Unite is division of Prayer Collective, Inc, a non-profit ministry of Prayer and Missions. To make a donation visit www.prayercollective.com
One Region, One Church, One Mission
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Giving Tuesday is December 3
Unite is division of Prayer Collective, Inc, a non-profit ministry of Prayer and Missions. To make a donation visit www.prayercollective.com
800 Show Support for Israel at The Tabernacle
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| photo provided by Eagles' Wings |
By Joel James
“The support for Israel is just overwhelming!” said Jewish community member Linda Steinhorn, as approximately 800 people, Jews and Christians, gathered at the Tabernacle in Orchard Park, New York, for “Buffalo Celebrates Israel!” coordinated by Eagles’ Wings. Christians from more than 25 church congregations attended this fourth annual gathering in Buffalo, which raised over $11,000 to feed those living in poverty in Israel.
“The support for Israel is just overwhelming!” said Jewish community member Linda Steinhorn, as approximately 800 people, Jews and Christians, gathered at the Tabernacle in Orchard Park, New York, for “Buffalo Celebrates Israel!” coordinated by Eagles’ Wings. Christians from more than 25 church congregations attended this fourth annual gathering in Buffalo, which raised over $11,000 to feed those living in poverty in Israel.
The event is becoming an historic partnership between Jews
and Christians in support of Israel. “Today we must recognize that there is
more that unites our two communities than that which divides us," passionately
declared Eagles’ Wings Executive Director and Bishop of the Tabernacle, Dr.
Robert Stearns.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, for what you do for
Israel, and what you are doing for Jews around the world,” said Mr. Michael
Wise, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo.
The event featured Congressman Chris Collins, (R-NY-27),
along with pastors of leading congregations and leaders of the Buffalo Jewish
community. Representing Israel was Consul for Public Diplomacy, Mr. Gil Lainer,
and a Druze Community leader from Isifiya on Mount Carmel, Mrs. Magda Mansour. “As
a minority [Druze] living in Israel, I have received respect, honor and dignity
from the State of Israel,” said Mrs. Mansour, pointing out the rights and
freedoms she enjoys as an ethnic, cultural and religious minority in Israel.
On many people’s minds was the international agreement
reached earlier in the day regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Dr. Robert
Stearns said, “It cannot be a (spiritual) coincidence that this agreement with
Iran was signed on this very day as we gather here to voice our support for
Israel. “
“Israel wants a
diplomatic solution….but it must include the dismantling of Iran’s centrifuges
and goals to obtain enriched uranium,” said Consul Gil Lainer. Congressman
Collins emphasized the unity within both houses of Congress and both major
parties to increase sanctions on Iran, “Now is the time to double down on
sanctions to put an end to their [Iran] nuclear power once and forever.”
Referencing the upcoming celebration of Hanukah, Rabbi Perry
Netter of Temple Beth Tzedek said “throughout history, when it would seem that
the light of the Jewish people should have gone out, time and again the oil has
been refilled and the light is still burning.
After the holocaust, when a third of our people were murdered and
burned, Israel has refilled the oil and now brings its light to the world.”
Stearns added, “May we (Jews and Christians) keep oil in our lamps to burn
brightly in a dark world.”
Buffalo Celebrates Israel! is a Christian expression of love
and support for Israel and the Jewish people and is one of many similar
Celebrate Israel! events coordinated by Eagles’ Wings in cities across the U.S.
Eagles’ Wings efforts also include the global “Day of Prayer for the Peace of
Jerusalem”; The Israel Experience College Scholarship; and the Watchmen on the
Wall training and pilgrimage programs.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
8 Questions with Robert Stearns
Congratulations on your new role as Bishop of The Tabernacle. As if you didn't have enough to do already right as Executive Director of Eagles' Wings? (kiddingly)
Hey thanks! I do have twin six year old boys (in addition to my ten year old), so I am accustomed to loving and caring for different people equally and individually, simultaneously!
Did you ever expect to be leading a local congregation when God has given you a worldwide ministry?
To be honest, the Tabernacle is not a typical local congregation. Under Bishop Tommy Reid’s amazing 52 years of leadership, we have planted well over a dozen churches and social service ministries throughout WNY. We have established a missions base and orphanage in Honduras, where I have ministered about 8 times. We have a missions base we have planted in the Phillipines, which now oversees Filipino churches literally around the world. Benny Hinn began his ministry at The Tabernacle, as did Marilyn Hickey. Pastor Aimee Reid-Sych has a major global television program, and leads worship and preaches at churches and conferences everywhere. So, the DNA of The Tabernacle is to have a vital connection to the bigger picture of what God is doing regionally and globally. That’s why this really is a God thing and a great fit.
What are you believing God to do in this next season and this new position?
