MISSION POSSIBLE

Almost two million Americans from 40,000 churches and other groups go on short-term mission trips each year. That's what Andy Crouch told us in the Sept/Oct issue of Youth Workers Journal. Meanwhile, George Barna says that even though many people describe mission trips as "life-changing," only 11 percent of American churchgoers have taken such a trip.

Inspire those you can to go on a mission trip! We are here on this earth to SERVE! Roll up your sleeves and get involved in loving your neighbors! Serve with the youth at St. Matthews Baptist Church. We regularly serve the homeless in our community and participate in local and national and foreign mission experiences!

Seeing the Kingdom

Mark 4:30 - Then he said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or what parable shall we picture it?"

Jesus used parables to help people understand what He was trying to teach them. A parable is a modern day story that provides a glimpse into the Kingdom of God.
My experiences in Costa Rica have provided me glimpses of the Kingdom of God. As I captured glimpses; the glimpses captured me. Glimpses of the Kingdom cannot be conjured or created; they can only be received.

Ask God to give you glimpses into the Kingdom of God.

A Review of Catalyst Atlanta

Andy Stanley
Pastor and author Andy Stanley quoted his father, Charles Stanley, in the opening session. He said, "God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to him." He illustrated this by sharing the story of Joshua, who in his greatest season of leadership continued to kneel before the Lord (Joshua 5:13-15). Andy emphasized that leadership is not about the mark we leave but about the mark God leaves through us!

Charles Swindoll
Essentials for A New Generation of Leaders

1. A good leader models character. Character is what makes you contagious!

2. A good leader is enthusiastically affirming. Enthusiasm and affirmation bring refreshment to weary individuals.

3. A good leader has affection for people. Small frequent acts of kindness and written words of appreciation are essential for a leader to provide.

My favorite quote...."If you don't enjoy people, please, do us all a favor, and don't go into leadership!"

Matt Chandler
Pastor Matt Chandler reminded us that we are all called to do our part.

SUFFERING

For the past few weeks, I cannot stop reading verses in Scripture that have to do with suffering. "I want to know CHRIST and the fellowship of his sufferings." Suffering commands us to eliminate the unnecessary, the trivial and the superficial.

BAPTISM

I'm looking forward to seeing 3 generations baptized tomorrow at church!

Holy God...Mighty Lord...Gracious Father,
We give you thanks; for in the beginning your
Spirit moved over the waters and you created
the Heaven and the Earth. By the gift of water,
you nourish and sustains us and all living things.