Mission: Every Man, Woman, and Child Hear and See the Gospel

     Two years ago, I had just finished a series of interviews for a tenure-track faculty position at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. I was finished with my doctoral work at the University of Buffalo and was working on my post-doctoral appointment. In a series of events transpiring afterward, I found myself in a ministry position in Buffalo, with the hope of cultivating church partnerships and who knows, maybe even some church plants (something that had already gotten underway over a year-and-a-half earlier). Ultimately, the goal that was set out, was to give every man, woman, and child a repeated opportunity to hear, to see, and to respond to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. From that, what is now known as the Renovation Network was birthed, with particular emphasis on the Northeast and the Midwest (more particularly, The Rust Belt). Such geographic intentionality has stemmed from that, because Buffalo represents a city that straddles both domains of influence. It possesses Northeast composition along with blue collar living. It’s part of why I love this town so much.

     What has transpired since that time has been encouraging, but it has also provided me with a stark reminder, that the journey that we are on is not in the 3-5 year timeframe. Granted, we have seen some great wins along the way, and we have been encouraged during that time. But what we are truly looking at, in my belief as a social scientist, is the next 30 years of our lives. The United States has Europe in its foresights if something does not happen with the church in the west. Sometimes, followers of Christ are overrun with the reality of what we are facing here domestically, and it slips their mind that God is doing amazing things all throughout the world. Africa, Latin America, Asia—the Gospel continues to move forward in ways that leave many of us pining for that to happen here. However, after the overwhelming feeling of the task ahead of us sets in, there are a couple of things that we can do. First, we can evoke myopic thinking. In essence, we can pretend that it’s not all that bad, keep our head in the sand, and go about doing things methodologically the way that we’ve always done them. Or, second, we can awaken to the challenge ahead of us. We can start to look at our view of Christology, Missiology, and Ecclesiology (see Hirsch, Forgotten Ways), and examine them under the guise of where culture situates us today. It is my opinion, that the second approach would suit us well.

     But here is where the rub lies. We have to methodologically examine where it is that we should start. Missiologist Dr. Dwight Smith proposes two questions that have been the foundation for Renovation Network: 1) What does God want? and; 2) What would it look like if God did what He wanted? These two questions have driven the desire for churches to partner and work with one another, primarily because, they have helped us to arrive at two key answers to the proposed questions. First, God wants relationship with His creation—more specifically, He wants to give every man, woman, and child, the repeated opportunity to hear, see, and respond to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Second, it likely is going to take multiple expressions of the bride to make that happen (e.g., high church, low church, seeker church, etc.). Given that being the case, what could happen if churches started working together to fulfill the mission of giving every man, woman, and child in Niagara and Erie County, that repeated opportunity for a relationship with Christ?

     Transitioning from theoretical to practical, this journey has been fun, but difficult as well. Working with other churches on a variety of initiatives has been incredibly exciting for our churches within the Network. While it is simply not just about planting, God has allowed some church plants to be birthed, and the stamp on some of these churches has been that they were planted by multiple expressions of the local church in Buffalo (e.g., Northgate Church—approximately 15 churches representing seven different denominations planted this particular expression of the bride). While that has certainly generated pause for excitement and enthusiasm, it is also clear that we have so much to learn about working together with one another. There are clearly things that challenge us as we partner: geography, methodology, denominationalism, prior and/or existent ecclesiology, to name a few. That being said, what has been encouraging to me in particular, has been that churches have remained open to the idea that, even though we may not know how to work together well as of current, we’re willing to dialogue and not give up on the key hope that drives us in Renovation Network—saturation of our geography. Certainly, we want to see men, women, and children come to know Christ. But that is not the exclusive mark that we’re working toward. In addition to that, we want to see representatives of the local church (lay people) building intentional relationships with unbelievers (what we would identify as presence). We want for those people to also be available to share their grace story as well, talking about how God brought them to faith in Christ (past) and how that decision has continued to shape them day-by-day, and in future days to come (what we would identify as proclamation). As our people do these very things, we then begin to saturate our geography with the Gospel and opportunities for a response to it. As we focus on saturation, a natural by-product is that some of those very people will come to know Jesus Christ.

     Yes, this is a 30 year venture. But even in writing this and reflecting upon what has been happening, I’m thankful for what God has been doing in and through this conscious effort to partner with other churches within the Church at Buffalo. I can only hope for more and pray that God would continue to develop and cultivate partnerships around the mission of every man, woman, and child.

Ryan Kozey, PhD is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for The Renovation Network. In addition, he is an adjunct professor of Organizational Communication for Canisius College. He and his wife and children reside in Buffalo, NY.

Are You A Control Freak?

“What I want to deal with here is the daily difficulty that we have in adjusting our job descriptions to the vocational surprises of Grace.”