I absolutely believe this is the hardest season the Christian church in America has ever been in, as well as the most opportunity filled moment we have ever had. If the Church is to truly survive in this nation, we need to begin asking some deep questions about what it means to be a believer, how we relate to one another, how we relate to people different than us, and how we serve others with respect and dignity. I don’t believe that superficial affiliations and services will keep people “in church” anymore. We have to go deep about what it means to have a commitment to Christ and to one another.
Is Eagles' Wings a part of the Tabernacle now or vise versa, or will you manage the two separately?
Well, Eagles Wings started at the Tabernacle, with our first East Coast Conference there in 1994. That really is what gave Eagles Wings our national launch. And, over the years, we have cooperated on many things such as the missions to Honduras, regional conferences, CovNet (our Leadership Network), just to name a few. So, I believe this will continue and probably increase to some degree. But one piece of advice I received when I became the father of twins was to always make sure Daniel and Michael were both affirmed in their individual identities, and not lumped together as “the twins.” So – I think that is great advice and will carry through on several levels!
So you have brought on Pastor Jim Ruddy to manage the day to day pastoring of the Tabernacle, which is a unique approach I haven't seen in a lot of churches. Can you comment on this?
Honestly, I would love to take credit for this brilliant move, but it really was just a God thing. It was so hard for several months because I knew the Lord was leading me into this position at The Tab, but also knew that something – someone – was missing. There needed to be that pastor and administrator for the day to day realities that a church of this size faces. In reality, those things are not my gifting. I am a big picture, vision, values, structure guy. I am not great with day by day items. I try – but it is not my area of strength, which is why I thank God for Steve and Veronica Jenks, Wendy Miller and the rest of the incredible administrative team God has given me at Eagles Wings. I would be totally lost without them. So – the Lord just “appeared” this incredible ministry couple, Jim and Mari-Lee Ruddy, onto the scene, and I was like “Hey! Are you the guy who is supposed to do this?” and he said “I think so!” It really was that quick – the whole thing was clear in about 3 conversations. Which I love – when God just arranges things, rather than reviewing 30 resumes and appointing a search committee! God is the best head hunter there is! The Ruddy’s are going to be an amazing blessing to all God is doing in WNY, and again, we are blessed to have them here!
Can you tell me about your relationship with Pastor Tommy Reid, what you learned from him and how you plan to carry on his legacy?
The absolute truth is that I don’t think Pastor Reid understands how much I watched him and modeled him, especially in the first ten years of my ministry. He mentored and discipled me just by his actions and presence. I would study every word, every action, every nuance of his, because there is such grace, such depth, and such authority that he walks in. I really don’t think WNY understands the gift that he is to this region. I am hoping in this new season of his ministry that many of the churches in this area can have the privilege of having him on a Sunday. When you are with Pastor Reid, he makes you feel as though you are absolutely the most special and important person in his world at that moment. And it is not an act. He genuinely values people and the story of grace their lives are telling. I need more of that in my life, and I am trying to still learn from him.
What do you sense God is saying to the church in Buffalo during this season?
Well, you’d have to be living under a rock to not sense that unity is what God is bringing us to! The Good Friday service was epic. The quality of leadership that is across the city – Roderick Hennings, Jerry Gillis, Darius Pridgen, Pat Jones, Marty MacDonald, Daniel Nieves, Al Warner – these are amazing leaders. I have always said that Buffalo is a very “winnable” city. It is compact and accessible enough that if we genuinely partner together, we can make a difference in a profound and lasting way in this city.
Can you talk about your work in Israel, what is happening, what do Christians need to be aware of during this hour?
The current instability in Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and the whole region is inconceivable. It is a boiling volcano and it makes me crazy that those of us in the West seem to not understand the ripple effect that this region has already and that it will have increasingly. Every single Christian needs to become educated and involved in this region in some way. Right now, we are focusing at Eagles Wings on praying and supporting our Christian Arab brothers and sisters who are going through serious persecution and martyrdom in that region. We have to wake up and rally around this issue. It is not going away, and it is going to impact us locally in a profound way.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Buffalo City Mission Cuts Ribbon For the KeyBank Skills4 Life Center
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| Stuart Harper, right, Executive Director of Buffalo City Mission and Marie Hare, left, VP of Philanthropy KeyBank |
Recently a New York City study found that half of all homeless parents have not earned their high school diploma; limiting them at best to low-wage, dead-end jobs.
With the most current economic downturn, those without a GED lost their jobs at double the rate of people with the degree, and more than ten times the rate of college graduates. With the unemployment rate continuing to rise, an education is crucial in obtaining and maintaining jobs.
