Equipping to the Ends of the Earth

Discerning the Call John Piper has said that there are three options for the Christian in response to Christ's gospel mandate: to go to the nations, to send those who go, or to disobey. It's been my joy, during this global pandemic, to help people discern their role in God's global mission. Having helped to facilitate the first MTW missions cohort in Birmingham this past Spring, we are on track to bring this ministry of discernment and equipping to Jackson in the Fall. Jackson Missions Cohort (J-MC -- "Jay-Mac") will engage as many as 15 participants, exposing them to a variety of missionaries and pastors talking about God's calling upon us, the opportunities to reach the nations both abroad and right here in Jackson, how to appropriately share the gospel across cultures, and what life is like for missionaries overseas. In addition to guest speakers and missionary panels, we anticipate visiting a local Hindu temple, and worshipping with an international church here in Jackson. Each participant will also be matched up with an experienced missionary mentor who will pray for them, listen to them, and speak into their lives as they seek how God is calling them to participate in his global mission. We are currently accepting applications to participate in J-MC; please pray that God will lead the right people to apply. Pray that they will discern their missional calling -- whether to go overseas, or to hold the rope for those who go, and how to be involved in the gospel mandate right here in Jackson. If you would like to apply for J-MC, or learn more about it, follow this link: www.MTW.org/j-mc. Status of Ministry in Australia The Delta variant has hit eastern Australia hard -- by Australian standards. The country has enacted some of the strictest Covid restrictions in the world, and has comparatively very few cases. Yet they have had hundreds of new cases a day over the last few months. While the country had finally relaxed the restrictions a few months ago, they have returned to lockdown with the onset of the Delta variant. What does this mean for my plans to serve in Sydney? The only thing that is certain is that it won't be soon. The government is planning to keep their borders closed until 70-80% of their population is vaccinated; currently just 21% have been vaccinated. The government hopes to reach 80% by the end of this year. Speculation is that once the borders do open, it will be a gradual process, first allowing more of their own citizens to return before issuing visas to foreigners. My sense of calling to Australia has not wavered. God has provided meaningful and relevant work for me in the interim including work with the Birmingham and Jackson Missions Cohort ministries. While not what I intended to do this past year, these experiences have helped prepare me for the equipping ministry to which I feel called in Sydney. God's timing is always perfect. As long as he provides meaningful work for me which leads toward the ministry in Sydney, I will be patient and follow his leading. Please pray that I will be sensitive to God's leading, and obedient to his call. Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Calendar   Jackson Missions Cohort Application Deadline     August 31 Saturday Retreat     September 11 Regular weekly meetings     Monday nights     Sept. 13 - Nov. 15   Open House Celebration     Saturday, Sept. 4; 4-7 pm   November 16: Birmingham Missions Cohort I've been invited to speak to the B-MC group on "Vocation & Calling." Prayer Points   Pray for J-MC: Final planning work People led to apply Participants will be sensitive and obedient to God's calling Pray for Australian borders to be opened sooner than later, and that my visa application will be quickly approved. House Update   My basement apartment remodel is finished! The apartment is mostly furnished and equipped. Once smoke alarms and window blinds arrive and are installed, I'll be able to list the apartment on the AirBNB website and start to benefit from this investment. I will be hosting an open house celebration on Saturday, September 2 from 4 to 7 pm. Anyone in the area is welcome to stop by to help celebrate God's provision of this home. This is NOT a housewarming, so gifts are not appropriate. Rather, just come, see the apartment, and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and fellowship. If you would like to stop by, please email me for my address.   THANK YOU for your prayers and faithful partnership in the gospel!