Let’s face it we all want things to turn out just right. That’s why women spend countless hours at the hairdresser. That’s why men make sure they mark their calendars weekly for a haircut at the barbershop or Prince William and Kate has been spending countless hours on preparing themselves for the Royal Wedding. Moreover we want to be in the right place, doing the right thing and rubbing shoulders with the right people in hopes that everything will turn out exactly as intended.

As I pondered this thought my mind immediately drifted away to the story of Jonah and his quarreling with God, because he wanted it ‘his way’ or ‘the high way'. In fact, Jonah quarrelled with God because he was surprised by the grace God extended to the people of Nineveh. He was so taken back by the mercy of God. His idea of what God was supposed to do and what God in fact does differs radically. Insomuch that Jonah sulks, Jonah is angry. The word anger actually appears six times in the final chapter, angry because the God of the universe didn't do things his way.

One writer stated “Jonah is standing in a place large and seething with creativity...gospel creativity.  Nineveh against all probabilities has been saved.  Jonah saw none of it because of his stunted imagination. He was caught off guard that God would extend grace to Nineveh.” Furthermore he predicted the destruction of Nineveh, and it didn’t happen. His competence as a prophet was now in question and he blamed God. He had no awareness that his spiritual vocation had just expanded exponentially. 

With that said, what can we learn from Jonah? One thing for sure is that we truly can 'let go and let God’.  We cannot control the outcome of what we expect to happen no matter how well we plan. God loves to give his children surprises. Although those surprises may not come the way we intend for them to come. We still must be open to those surprises and remember to stand in faith believing that God knows the plans for your life, and exactly what has been planned will come to pass.

Tunya Griffin

Prayer: Makes a Difference

By Annie McCune

     Does prayer really make a difference....in my life, in the lives of those I pray for, in our nation's welfare?  That question comes into my mind this time of year when I spend lots of energy planning National Day of Prayer events.  And the only way I have found to answer the question is...to Pray!  Prayer is two-way conversation with our Loving God.  The answer is always YES--prayer does make a difference!  
     Proof that prayer makes a difference comes by way of a still small voice speaking to my heart.  It comes by believing the written word of God.  It comes in the very real peace that floods my entire being. It comes by the answers I see in the world around me.  God listens.  He hears. He speaks.  He answers.
     My daughter is currently living and working in the Central American country of Honduras teaching at and administering a Christian school.  She and I communicate in a variety of ways depending on what is operational at the time:  Blackberry Messenger, Skype, E-mail, Facebook, her Blog, and occasionally the telephone.  I am so grateful for the technology that allows me to stay in close touch with her over such a distance.  Our love for each other compels us to take the time and effort to communicate on a frequent basis.  When I don't hear from her for a few days because the internet and phone service is out, my heart aches to connect again. I would never give up trying to reach her, nor she me.
     Our communication with God through prayer is very similar.  There may be days when you don't feel that your prayers are getting through. Please don't give up.  God is always there.  He is always waiting to hear from us, to speak to us.  If we persist, we will find the connection. 

     When I feel blocked in prayer, I often go to scripture, where I learn so much about God through the written word.   Recently my daughter and I spent several hours on Skype discussing future plans and events.  When I read her blog from the same week, I learned there had been riots going on in the city where she lives, and that the president had visited her school!  I was reminded of  how much more I can learn about my daughter by reading what she writes on her blog.  In the same fashion, I can learn about God by reading the Bible. 
     Read God's Word.  It is one clear way He speaks!  We hear his heart on issues other than the ones we bring to him each day.  It deepens our understanding and relationship with him.
     This year's National Day of Prayer theme is "A Mighty Fortress is our God," taken from Ps 91:2, "I will say of the the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."  There is so much uncertainty and turmoil in our nation, not to mention the whole world.  We need to be communicating with God, and praying about the issues and problems our Nation faces.  I encourage  you to take time on May 5, and every day, to bring the needs of our nation before our God. Hear his heart through prayer and meditating on His Word.  Listen for what He calls you to do. Feel the protection of being found in "his fortress" with other believers. In the conclusion of Psalm 91, vs.15 certifies" When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.  I will rescue and honor them."  What a promise from God!
     Come be part of the "they"as we pray together in one accord on behalf of our nation.  Please consider joining us for Prayer in the Square at noon in Niagara Square on the National Day of Prayer.  Pray...and watch how it makes a difference.