The City Mission understands the need for education well. The Mission’s dream is to provide an opportunity for all clients to live in safe affordable permanent housing working towards a living wage job while walking in God’s light. The goal is that everyone who leaves the Mission is enrolled or has enough training to get a good job they can build a life on.
The Mission’s dream is predicated on the fact that certain pieces must be in place before individuals and families can overcome their homeless condition. This is where partners like KeyBank and ECC are critical.
“We thank KeyBank for their vision,” stated Stuart Harper, Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission. “Their generous gift will give mission residents the skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty.”
In related research, the State Department of Education identified that the GED programs that succeed are those that focus on the GED as a stepping-stone to gain acceptance into college. This lends much credence to the Mission’s present approach.
Last December, the Mission coordinated an innovative program to provide GED training and pre-collegiate studies to residents of the men’s community center and its women and children’s shelter, Cornerstone Manor. The “College For The Homeless” was launched in partnership with ECC, enlisting instructors to work with Mission residents with the goal of enrolling residents at ECC for a one-year certificate program or two-year degree that could ultimately lead to employment. Residents begin by taking GED classes, and then move into pre-collegiate studies. KeyBank has signed on as a major collaborator to this project.
This week, KeyBank announced that their funding would be directly channeled to this educational initiative, redesigning a classroom space with new computers and workstations at the men’s center. The KeyBankSkills4 Life Center will be open to all residents of both the men’s and women’s centers.
It is a great privilege for KeyBank to partner with the Buffalo City Mission in such a significant way”, said Marie E. Hare, Vice President of Philanthropy & Civic Affairs for KeyBank. “The KeyBank Skills4Life Center will be the ideal place for individuals whom the mission serves that is seeking further educational opportunities, GED, pre-collegiate studies, career readiness, workforce development and other skills necessary to obtain meaningful employment.”
About KeyBank Foundation
KeyBank Foundation, through its philanthropic investments, corporate contributions, and volunteerism supports organizations that foster economic self-sufficiency, principally where KeyBank operates.
As a corporate neighbor, KeyBank advances economic self-sufficiency through their funding priorities, which help communities and individuals prosper: Financial Education – Fostering effective financial management and understanding of financial services and tools; Workforce Development – Providing training and placement for people to access job opportunities and Diversity – Promoting inclusive environments by employing systemic changes to improve the access of individuals of diverse backgrounds
About The Buffalo City Mission
The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a not-for-profit organization that provides preventative, emergency and long-term recovery services to thousands of people who are homeless or impoverished. The Mission includes: Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men’s Community Center; the Mission’s Vehicle Donation Program; and their Dick Road Thrift Store Location to better serve our community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call 854-8181.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Gifts of the Magi
Drawn from two short stories by O’Henry, Gifts of the Magi is a charming musical about the prevailing power of selfless love, the kind of show warmed by sentiment and humor - perfect for the holiday season. The plot opens on Christmas in the city, but for Jim and Della, two newlyweds in love, the prospects are bleak, as both are out of work and penniless. To afford nice presents for each other, both secretly part with their most precious belongings to buy the perfect gift.
Della loves her hair as a prized possession. However, she desperately wants to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, Jim, but with only $1.87 to her name. To solve her problem, Della cuts her hair and sells her precious locks to buy a watch chain for Jim, a gift he would truly cherish for his heirloom pocket watch.
Jim is also in a bind while shopping for his wife’s Christmas gift. They're poor, so he can't afford to get Della what she deserves. After walking through the marketplace, he sells his pocket watch to buy her a beautiful comb. On Christmas morning, they are both shocked to learn of the ironic outcome.
In addition to Jim and Della’s story, there are glimpses of various city folk going about their holiday business, and the hilarious plight of a cheerful bum named Soapy, who wants only to get arrested so he can spend the night in a cozy cell. The tuneful songs are neatly tied together by a newsboy-narrator, Willy, who adds his own melodious contribution and informative observations to the delightful proceedings!
Tickets are $32.50 in advance and include a full course dinner and live theater show. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. nightly, with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. To order tickets, call 800-927-9083 or visit www.fln.org/tickets. Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church is located at 8445 Greiner Road in Williamsville.
Darren Litz has been Director of Performing Arts at Family Life since 2002. A music educator for 16 years, Litz previously was the director of the Vocal and Music Theater Studies program at Bradford High School in Pennsylvania. Litz has produced, directed, and choreographed numerous productions for public schools and community organizations in the Bradford area. He also has served as guest conductor and clinician for music festivals across New York and Pennsylvania.
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About Family Life Ministries, Inc.
Family Life Ministries is devoted to strengthening individuals and families through Christian radio broadcasting, concerts, educational and social programs, counseling, and the performing arts. Headquartered in Bath, N.Y., Family Life was founded in 1957, and provides various activities and programs for youth, singles, adults, and seniors.
