The Cartersville Project - A Mission of Grace
Recently, Jody Stancil updated us on what is happening in Cartersville, Georgia and the Cartersville project. Please pray along with us for Jody and The Cartersville Project.
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:1-2)
Our Lord spoke these words as He sent His disciples into the world to spread the good news of the gospel. He assured them that there was plenty of work to do, but that there would also be problems they would encounter. Our first two months living in Cartersville has brought many blessings, but also many challenges. The Lord has blessed us with a faithful group of committed laborers that make up our “launch team,” and we have begun meeting weekly for fellowship and training in launching this new church. However, as we assess our gift mix in light of the needs of Cartersville and our new church, we find ourselves in a situation similar to the first disciples…there is much work to be done, but the laborers are few. Though this challenge is far greater than we are able to handle on our own, we take great comfort in the Lord’s strength and His promise to build His church, as well as in the gift of prayer He has given us, to ask Him for the laborers needed to join us in gathering His harvest. With that said, we ask that you would pray to the Lord on our behalf – to provide us with more laborers who are gifted in the areas of evangelism, gathering people, music, and more – so that we can see our vision “that the glory of God to become the glory of Cartersville and the nations” developed into reality.
Praises and Prayer Requests
- Praise the Lord for providing 90% of our funds pledged! Please continue to pray that the Lord will provide for our partners that they may fulfill their pledges, and that He will bless us with additional partners through whom, He will get us to 100% of our funds raised.
- Pray for our upcoming Launch Team and Fourth Sunday Fellowship meetings. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in choosing a name for the church, that He would continue adding more people to our group, and that He will show us what He wants this church to look like, that we may effectively minister to those around us. Pray for unity among our group, that we would love one another and the people of Cartersville well.
- Pray for the Lord to introduce us to many new people here, especially the lost. Pray that He would give us divine appointments that lead to relationships that lead to gospel conversations and conversions.
Ron on the Road: U.K. and India
It has been a busy yet rewarding week spent in the U.K. We arrived in London a little more than a week ago. During this week, I have had the opportunity to meet with over a dozen Church planting pastors. One of the highlights of my trip was attending the second ever service of Trinity Church Everton. This church is pastored by Peter Roberts, and is located in Liverpool, England. There were about 30 people meeting in a local community center. The church is a wonderful blend of cultures in a very deprived area of Liverpool. Peter and his wife Ruth moved into the area a little more than a year ago. They are expecting their first child in February. Please keep Peter and Ruth Roberts in your prayers as they minister to the folks in their neighborhood.
I am now on my way to India, where I will be visiting with John Khusal in Lucknow, and then onto Manipur State to spend some time with Khen Tombing. I will be teaching a Gospel Boot Camp to over 300 pastors in that area. Please pray that we make much of Jesus, and for protection for the pastors of this region of India.
Spotlight: Samuel Choi & Center Church
Samuel Choi shares his vision for Center Church in Irvine California
Spotlight: Bryan Loney & Christ The King Roslindale
See what Bryan Loney has to say about one of our church plants - Christ The King - Roslindale in the Boston area
Ron on the Road: The Summit Church
We arrived in Plano, Texas in time to have dinner with Joel and Michelle Miller. Joel serves as the senior pastor of The Summit Church in Allen, Texas. Joel planted this church just two years ago after planting a church in Mississippi. The Summit Church has had to move locations three times this year, and that has caused some struggles for the Church. Allen is located just north of Dallas, and the area has been greatly affected by the economy. Joel has lots of stories of folks coming to Christ through his ministry, and is starting to see some real leadership being developed in the Church.
Michelle is not only very busy with their four children, she also substitute teaches at a local Christian school. Joel and Michelle are excited to see what God is doing through The Summit Church and appreciate the support of Spanish River Church. Joel also appreciated the coaching he received from David Nicholas, and is committed to preaching the Gospel.
Please keep the Millers in your prayers as they deal with all the changes and challenges of this community.
After leaving Dallas, we are making a beeline to home, and will arrive in Boca Raton tomorrow. It has been a great trip, but we are ready to be home. We have travelled over 13,000 miles, seen 33 states and visited with 51 pastors. Most of the pastors have been supported financially by Spanish River Church. It has been amazing to see what this investment has returned. The vision that God gave David Nicholas and Ernie Tomforde has resulted in an unbelievable network of Churches that are preaching the Gospel and serving their communities. It is a great honor to serve at a Church that is so kingdom minded.
Miriam and I will arrive home four days before I leave for India to visit with our church planting partners in that country. Please keep us in your prayers as well, there is much to do.