Christian Education: Knowing Your Options

Students pictured attend Christian Central Academy in Williamsville, NY. Christian Central Academy enrolls over 420 students from 27 different school districts across three counties. They represent about 90 different churches. Photos by Jennifer Santora

Choosing the right school for your child is no easy task. From homeschooling to private Christian education to public schools, Montessori schools, boarding schools, and everything in between, this single decision will affect your child the rest of his or her life, and the options are plenteous. Choosing the right school will determine the friends they will have, their world view and God-consciousness and faith for years to come. From elementary school up into college, children will spend as much or more time within and around the people at their school, as they will with their parents. Of course as parents, we want our children’s personalities and character influenced by those who will draw them closer to Christ; after all it is our mandate as parents to train them in godliness. While I think we could all agree that ultimately the responsibility to train our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord falls on the parents, would any of us disagree that friends and teachers certainly play an important role? Research by the Barna Group cites staggering statistics that over 70% of our youth are losing faith when sent away to college. It looks bad when we are trying to win the world for Christ but can’t win our own family for him. This truly is a topic that deserves further examination and prayer. From my observation, Christian parents primarily reside in one of three camps, and all have Biblical and practical wisdom behind them. We talked with those living this out on a daily basis to glean from their wisdom and experience.  While the goal of this article is not to endorse one view above another it is an opportunity to take a look at what is out there and make an informed, prayerful and wise decision on the matter. After reading, I would love to hear your thoughts online at www.unitemagazine.us. -Kyle Patterson, UNITE Editor

Homeschooling by Jennifer Santora

     Among the many educational options available to parents in the Western New York area, homeschooling is one that is rapidly gaining in both popularity and acceptance.  Citing a gain of 74% since 1999, the modern homeschooling movement is growing at an astounding rate. 

     As homeschooling continues to gain momentum, many of the old stereotypes and stigmas attached to homeschooling are being put to rest as well.  A recent study revealed that not only do home schooled students (K - 12) on average score 37 points above the national average on standardized achievement tests (HSLDA, 2009), they are also more likely to be politically active within their communities as compared to their traditionally schooled peers. Home schooled children are well developed both socially and emotionally, and are excelling in their occupations.  Colleges are actively seeking out home schooled children and cite that the home school student's tendency to be independent and creative learners, as incentive for recruitment.

     The decision to homeschool is never made lightly.  Homeschooling is, first and foremost, a commitment.  It is a commitment of your time, your money, your patience and occasionally even your sanity but the benefits and rewards greatly overshadow those occasional moments of frustration and fear.  Families venture down the path of homeschooling for a wide variety of reasons.  Every parent has the desire for their child to have the best education possible.  Every family needs to find which educational pathway is right for them.  For some families homeschooling is a strong conviction of their faith, for some it's the desire to offer their child the benefits that come from one on one teaching, for many there are few and/or poor local school options available to them, and for others it is the desire to offer an education that is somehow divergent from what is being offered at the local public school.

Just as the motivations for families to choose homeschooling are wide and varied, so are the curriculum choices currently available to home schooled children.  From traditional workbook based, to literature rich to classical to relaxed, the choices seem unlimited.  For many home schooled children, the opportunity to choose a curriculum which interweaves their faith and beliefs directly into their child's core education is invaluable as is the ability to tailor a curriculum to their child's individual learning style, strengths and interests.  If your child excels in math you can allow them to accelerate at their own pace without having to wait while their classmates catch up.  If they're struggling with writing you can take the time to give them the extra instruction they need.  If they have a passion for ancient China or anteaters you have the liberty and freedom to take a week off from your regularly scheduled instruction to delve deeply into an area of interest.

     Often times when people find out we homeschool they are supportive and encouraging, but adamant that they themselves could never homeschool their own children.  I always tell them that if I can homeschool, anyone can.  I'm far from the most qualified, organized or patient parent; yet when I look at my son, a happy and social child who is thriving academically and well-rounded with a variety of interests, I'm reaffirmed and encouraged in our decision to embark on the homeschool journey.

Why I Homeschooled by Carol McLeod

There were several reasons why we felt that the Lord was leading us to homeschool our children in 1986 - back when the movement was just beginning.

     First of all, we were committed to being the primary influencer on our children's lives.  We believed, and still do believe, that the reason God places a child with a mom and a dad is because that child needs the wisdom and guidance that only parents can give.  We were not ready to give our children to another man or woman, i.e. teacher, for 5-8 hours a day.  We did, however, explore all of our options and went to the orientation that our local public school had for kindergarteners, and investigated local Christian schools.
     We immediately knew that the public school was not going to be a "fit" for our style of parenting.  We were committed to giving our children a Christian world-view which they were not going to be given in the public schools.  From celebrating Halloween, to teaching evolution to liberal sex-education policies, we did not feel comfortable with exposing our child to much of anything that the public school had to offer.  When we were in a conversation with the principle of the highly respected public primary school in our district, he said to me, "You have to remember that the local school system is an institution."  I was not willing to "institutionalize" my 5 year old son.
     We read a book by the Moore's, who were early homeschool pioneers, entitled, "Better Late than Early" and so at first we embraced the mindset that we would send our children to a Christian school in about the third grade but would take it a year at a time.
     After reading several of the Moore's books, I realized that I, as a mom, could do as good as, if not a better job, educating my children than a classroom experience could do.  I certainly had their best interest at heart and could easily become acquainted with their learning styles.
     Also, there was this innate mothering feeling that caused me to think, "Why give him to another woman to enjoy when he is such a joy to me?!"
     Also, I will admit that I had a real vision for educating my children well.  I loved teaching them new vocabulary words and encouraging them to use them appropriately; I loved doing Science experiments as a part of every day life; I desired to raise patriotic children who were fascinated by the leaders who had blazed a trail for America; I loved classic literature and reading aloud to each one.
     Although we were very impressed with several of our Christian school options, we were not able to afford the tuition.
     And so our 23 year homeschool journey began.