Family Life owns a Christian radio network of 22 stations and 50 translators broadcasting in regions of New York and Pennsylvania. Established in 1983, the radio network is a listener-supported broadcaster currently reaching a potential listenership of 3.8 million.
For more information on Family Life, visit www.fln.org.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Quote of the Day
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-- especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10
Monday, October 21, 2013
PARTNER
[pahrt-ner] noun
Will you consider partnering with Unite as a church, individual or business to spread the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ, strengthen the very Body of Christ and see Western New York touched by the Spirit of the Lord? We need your help to reach our city and nation for Jesus Christ. Please consider becoming a partner today. Every dollar counts and propels our mission forward of encouraging, strengthening and facilitating prayer and missions in and around Western New York.
Unite is a division of Prayer Collective, Inc. a non-profit ministry of worship, prayer and outreach. Make a donation today at www.prayercollective.com
Editor's Note: September 2013
Reaching Western New York for Christ will take all of us—every church, every denomination, every believer. I love what Revelation 7:9 says,
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
The beauty of heaven can be seen when believers work together to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. When we share the love of Jesus with our own families, neighbors, co-workers and communities right where God has planted us, we are sowing seeds of the kingdom that our Lord will water, make grow and turn into something beautiful. That’s what Paul taught us in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7,
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
Every one of us doing our part to spread the love and gospel of Jesus Christ, makes a community ready to flourish with the kingdom of God. Thanks for doing your part.
Kyle R. Patterson
10 Reasons to Eat Right and Exercise
BY Robbie raugh, rn
1) Taking care of ourselves honors God. Your body is his temple and our “earth suit”. We have a responsibility to take care of it. It is also difficult to be a light to others when you are sick and tired. You want to be able to not just make it through the day but to make a difference in the life of those around you! It’s also dishonorable to be consumed by anything other than God.
2) It leaves a legacy of health for your children and grandchildren. Your health and lifestyle habits will affect your child’s health directly and indirectly. Good health means free of disease. And we can prevent most major diseases by taking care of ourselves.
3) You have fun and do something healthy and social with friends. Everyone wants to know about healthy eating and exercise! And you tend to pick up the same habits of the people you hang out with. So to surround yourself with people who care to live and be healthy – start exercising - and you can have fun together!
4) To have a positive self-image and confidence. When you feel good you look good and visa versa! It’s a fact that people who work out and eat right have a higher level of self-confidence, they are more comfortable with their bodies, they feel great, they look great, they reach their goals, they get things done.
5) To increase your energy (energy produces energy)! You need energy to go out and help others! And if you are too tired to work out, it’s usually because you are eating poorly or you have not exercised!
6) To feel great, look great. Who doesn’t want that? It’s an added bonus to taking care of your health!
7) To cut the cravings! You eat what you crave and you crave what you eat, it’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science but there is a science to it!
8) To be a good role model for your kids (kids do what you do, not what you say). If you are eating donuts, they will eat donuts. If you are cutting up vegetables for your lunch, they will want them in their lunch. It’s that simple. And by the way, children want to be proud of their parents and the habits their parents have.
9) To reduce stress. We all have stress – but we need to learn how to manage it through prayer, exercise, mind body activities etc.. Prolonged stress leads to diseases as it decreases your immune system. It’s not if the storms will come but rather when the storms will come. Be prepared and bath yourself in God’s word so you have an armor of protection and are grounded.
10) To prevent disease. You will spend the time and the money either way. You will either spend the time and the money preventing disease by eating better and exercising or you will spend the time and the money treating disease.
There are way more reasons than these to exercise and eat right – but hopefully these will motivate you to get started eating right and excercising!
Don’t forget to check out my summer detox and fall 12 week Healthy Eating Program. Info on my web site at www.robbieraugh.com
Robbie Raugh, RN is a Board Certified Holistic Health and Nutrition Practioner. Don't forget to tune in to the RAW TRUTH Health and Fitness Every Saturday at 11am on 99.5FM WDCX. Also sign up for her free newsletter at www.robbieraugh.com and check out my new Exercise DVD’s!
In All Thy Getting, Get Wisdom
By Ed Turose
If we needed anything in this season, it is wisdom! In fact the Apostle Paul’s prayer for us in Ephesians 1 is for God to grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation so the eyes of our heart will be opened for us to understand the hope of why He has called you to be a son in His Kingdom cause.
Ephesians 1:17-19 says, “[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him, By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones), And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength.” (AMP)
In these days of recession and uncertainty, we can release our faith for Isaiah 33:6 that declares, “And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” (KJV)
In fact wisdom can build your life, your home, your family and your business! Proverbs 24:3-5 says, “Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (AMP) A wise man is strong and is better than a strong man, and a man of knowledge increases and strengthens his power.
