intentional discipleship into their DNA.
Relational disciple-making in a large church in Colorado Springs: I had an excellent meeting on Thursday with the senior pastor and his student ministry staff. We all agreed that disciple-making should be relational and that every ministry in the church should be training its leaders (volunteers) not only to do the specific ministry (for example, teach children's Sunday school) but also teach life skills. We agreed that a good place to start with life skills is daily time with God, and I am scheduled to train the entire staff on Wednesday, June 15. Please pray that the staff and ministry leaders all catch the vision for generational disciple-making ("each one teach one").
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All kinds of people
One of the best features of the Men's Life ministry down at First Presbyterian, Colorado Springs is the opportunity to interact with men from the Springs Rescue Mission. As we wrapped up this year's studies in 1 Peter and Ephesians, I had a delightful conversation with Phil, one of our facilitators, and Jesse. Jesse just completed his program at the Mission and also did sound for us.
We were discussing Jesse's piercings and his latest tattoo. He explained that strange as it seems, the piercings and tattoos help keep him from shooting up with drug-carrying needles. Phil caught the spirit of being missional when
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| | Phil and Jesse: each missionaries in their spheres of influence! |
he said, "Jesse, you will reach people that Bob and I will never reach."
I have long observed (and it's included in Chapter 10 of Ways of the Alongsider) that God uses all kinds of people wherever they are and whoever they are (or were). Check out the stories of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5, the woman at the well in John 4, and Levi in Luke 5.
Please pray for Jesse as he transitions out of the Rescue Mission into a new life. He'll be going to school for heating and air conditioning work.
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Please pray...
In addition to the prayer items already mentioned, we'd appreciate your praying with us for the following:
Navigator Team Meeting June 1, 2
The Rocky Mountain Church Discipleship Ministry (CDM) Navigators will meet June 1, 2, in Denver. Please pray for our days together that we:
- Bond well as a team, appreciate each other's ministries and uphold each other in prayer.
- Develop an inspiring strategic plan for our region that will encourage and direct our ministries through 2012 and beyond!
June's Music Theory Test, June 9
In addition to ministry and running a piano studio with 23 students, June is working on her piano teaching certification with the Music Teachers National Association. A major hurdle is a comprehensive music theory test which she will take on June 9. Please pray that she can focus, stay on her study plan, and pass with flying colors!
June's Mother
The status of June's mother is essentially unchanged. She's recovering somewhat from two broken hips, but the dementia continues. Please pray for peace for her mother and wisdom for June, her sister, and two brothers as they work together to manage her care.
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We appreciate your interest in and prayer for our ministry, and we always count it a privilege to pray for you as well. Please don't hesitate to contact us at bob@ewell.com or june@ewell.com.
God bless and stay strong,
strong,
Bob and June
Join us in spreading the good news! Together, let's get the word out! (Psalm 40.5)
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Impromptu Piano Praise, my piano CD containing 26 traditional hymns on 20 tracks, is available for purchase! You and your friends can go to www.bobplayspiano.com. The CD is only $12.00, including shipping, or less if you download it from Amazon or iTunes. Also, those of you in Montgomery, AL, can buy the CD at the Frazer bookstore.
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