     

Photo By Jenn Santora

Private Christian Education by Deborah White

My advocacy for Christ-centered education is based upon both an outgrowth of long Scripture study*, and my own and my husband’s personal experience in answering this question: If we are followers of Jesus Christ, then how does that commitment, in the light of His Word, impact how we allow the pattern of our thinking - or our “worldview” to develop?  My husband, Dave and I have always believed in, experienced, and been committed to “the integration of faith and learning” and the imperative to do all we can in all areas of our life to promote a Biblical, Christ-centered worldview, first in us individually and then in our children.  We are committed to the position that God’s Word is the final authority for our faith and practice.  Therefore, we could not escape the fact that the imperative of developing a Biblical worldview in our children must include and be reflected in their school environment. 

We knew that the criteria for such a choice had to include more than a school having committed and talented teachers, good principals, great facilities and good rankings.  It was a matter of our children being able to learn, and be taught truth, whether it is the truth about the principles of literature, or the fact that God thought communication was important so He had his authors write His Word, and therefore, He, not just society, values the importance of phonics, reading with comprehension (Acts 8:30-31) and writing, that He designed the beauty and order of geometry and trigonometry to reflect other aspects of His character.  The applications for music and art are limitless. It is to see His logic reflected in biology, to probe the yet-unanswered questions of earth science, to know that it is okay to question and wonder and know that God is not afraid of our questions and even doubt.  It’s to be able to see that “spiritual things” are not, and should not just be thought of as separate and apart from what we, in our woefully limited human understanding, consider to be “academic,” but that the pursuit of rigorous academic study and scholarship can be as much an act of worship as singing praise choruses.  It can be an amazingly freeing environment. 

     Perhaps Colossians 1:16-17 captures for me the incredible majesty of why the educational environment is God’s rightful domain, over which His sovereignty should be proclaimed.  ¹⁶ “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (NIV) - again, the implications of this statement for education are staggering!

     Where else can a student have the freedom to be taught all this truth but in a school equally committed to the Truth, the Lord Jesus Christ?  How can a student truly have to biggest questions of life answered but in such an environment?

I have been privileged to serve Christ and share this passion about Christ-centered education at Christian Central Academy since we enrolled our oldest child, Dan, in 1993, first as a parent volunteer and then as a staff member beginning in 1998.  Both Dan and our daughter, Laura attended CCA all 13 years and graduated in 2006 and 2009 respectively.   We all fully realize no school is a perfect place.  But over the years as I continue to follow Christian and other private schools in our area, I remain convinced that God is doing something unique and powerful at Christian Central Academy.  Praise Him.

Understanding the Cost of Private Christian Education  by Deborah White and Nurline A. Lawrence of Christian Central Academy

Much of this decision comes down to what is the parents’ perspective of the imperative of Christ-centered education for their child(ren).  Is it viewed as a luxury or as a necessity?  The worldview of the educational system in which one places one’s child or children is the worldview one’s child will be steeped in.  At what grade level has a child had enough education that aims to develop the mind of Christ?  After kindergarten?  After 6^th grade?  8^th grade?  High school? 

     Any kind of education – whether it is homeschool, public school, secular private school, parochial school, church-related school or independent private Christian school – is going to incur costs to operate.  At any school, teachers and staff must be paid.  Heat and light are expected and so utilities are paid.  Textbooks, supplies and equipment must be purchased.  Facilities must be maintained.  Funds for any school are provided either through property taxes, state and/or federal aid (taxes), church/denominational support, endowment, and/or tuition.   For many private schools, other kinds of fundraising activities also come into play that contribute significantly to each school’s resources. We continue to pray that the Lord will move those who are able to give generously to grasp the vision of Christ-centered education for the next generation and come alongside us through their financial support.   If a private school like CCA is going to be able to offer the level of education and preparation for their children that parents have come to expect, then it cannot be done in a financial vacuum.     