Just recently, I was going to my largest customer and as I was praying I heard the Lord tell me that they are looking for solutions. I sell juice products and their category was declining and they did not have any solutions. I asked the Lord how I needed to lay out the presentation to them and what I heard was Godly wisdom. I put on the left side of the presentation the issues they were dealing with and on the right side I put in my solutions or recommendations.
I met with two other individuals that I manage with this customer and shared with them the way we needed to set this presentation up and that we needed to address their issues with solutions that would help stimulate and grow their juice category. The solutions we came up with were a win/win for both companies. But they had to give us concessions on the cost to run our products within their weekly ad and take those funds and put them into a lower everyday retail cost on two of our orange juice brands.
In essence, we would reduce the everyday retail cost to you the consumer and sell more orange juice. They reduced their charge to me in running an ad in the weekly flyer by 58% and we took those hundreds of thousands of dollars and reduced the retail of the orange juice brands and it has helped grow their category.Rarely in my business will a customer concede these types of dollars since these dollars we spend on getting our products featured in their weekly circular are a profit center for them as they run weekly ads and charge us for each ad. In fact, these solutions were so dramatic that the results were touted within my company all the way up to the Vice President of my division! I got the solutions from Godly wisdom and then received favor from upper management in my company.
So how do we get this wisdom? We spend time in God’s presence. Proverbs 4:5-13 says, “Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth. Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)!”
James 1:5-6 tells us, “If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). (AMP)”
Every day when I get up I cry out for wisdom and confess the seven fold Spirit of Christ on me from Isaiah 11.2-3: “And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD. (KJV)
I challenge you to start crying out for wisdom on a daily basis. I need wisdom for innovations, new concepts, how to execute my plans and to find the right solutions to have influence in my world. If you don’t ask, you will not receive. Begin today to ask God for His wisdom and you will see greater results in your life! Check out more information at www.focuscoach4u.com.
5 Questions with Miguel Smith
Miguel Smith
West Side Community
Leader
Founder of In God’s Hands Ministries
What is God doing on the West Side?
God bless you. I will say that the problems the West Side has is with the young people. I think we need to focus more on unity between all the churches to reach the young souls, especially those on the streets. I am doing my part to advance the kingdom of God here on the West Side doing different activites for the youth. I run a basketball league where I have a guest speaker everytime we meet for basketball and I invite different guys from churches to come and play. One of the rules I have for everyone from our church is you have to bring a guy who doesn’t know the Lord. It’s working. I am grateful to God for how he is working and so far we have five souls who have accepted Christ as Saviour. One of the problems on the West Side community is the young people and we need to target them and take them off the streets and show them there is hope in the Lord. I am working with churches to join together to help the community.
Is progress being made on the West Side?
Yes, I see progress in different areas. I have been seeing many churches getting together for tent revivals and a lot of outreach events. I have seen a lot of people from the West Side who do not know the Lord accept the Lord in their lives. I am a witness to that. I have seen churches and pastors starting to get together. I am happy for what I am seeing this past summer and bringing families to know the Lord. We need to continue focusing on the area.
Tell me about how churches are working to reach the community?
They are targeting the community and using different tools to bring the children to the Lord. Once you reach the children, they go back and get their parents to come. So churches have been growing. I also continue to do my part in reaching out through music. I run a music program for the kids and churches are working together to do outreaches.
I had a good foundation at a United Methodist Church in ministry and organizing people. Pastor Gonzalez on Niagara Street has a heart to reach out to the community and she taught me to do the same. I have had a heart to reach out to the young people through basketball and I have been doing it for almost 15 years now. God continues to open doors. My wife and I work together as one and we work together with different ministries in the city and my wife and I go to serve. God is using us as a bridge in the community. Some of the churches on the West Side don’t have the advantages of the larger churches but I just go and ask and I said, ‘Wow God, your awesome because I just ask and I receive.’ I have been seeing the hand of the Lord on my family, my son is a musician and God has been opening great doors.
How are you connecting with the community through music?
God uses us as his instrument to bring people to him. Especially for young people it helps them feel connected with the church and gets them involved. Music is something that gets their attention, especially the young people. When they say, I have never played an instrument in my life, I say, ‘In Jesus name your going to learn to play,’ and they do. They are learning and they are playing and they are serving the Lord. We do it every Wednesday and don’t charge a penny.
I am blessed to bless others. I leave everything in the hands of the Lord, that is the name of our ministry, In God’s Hands.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Robert Stearns Quote
Friday, September 20, 2013
Our next issue
Our new issue features Q & A with Robert Stearns, plus columns by Rev. Shawn Dewey, Robbie Raugh and Ed Turose. Look for it starting next week at a church near you.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
By Lou Perez
It takes more energy to hold on than to let go.
