November 15, 2012: Volume 2, Number 2
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November 16-17, 2012Testify World Conference Albuquerque, NM November 26, 2012, 6:30 PST FamilyNet TV KCFT: Revelations TV Series
November 30, 2012, 10:30 PM EST WFGC-TV: Revelations TV Series December 1, 2012, 6:00 PM EST GEB America: Revelations TV Series January 22 - February 4, 201330 60 100 MINISTRIES Training and Coaching in Costa Rica 
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| Greetings! | In this edition of The Cultivator, we finish our three-part series outlining significant roles in The Great Commission as we take a look at Converts. (Previous issues explained the roles of Senders and Go-ers).
Converts are new believers. Yet the number of Converts is not the sole indicator of whether or not a mission has been a success. Being born again and accepting Jesus as Savior is just that: it's a birth and a beginning. Read all about the ultimate evidence of multiplication in Converts: More Than Just Numbers.
 When you're spiritually healthy, you find yourself fulfilling one or more of these three Great Commission roles. Let us know where you are in that process. We love hearing from you.
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BECOME A BACK 40 BACKER!
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A special thank you to those of you who have already become Back 40 Backers -- partners who support us in providing short-term coaching, equipping, and training to believers living remote areas! The "Back 40" are believers living in areas limited by a lack of finances, resources, and geographical remoteness. These missionaries, new believers, church planters, local church leaders are hungry for discipleship. We can think of no better investment for the Kingdom than to help prepare these believers, in deep need, for fruitful service. Will you prayerfully consider "buying" an acre so that we can cultivate the Back 40? Learn more.
What People Say About Back 40
"I'm fully committed in mission support and mission trips - and this sounds like a really good plan and approach. I believe God is smack dab in the middle of it and commend you. Wishing you lots more great results!"
Delores T., Author and teacher, Maple Grove, MN |
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 Feature: CONVERTS: MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS
The Great Commission Series, Part 3 | Converts are new believers who find life in Christ. They are the whole goal and purpose of The Great Commission: "Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and ... teaching them" (Matthew 28:19-20).
(Senders provide support and encouragement for others who go and share the gospel and Go-ers leave their homes and travel to isolated regions to share the gospel. Read more about Senders and Go-ers in Parts 1 and 2 of this series.)
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Image courtesy of syracuse.com
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Yet the number of Converts is not the sole indicator of whether or not a mission has been a success. Being born again and accepting Jesus as Savior is just that: it's a birth and a beginning.
What needs to follow after that new birth is the nurturing and developing of a Convert's relationship with Christ. When new believers have access to follow up, spiritual mentors, and resources, they grow. Ultimately, by supporting missions around the world, you transform lives, not just help birth them.
The Ultimate Evidence of a Transformed Life
It happened to Rosa as she bowed her head and prayed along with Becky. "I believe in you, God" she said. "Thank you for my Savior Jesus. I will follow him." Rosa looked up, her face beaming. She had just walked from darkness into the light and the change in her was visible. Meanwhile Becky cried openly. She cared deeply not just about Rosa's salvation, but also for her ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the next several months, Becky spent time each week with Rosa reading scripture and praying. She took Rosa with her to worship in a nearby village. A year later, Rosa had started a Bible study on her own with three of her friends.
A Convert's Challenge to Go Deep
Becky understood that Converts like Rosa need to be spiritually healthy. But geographic isolation and few resources mean Converts are vulnerable, often facing significant challenges at the outset of their walk. If left unchecked, obstacles can slow or even halt a Convert's journey of faith - obstacles like literacy, access to scripture, limited Bible teaching, confusion about prayer, few worship and fellowship opportunities, persecution or rejection, and tribal or local traditions. Yet those same challenges are often opportunities to nurture a new Convert from the point of their spiritual birth to mature discipleship. Multiplication is not just about helping a Convert step over the line into life. It's about walking with them as they learn to live it.
When you help Converts to keep growing, they develop deep roots of faith and even become Senders and Go-ers themselves. You don't just preside over the birth of a Convert. You cultivate a whole new life.
Growth Point
Ministry success means growth in both numbers and depth.
Scripture
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)
Prayer Points - Name some of the challenges you faced when you first came to Christ. How did you overcome them?
- Why are Converts especially susceptible to discouragement?
- Ask a Go-er for names of new converts in the region where they serve. Commit to praying for these new believers so they cultivate deep spiritual roots.
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What People Are Saying ...
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 "You truly hit it out of the park at the North America Indigenous Ministries staff conference. WOW - what a blessing. God is alive in you!" Chuck Harper, Executive DirectorWestern Indian Missions
Find out more about equipping, coaching, and training opportunities with 30 60 100 MINISTRIES here.
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