     Third, when the “cost” is the most important consideration, the inherent value of a Christian education in shaping the life of a child is considerably diminished.  It must be regarded as a gift – in the same way that a young lover invests sacrificially in a ring for the beloved – as an expression of worth.    There will always be an expense in obtaining that which one does not yet possess – in this case, a Christ-centered education. 

     Lastly, the word “private” can conjure in the minds of some the idea of exclusivity or elitism.  This is not our desire, aim or objective.  For a school to define itself as “private” simply conveys that it operates under the governance of an entity other than the government. In our case, that takes the form of an independent board of directors which bears the mantle of assuring the school’s fiscal and operational integrity, academic strength and growth, and spiritual guidance and vitality.  Being a private school allows us the freedom to proclaim the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and to be Biblically-integrative in all aspects of the curriculum and life of the school.  This we will never compromise.

Public Schools by Erik Ticen

     Home schooling, private Christian school, public school - I think there are strengths to all these options.  In fact, my wife and I know many loving parents who have raised unbelievable Christian kids in each model.  We have wrestled with the pros and cons of each.  But we feel strongly that God has chosen our entire family to be salt and light in our community. We are forming meaningful relationships with parents and teachers constantly: at PTO meetings, rec leagues, neighborhood parties, etc.  Our children have banded together with other Christian kids in their classrooms and we see God working through them every day at school.  We bump into our non-Christian friends out in the community and have had several important discussions with them about the Lord.  Every week we are presented with opportunities to teach our children how to make the right decisions and model for them how to share the Gospel.  We are amazed how bold they are to bring Christ to the classroom.

     I ask, what would happen to our culture if every Christian family abandoned public education?  Are we not commanded to be "in the world but not of it"?  Was David, Jeremiah or the young disciples too fragile to engage?  Our three kids are still very young and I can't say we are the experts in this area.  We are not naive to the dangers out there.  There will be issues to be faced as they get older.  Yet we have complete faith that God is with us as we go out. 

Public Schools Continued by Traci Drake

For the most part public school has been good. My children attend youth group, scouts, and sports where I have control over who they spend their time with. The education they receive for the most part has been as good as they would have received at a Christian school, maybe better in that I have a child who has learning disabilities. The public school has helped him to overcome his difficulties with learning.  I am confident in this as my son is a senior who has excellent grades; he doesn't do anything he doesn't feel is right, has no problem telling people no, and has very conservative values.  My younger two, (12 and 15) seem to be headed in that direction. Both Christian and public schools can be tools in a parent’s arsenal in educating their children, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to direct their children in the way they should go. To know their children very well, to study them and assist them in becoming the person that God wants them to be. If homeschooling had been possible for us and we didn't need two incomes homeschooling would have been my first choice through middle school.  

    

    We would love to hear from you regarding your views. Visit unitemagazine.us and tell us your opinion or find us on  Facebook or Twitter.

INTERVIEW. 5 Questions with Dr. Mark Virkler

Mark Virkler, Ph.D. and Patti Virkler, D.Min., have co-authored more than 50 books in the areas of hearing God’s voice and spiritual growth. They are the founders of Communion With God Ministries (www.CWGMinistries.org) and Christian Leadership University (www.CLUOnline.com), where the voice of God is at the center of every learning experience. Mark has taught on developing intimacy with God and spiritual healing for more than 30 years on six continents. The message has been translated into over 30 languages, and he has helped to establish more than 150 church-centered Bible schools around the world.

The Communion with God books and resources you developed have been read and taught worldwide through your ministry, what is the biggest hindrance you encounter to Christians understanding prayer can be a two way dialogue? Probably two issues: 1) the belief that God stopped speaking after He finished writing the New Testament, and 2) the fact that many Christians just do not know how to recognize God’s voice within them. 

To answer the first issue, the Bible clearly demonstrates that God spoke from Genesis to Revelation, and plainly says that in the last days, our sons and daughters will prophecy and we will see visions and dream dreams (Acts 2:17). So hearing the voice of God is found from cover to cover in the Bible, and is to continue on until the end of the age. In addition, our hearts hunger for intimacy with God. Our passion for spiritual intimacy is actually our hearts responding to the drawing of the Holy Spirit within us.

In answering the second issue, once I teach people that God’s voice sounds like “spontaneous, or flowing thoughts which light upon your mind” they come alive to the fact that they have been hearing God’s voice all their lives, and just never attributing these flowing thoughts to the voice of God.  So after being taught that they can quiet themselves down, fix their eyes on Jesus, tune to spontaneous thoughts and write, many embark on this new journey of spiritual intimacy and find their lives being transformed.

How have you seen the teaching affect individual's and church's prayer life once they begin hearing God's voice in prayer?