In the science fiction movie Contact Jodi Foster plays, Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway, a SETI scientist who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and is chosen by earth to make first contact. In a climactic scene Dr. Arroway is placed in a pod designed by the aliens but built by humans and then dropped through a wormhole where she would hurl through unknown space . Interestingly the Aliens did not design a chair for the pod so to be safe Earth's engineers installed one. During one of the most intense moments of her drop, the pod begins quaking uncontrollably with Dr. Arroway strapped in and holding on for her life. She looks in front of her and sees her medallion that had floated off her neck hovering effortlessly in front of her . The suspended medallion was the only thing not tied down on the small craft, and the man-made seat was the only thing shaking. she made the connection and un-buckled herself from her chair becoming as light as a feather. The intense agitation stopped turning a frenzied scene into tranquility. She then witnessed as the chair detached itself violently and like a screw being pulled by a powerful magnet shot to the top of the pod.
Had she instinctively played it safe, and held on to the chair she would have perished with her instincts and missed all the mysteries awaiting her. Counter intuitive to her senses she found that letting go of what she knew was the only way she would survive. As long as Dr. Arroway held on to what she knew, her life trembled out of control.
Millstones or Milestones
According to the online dictionary a milestone is a “stone marker set up on a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point.” Symbolically Milestones mark specific points of the journey.
On the other hand there is a Millstone which are “a pair of round stones used in a mill for grinding grain.”. In life journey a millstone is a heavy weight or burden.
Peter made allusion to this when he said “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?”. Acts 15:10 NIV 2011
He was referring to the teachers of the law who took the milestone of the (ten commandments) and turned them into millstones by adding hundreds of additional laws to them.
In life the very things that once served as our anchors of trust can become the shackles that keep us from our next milestone. The very landmarks of our past season become burdens that keep us going in circles grinding the same grain day after day. Milestones are markers indicating a straight path forward, while millstones (used to grind grains) never go anywhere, but round and round.
Could it be that the thing you once trusted in - the wharf you once tethered all our hopes and dreams on has padlocked your life into a cyclic loop going nowhere? Instead of discovering new markers of wonder on the journey your life has simply stopped. This instinctive “clutching” for our familiar milestones keeps us from discovering the marvelous mysteries God has for us.
We hold the past milestones in a death grip denying God the right to “blow our minds” by not allowing Him to do something we’ve never seen or heard before. Yet God loves doing things our minds have never conceived.
Isa 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. NIV 2011
Playing it safe can be fatal.
It is said that the pioneers settled the West. They were the risk takers who braved perilous lands and weather to colonize a new world. Many became “settler’s while some continued westward. The settlers dug in and shot down roots while the pioneers with a voracious appetite for discovery moved on.
There is a clear difference between a pioneer and a settler.
Pioneers are explorers, who seek to go where no one has gone before. They welcome danger, adventure, and discovery. Like David Livingstone they want to brave the harsh places or die trying. Settlers are far different. The Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines a Settler as simply “one that settles”. © 2013 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
Settlers prefer safety over adventure, the mundane over mystery, and comfort over insecurity. They are like Tolkien’s Hobbits who favor their warm and cozy underground dwellings to seeing the world.
Safety first?
“Safety first” has become a cornerstone of American industry. In 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.”
With safety as its motto, OSHA continued to create training programs, and grants designed to reduce work place hazards. In short, Osha created a culture of safety. http://www.osha.gov/about.html
When we become “settlers” we form an unspoken rule to place safety at the top of importance and risk at the bottom. We tend to insulate, isolate and, insure ourselves against potential harm of any kind. We stop taking risks, stop gazing off at the horizon in an effort to conserve what we have.
By all accounts it would appear that the settlers are the ones guaranteed safety while the pioneers are promised a tragic finale. In the culture of God the opposite tends to be true.
