Word for the Month: Developing
Facilitating what Jesus has called us to do through the ministry of Homes of Life is a huge job! Those of you who have visited one or both of our homes in Costa Rica or Guatemala can easily attest to that fact. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with the enormity of the task, we are continually seeking the Lord in prayer as to how we might best utilize our resources (time, talents, personnel, finances, etc.) to effect God-pleasing outcomes. Then, in the Lord's perfect timing, a team from Wisconsin arrives with fresh ideas and helpful solutions.
Pastor Josh challenged us with the idea of implementing "developing" into our training style. We now realize there is a difference between "delegating" and "developing." As the mission grows, Dena and I see the need for developing our staff in a way that will enable them to effectively assume positions of leadership in the mission.
Developing someone takes much more time than delegating tasks. The first step in the "developing" process is finding people who harmonize with us and have a teachable spirit. With that type of person we can begin imparting our heart and our passions. This includes an understanding of what has driven us to get where we are today. We share our failures as well as victories. We encourage them to take risks and not worry about failing. We go slow and invest time and resources to give them the tools needed to go forward. Ultimately, a serious relationship with Jesus is what matters most! Jesus led us here and will continue leading us. Our future leaders must come to KNOW HIM as the Apostle Paul expressed in Phil. 3:10 (MSG) " I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering..."
 Our heart's desire is to passionately KNOW HIM, including both the power and the suffering. To really know Jesus we need to take the whole package. Following Jesus is our goal! Jesus commanded us to go and make followers/disciples, teaching them to obey His commands, and to FOLLOW His example. My prayer is that all who read this will look inward and ask the Lord, "Am I FOLLOWING YOU? " "Developing" begins with finding followers of Jesus. Then, as our hearts and passions and hurts and pains are imparted into others, the ministry begun with us will continue on through them. Please pray for us in this endeavor, and be assured we will be praying for you as well!
Tim and Dena
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Our Kids
Very excited that my folks are coming to spend a month and take in Maria's graduation in April. We are very proud of Maria getting her degree in Industrial Engineering. She is now taking one more year to get an emphasis. That will open more doors for her. The boys are making plans to move to Jacksonville where they will live 10 minutes from family rather than 5 hours away. They are very excited and looking forward to a future and a hope!! |
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Teams
We have a full year with trips to Guatemala and many teams coming here to Costa Rica. Our team leader informed me there are 17 teams for 2016 and already most of the 2017 summer calendar is booked! WOW! That is such a blessing. We love seeing teams come here to help, but it blesses us even more to see their lives touched and, for some, seeing God start to get very real in their lives.
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Tell Your Friends
One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner in our ministry is to tell your friends about the Homes of Life. It's easy to just to to a friend and share your own thoughts.
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Disclaimer
Children of Promise International (COPI) does not provide goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part except where noted, for contributions received. COPI is organized exclusively for religious purposes and the only benefit provided to you is an intangible religious benefit. Upon receipt of a donation, a receipt letter is sent and should be retained for income tax purposes. COPI may direct contributions where deemed necessary for ministry purposes. All contributions are income tax deductible in the United States and are made with the understanding that COPI has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
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