Thousands have testified that this is the most life-transforming experience of their entire Christian lives. Spiritual intimacy with God brings His unconditional love directly into their lives, as God tells us over and over how beautiful and special we are and how He has an amazing plan for our lives. Many believe, and begin to radiate a newfound glow in the Spirit. Some say this is too good to be true and back away, returning to legalism and separation, which is a terrible tragedy.

Here are a few responses that people have sent us: “My prayer life has become anointed and I have been receiving more visions then ever…” “It quadrupled my ability to hear God's voice…” “I have an awareness of God I’ve never had before…” “Worship has been enhanced so very much…” “God has seemingly released the prophetic in song and word in me…” “Through the adventure into the practices of journaling, vision, and unabashed praise I have come to feel closer to God than ever I have in my years of one-sided prayer…”

I taught the four keys last Sunday morning at Crossroads Church in VA, and I had people journal at the close of the sermon. The following journaling was sent to me on Tuesday. “Oh, Natalie, I love you so much and I’m so proud of you.  You are trying so hard to please me and I see all the things you are doing.  I approve of you and I love you.  I want you to trust me and I want you to love me back.  I am bigger than you and I know what I’m doing.  Hear me when I speak to you.”

Natalie writes, “Tears streamed and I soaked in the depth of his voice.  I was drenched in total love.  I couldn’t believe that He would speak to me in such an individual, intimate way.  I was filled and loved in a way that I’d never experienced before, not in prayer, not through sermons, not through reading His Word!  He spoke directly to me, all because I asked!  And then, an added blessing, to see that God spoke to my husband in the most perfect way drew us together into an experience that we could share.” 

Healed lives. Healed marriages. Isn’t that part of what the Kingdom of God is about?

Can everyone experience the flow of the Holy Spirit you speak of?

Jesus guaranteed that all Christians can hear His voice. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep hear My Voice….”  So yes, every Christian can hear God’s voice. It is sensed as flowing or spontaneous thoughts. Jesus said there is a river within us and this river is the Holy Spirit, and it FLOWS. This is not just theory. It is not just a nice verse to memorize. It is the reality of life. There is a flow within each of us. So we teach people to quiet themselves down, fix their eyes on Jesus, tune to flow and record the flowing thoughts and flowing pictures that come to them! This is the voice and vision of God, which is coming through the Holy Spirit from within our hearts.

 Why is it key to journal and write down what we sense God speaking to us?

Before I knew enough to write down what I was receiving, I would judge and evaluate the flow of thoughts while they were coming to me. I would be asking myself, “Are they coming from God?” I would be doubting, judging, testing and evaluating AS THEY CAME INTO my mind. This causes the flow to stop! The Bible tells us that when we come to God we must come in faith, believing (Heb. 11:1-6). Before journaling, I would believe for five seconds and hear one sentence from God, then shift from faith into a testing/doubting mode. This cut off any remaining flow that God was sending to me. The value of journaling is that I can stay in faith for as long as I want and simply write in faith, because I know that when the flow is done, THEN I can go back and test and judge and evaluate the flowing thoughts and pictures. I will not be cutting off the flow through doubt, because I have already written in faith until the flow was completed. So journaling lets me write in faith, knowing I can test it later and thus I can receive entire paragraphs and pages, rather than single sentences from Almighty God!

In terms of evaluating or judging the word for accuracy...how do you suggest we do that?

There are several things we do: 1) It must line up with the words and principles of the Bible; 2) It must line up with the names of Jesus and the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22), as these reveal His character and Jesus’ words always align with His character; and 3) We submit our two-way journaling to our two or three spiritual advisors, asking them if their heart bears witness that the journaling came from Jesus (Matt. 18:16).

For example, does your heart bear witness that the following came from Jesus? “Lord, what do you want to say to these readers?”

“My children long to hear My voice, and yet they are afraid to hear My voice. They are afraid of making a mistake or doing something wrong, and their fear keeps them captive and distant from Me. Oh, how I have longed to draw them unto Myself, as a mother hen draws her chicks under her wing, and yet they have resisted. My child, come to Me. Hear from Me. Listen to Me. Believe that all you have read in My Word is available to you and can be experienced in your life. IT IS available to you!!! My Word can be lived out in your life, if you only believe! Believe in Me! Trust in Me. Come to Me that your joy may be full. Come, and again I say unto you, Come! Come My Children, come. Please come and drink, that your hearts may be full and satisfied. Come, and again I say, come! Come, and again I say…” 

UNITE Releases April/May Issue

UNITE Magazine this week released its April/May issue featuring a CMS @ The Chapel preview and an in depth look at Christian Education, encouraging readers to know their options when choosing education for their children. The issue features contributions by:

Jennifer Santora on Homeschooling

Deborah White on Christian Education

Carol McLeod on Homeschooling

Ryan Kozey on reaching every man, woman, and child with the Gospel

Tunya Griffin on TC Coplin

Robert Stearns on Unity

Annie McCune on National Day of Prayer Buffalo Region

Joni Eareckson Tada on National Day of Prayer National purposes.