When God calls you to move into the “West” of your life being a settler can be the most dangerous thing you can do because every new thing God has for you requires the spirit of a pioneer, not that of a settler. It takes the courage of a pioneer to let God reinvent you, and change paradigms and procedures that have become millstones to you.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale
What happens when the pastor of a mega church loses his faith? Pastor Chase Falson has lost his faith in God, the Bible, evangelical Christianity, and his super-sized megachurch. When he falls apart, the church elders tell him to go away: as far away as possible. Join Chase on his life-changing journey to Italy where, with a curious group of Franciscan friars, he struggles to resolve his crisis of faith by retracing the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, a saint whose simple way of loving Jesus changed the history of the world. Read this riveting story and then begin your own life-changing journey through the pilgrim's guide included in this powerful novel. Hidden in the past lies the future of the church When his elders tell him to take some time away from his church, broken pastor Chase Falson crosses the Atlantic to Italy to visit his uncle, a Franciscan priest. There he is introduced to the revolutionary teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi and finds an old, but new way of following Jesus that heals and inspires. Chase Falson's spiritual discontent mirrors the feelings of a growing number of Christians who walk out of church asking, Is this all there is? They are weary of celebrity pastors, empty calorie teaching, and worship services where the emphasis is more on Lights, Camera, Action than on Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while the deepest questions of life remain unaddressed in a meaningful way. Bestselling author Ian Morgan Cron masterfully weaves lessons from the life of Saint Francis into the story of Chase Falson to explore the life of a saint who 800 years ago breathed new life into disillusioned Christians and a Church on the brink of collapse. Chasing Francis is a hopeful and moving story with profound implications for those who yearn for a more vital relationship with God and the world. journey of your own through the pilgrim's guide included in this book.
Can Buffalo Be Saved?
It is Time for the Church of WNY to Arise and Shine!
Photo by Julianna Patterson
Earlier this year, International Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke declared “All America Shall Be Saved.” What? Does Bonnke not know the condition of our country, the advance of evil, and the scepter of impending judgment? Or could it be that it is easier for me to recognize the work of the enemy than to celebrate the work of the Father?
Take Buffalo, NY -- our city. Can Buffalo be saved? First, a look back… For fifty years, Buffalo has been in a death dive. Our population has dropped from 580,000 to 260,000.
But God sometimes does His best work in the darkness. Chuck Pierce prophesied the following on May 16, 2009, “You will see Buffalo some way be saved in days ahead instead of being controlled, being an outpost center of hell. It will be one of the most glorious places where the Spirit of God moves, and it will be known all over our nation that Buffalo and the waters of Niagara Falls are a sign of the River of God that has come into Buffalo.”
November 2011, Julie Meyer from International House of Prayer was leading worship at an Eagles Wings’ Conference. She spontaneously sang: “Unity, unity, unity, unity (she repeated this about 20 times), the walls between the races is coming down. It won’t be black, it won’t be white, it will be two becoming one… I’m gonna start to move. I’m gonna start
Deb and I have been working to connect the regional church since 1997, facilitating dozens of gatherings in which we declared 'revival' and 'transformation' over the Buffalo/Niagara region. We have brought together regional pastors and intercessors to intercede, worship, pray Scripture, as well as to steward these prophetic words.
The genesis of Good Friday Together was four local church pastors who went to Israel together – Pastor Jerry Gillis (The Chapel), Pastor Roderick Hennings (Zion Dominion Global Ministries), Pastor Pat Jones (Eastern Hills Wesleyan), and Pastor Marty Macdonald (City Church). Since returning home, they have developed friendships, golfed together, and began exchanging pulpits each December. They wanted to do something much larger and decided that Good Friday was the time to do it. They approached us about helping to promote a region-wide Good Friday service.
Our prayers were answered and history was made at Good Friday Together when 11,000+ people gathered in the First Niagara Center to lift high one name – Jesus Christ! No famous speakers or singers flown in, just some of the best and brightest from our region. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, city, suburbs, male, female, young, old -- it looked like the Body of Christ. Each speaker and singer introduced his or her flavor to the melting pot, and the flavor was HEAVENLY!
For a three minute video recap:
Even though this was a unity event, the decision was made to have an altar call. Why? Because Jesus promises “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” (John 17:23b) More than 150 people came to faith in Christ!
In addition, a significant offering was taken to bless the city in the areas of sustainable housing, education, health care, and teen mentoring. The Church came together to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city…” (Jer. 29:7) The offering is our gift that will keep on giving.
What was the secular media’s reporting of our event? Overwhelmingly positive!
Christians gather en masse
First Niagara Center was transformed into a cathedral Friday...
We estimate that at least 200 churches participated. In previous years, each of the churches would have had its own Good Friday service. If they averaged 50 people, 10,000 people would have been in separate worship services. But television cameras came to witness this watershed moment because we gathered together. Once again, we proved we are Better TOGETHER.
Earlier we mentioned the number of people who received Christ that night. Even better, words of testimony continue to pour in as to the number of regional churches that have experienced an increase in people accepting Christ in their services. As one pastor wrote, “Crazy good- on Easter Sunday we had 53
people profess Christ for the first time.” That same Sunday, two more churches recorded 10 first time professions, while a church that was unable to participate in Good Friday Together had 8. The River of God has risen, and all ships are being lifted. We believe a shift happened in the heavenlies, a dark cloud was lifted, and Unity, Unity, Unity is preparing the way for evangelism.
So what’s next? Did we witness a tipping point for our city? It would seem so. The spirit of hope is taking root, and the service continues to generate quite a buzz. One Common Council Member told me that this event impacted him both personally and professionally. Visually witnessing the Arena filled with fellow believers filled him with new courage to lead boldly in his office.
Welcome to the resurrection of a city. Dust off those prophetic words. Let God renew your hope and vision. In this season of acceleration, what was impossible a short time ago may be possible now. It is time for the Church of WNY to arise and shine!
ALL AMERICA SHALL BE SAVED!
"So there was great joy in that city." Acts 8:8
Revs. Al & Deb Warner are the founders and directors of Set Free Inc. Set Free is a networking ministry connecting business, governmental and church leaders for a Nehemiah-like rebuilding and transformation of our city. Al and Deb have over 30 years experience pastoring local churches and working as missionaries in Hong Kong. In 1997, God laid a burden on their heart to bring the regional church of greater Buffalo, NY, together. As they obeyed, God birthed their ministry, Set Free Inc. The Warners have led multiple prayer and training events over the years, including National Day of Prayer.
To contact them, email: info@setfreeinc.org
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
'Aslan Is On The Move'
Over the past few years, it has been my personal observation that God has begun to do some unique, profound things in Western New York. I certainly loved Good Friday at First Niagara Center downtown! But I also believe that there is a groundswell of activity that is beginning to happen in the areas of greater body partnership and geographic intentionality. With regard to greater body partnership, I have seen how God has personally begun to work in the lives of men and women in leadership of the Church in the region of Western New York, bringing them together, finding common ground in ways that I don’t recall have ever happened around here. In regard to geographic intentionality, the way in which the Church has begun to think about taking ownership for the needs and issues that are prevalent all around us has been palatable. In sum, if anyone is a CS Lewis fan, I believe that Aslan is on the move.
While the manifestations of what is going on are prevalent in church plants, church partnerships, and church events (e.g., Good Friday), I personally sense that God is doing some profound things in the lives of normal people here in Western New York. In my job, I spend a good deal of time meeting with other church leaders throughout Western New York. As I continue to develop relationships with other leaders, I have begun to see stories in which normal people want to join God on mission, and it is in their ordinariness that profound things are happening. A common thread that I see in many of us- a commitment to pursue intimacy with God and a willingness to be in Christ-like in relationships (both to believers in Christ and those yet to be convinced of the Gospel). God is helping people like this find each other, and when we do, we have begun to see that kindred spirit and sense of purpose drive them to trust God for great things.
With regard to intimacy with God, there are times when some of us as believers perhaps can lose focus on the goal of pursuing God. Perhaps it is more knowledge. Perhaps it is a greater sense of favor. In our brokenness, there are times where we can miss the mark. For me personally, the last few years have yielded times with the Lord where I have gained a clearer sense of Missio Dei (God on mission) and have felt compelled to join in. Probably the greatest breakthrough that has happened for me has been in the area of taking ownership of a geography and starting to pray over it. The two places where I have spent time extensively in the past two years specifically have been in praying over my neighborhood (for individuals that reside all around me) and driving through the city of Buffalo. This time of prayer for me has been incredible. I have begun to realize that God will use normal people to do extraordinary things. In essence, two-three years ago, I feel as if I had put my “yes” on the table with God, telling Him that I wanted to be part of what He was doing and join Him where He would have me be. As a result of that, I have loved the role that He has given me. I feel like He has asked me to repeatedly be committed to my neighborhood and the city of Buffalo in prayer. The joy of being able to pray for the lostness of this geography is something that I am grateful God has given me a passion for.
I am not alone. As God has been doing this in my own life, cultivating intimacy with Him, I have picked up my head and He has brought other men and women into my life, and they have shared the same sense of burden and passion for the lostness of Western New York. This is where I have begun to see the love of normal people making a difference in the region. Granted, there is much more to be done. Partnerships must continue to be developed without pretense or poor motive. Other men, women, and children can play key roles in joining God on Mission. And when they do, they become part of a larger community of followers of Christ who have begun to live with Christ-like love for the relationships that God has given them in their domains of influence. And to me, this is the genius of God. Normal people realize that they have something to offer in bringing the kingdom of God to their community. When people live with such faith that God can and will come through, we can be part of saturating this geography- giving every man, woman, and child the repeated opportunity to hear, see and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It may be a group of widows gathering to pray faithfully. A cohort of soccer moms may begin to gather and pray for the children in their soccer league. Pastors of any size of church and context in Western New York may begin to look differently at what it means to be successful in the region. College students believe that they can change the world with the hope of the Gospel. I believe that we are beginning to see that very manifestation happen here in Western New York. There is more to be done, but I believe we are living in a fascinating time here in this region.
Ryan Kozey is Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Chapel at Crosspoint and a National Delivery Team Member of Christ Together.
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