Kyle Patterson on CMS @ The Chapel 

The issue also features an interview with Dr. Mark Virkler of Communion with God Ministries. 

You can view it online  or at nearly 300 locations across Western New York.

Kari Jobe Concert May 14

Kari Jobe is coming to town for CMS @ The Chapel May 13-14. She is performing live in concert May 14 along with Gungor and Benji and Jenna Cowart. Jobe is known for worship that inspires people around the world to respond to the love of God with abandoned worship. For Kari, the work of ministry always comes back to people. “I am moved by people’s lives and stories, and I am amazed by who God is and who He says that we are. Music becomes a way to minister to people in times of trouble, to lead them to the feet of Jesus who can bring peace, life, hope and healing.”

London Fletcher accepted the Call to Courage Award today

10th anniversary Call to Courage Breakfast

"Buffalo is like a family." Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey, 10 Annual Call to Courage Awards Breakfast

The Story Behind the 21 Days of Worship:

By Kathy Cole

The seed (for Worship @ Buffalo taking place April 1-21 2011) started back in November of 2009, the first weekend of the month. Two events very significant to WNY took place; The Eagles' Wings River Conference at Lovejoy and the beginning of the Extreme Home Makeover on the West Side. At that Eagles' Wings conference one of the speakers, Barbara Yoder, prophesied to the WNY region, declaring its time to  WORSHIP, WORSHIP, WORSHIP, To  WORSHIP, WORSHIP, WORSHIP! That weekend my husband and I were in Pittsburgh, PA to meet up with our son's Army reserves family readiness group to make up Christmas stocking to ship to his unit serving in Iraq so I only heard Barbara's message to WNY on a CD from the conference.That Saturday morning, I so wanted to be there for the opening of the 1st day of the Extreme Home Makeover show, instead I had a very vivid dream just before waking up in our Pittsburgh hotel room.I saw a brilliant huge orange-pink sunrise at the foot of West Ferry Street at the Niagara River. I clearly knew it was a sunrise and not a sunset. After waking and thinking about what I saw, I realized what I saw was impossible in the natural, The sun cannot rise at the foot of West Ferry St.At the moment in my Spirit I heard God say, " A day is coming when the sun, my Son will rise over the west side and my Glory will be shown."

These are things I tucked away for another time. Still looking for and expecting a Corporate Worship gathering on a larger scale to come about. That to my knowledge hasn't happened as yet. Last year a friend of mine approached me about God speaking to Him regarding 40 days of worship for WNY.I thought that was a great idea.  For various reasons, that did not take off and perhaps the timing was not for then. At the end of January 2011, I felt like God was speaking to me about 21 days of Worship. I wasn't sure when that would be. I started going to the various months in the 2011 calendar seeing if anything seemed significant.  When I got to April and I saw that April 21st ends the day before Good Friday, that was the confirmation in my spirit that April was the month.  

I firmly believe, Barbara's Yoder's Word to WNY was for us to heed and to do it. I have some experience at coordinating things, so I put a list together of the Churches I knew, ones part of the CovNet family of churches, and thought this is do-able. My friend, Mark who had the idea of the 40 days of worship was a great help at getting together the website, worshipatbuffalo.tumbler.com and very instrumental at making contacts and connections. We started last February and early March put the first ad in UNITE. It has been challenging at times, to have churches commit to a date. We felt that Sunday's should be reserved to folks to worship in their own home churches, so that required only 18 dates that needed to be filled.  God has blessed our efforts, we have two locations and times set up for Saturday's the 9th and 16th. And as things would go, after our calendar was full, I heard from a couple other pastors who wished they heard about it sooner and wanted their churches to be apart of it.

So, that tells me this may become more than a yearly event. God is so up to something for our region. We need to be prepared to come together more than yearly. We need to listen and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. Our objective is for a church to host, 2 hours of worship, with their worship team, no agenda, just worship Him who is Worthy to be worshipped! 

What would I like to see have accomplished in the 21 days? For God to have His way over our area, Our coming together to Worship Him, folks from various churches, denominations and locations, to me this lends itself for a platform in which God can build a Spirit of Unity in our region like we've yet to experience.  I see a place where pastors, can stand shoulder to shoulder, worshipping God, with no strings attached, no need to speak or pray, just experience an intimate time worshipping on a corporate level. My desire and expectation is that folks will experience a new freedom in worship that they have not known before.  I want the heavens to be so open over WNY, for strongholds over our area to be broken. That our region will be prepared to fulfill the destiny God has for her.

In summary, I believe we may not know what God has in store for WNY, but we know God has His eye on this region. I believe perhaps the next go around of churches coming together to simply Worship may be for 40 days and not 21.  We may not know the details now. We do know and sense, there is an excitement rising in the Church at WNY, regarding God's plans and purposes for her future.

Praise Pictures Announces New Film

Praise Pictures just announced their second feature film called CHASING GLORY in currently in the works. Their first film STANDING FIRM was recently released on DVD last summer with a great response including sales on Amazon.com and Christianmovies.com as well as over 180,000 fans on Facebook. Many favorable reviews and testimonies were reported including one from Jim David of the Cinema of Faith Ministry in California saying, "I've shown 29 Christian films over the last two years at my church & when movies like Standing Firm come out, it makes my job much easier. For starters, the story feels real and relatable. The character development was engaging from the first scene, to the point that you care about the people in this film. Two things stand out for me in this film: One is that there is a greater emphasis on what happens in the life of the new believer (instead of someone getting saved to Christ in the last 10 minutes). Secondly, that not everything is "easy" throughout the process. Getting up every day and denying oneself doesn't always lead to one happy moment after another (sorry Joel), and SF offers a genuine balance here. What I really want to say here, I will not or I will spoil the endingL. I also like the approach that the main character is not and unbeliever, but just angry at God, and we get to see how God reconciles that relationship. Taking into account the budget involved, it's truly amazing to see the finished product. You can also sense that the final product is clearly a testimony to the power of prayer. I highly recommend this film and even more so, bring this film to your "community" through a public showing at your church. Share the glory and widen the possibility of softening hearts for Christ! With tools like these, it is hard to go wrong!"

Kyle Prohaska, Producer of STANDING FIRM is currently working on his next film CHASING GLORY.

In response to encouragement like this and other fans asking what is next for the Lewiston, NY based producer Kyle Prohaska, after a season of prayer, Prohaska says CHASING GLORY is the result. Currently Prohaska is working on the script. He said in a statement on his website, "When creating a movie, the script is the most important piece of the puzzle. Without a strong screenplay the film will fail, so we ask you to begin praying for my wife Denise and I as we continue development. We've been working hard and most of the story has been figured out and determined. With what we have we could llkely write the first and last 25 pages of the script right away! But, as I'm sure you're aware, screenwriting is difficult and we want to make sure we see the big picture before sitting down to really get things moving. Prayer is key to a production like this. Christ must be at the center and the builder of the house, or it's all in vain. Pray for discernment on our part, that God would be Glorified in every decision we make, and that He alone would get the Glory for what this film becomes."

Call to Courage

The 10th Anniversary of the Call to Courage Awards Breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Buffalo, NY, from 9AM to 11AM. This high profile sports breakfast is sponsored by the Buffalo Pro Ministry of Athletes in Action. Every spring for the past nine years, former Buffalo Bills quarterback, Frank Reich, who engineered the "Greatest Comeback in NFL History", hosts this outstanding community sports breakfast event.

Reich will present the 2011 Call to Courage Award to Washington Redskins two-time All Pro Linebacker and former Buffalo Bill, London Fletcher. The John Carroll University product was a standout for the Bills from 2002 to 2006. An undrafted free agent out of college, the 13 -year NFL veteran also played four seasons with the St. Louis Rams and was part of the Rams Super Bowl Championship team along with former Call to Courage Award Winners, Kurt Warner and Don Davis.

The honorary chairs for this year's breakfast will be Buffalo Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey and his wife Laurie. "We are thrilled to have such an outstanding program in this our tenth year with such wonderful individuals like Coach Gailey and his wife Laurie and London Fletcher" stated Reich.

The Call to Courage Award Breakfast held in Buffalo, is Reich's way of thanking the Western New York community for the love and appreciation that was displayed to him and his family while he was a member of the Buffalo Bills during those great Super Bowl years. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Bills first Super Bowl appearance, another feature at this year's breakfast will be a round table discussion with several members who played in Super Bowl XXV.

Each year, Reich presents the Call to Courage Award to a current NFL player who has exemplified outstanding character, commitment and leadership on and off the field and in the community.
The Call to Courage Award Breakfast has featured some of the biggest names in sports over the past nine years. Stars like, Kurt Warner, Chad Pennington, Curtis Martin ,Don Davis, Bob Christian, Trent Dilfer, John Kasay, Jon Kitna and Heath Evans are previous award winners.

In addition to the NFL winner of the Call to Courage Award, the High School Call to Courage Award will also be given to an outstanding member of a Western New York high school football team. Bills great, Steve Tasker is this year's MC.

Fred and Kathy Raines are the Athletes in Action couple who have been in charge of the AIA Buffalo Pro Ministry for the past 28 years. Frank Reich is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Call to Courage Awards Breakfast is open to the public. Tickets are $40 each and a table of ten is $350. For ticket information call 716-559-1800 or find us on Facebook at aiabuffalo.