11.07.07 thequest UPdate

thequest family,

Spies get to peek in on things that are happening so they can report back. Many times I feel like a spy--not that I'm dressed in black or have the cool gizmos. I'm so privileged to peek into lives all over the place and see what God is doing. It is a true joy to be able to have my vantage point and see how God is directing and how people are responding.

In my role as a spy, I'm not really sure who to report to. God already knows what's going on. I guess that leaves the people of God to share with. I regularly try to share with folks what I'm picking up. Sometimes are better than others. Sometimes there are better stories than others.

To report back about the things I'm seeing I would say:

>God has brought us some Godly people to speak into our lives. This past weekend with Ed & Polly Jackson at our assembly was so encouraging. He is a man of God who spoke into our lives about being 24/7 followers of Jesus. He shared from the other end of the age continuum for most of us and we need that perspective.

>Just a couple weekends ago we were spurred on by another Ed--Ed and Debbie Waken. They encouraged us to be about ME for the church community rather that the Community to serve ME. Also the intergenerational and multi-cultural aspects of our family. Mostly, Ed spurred us on to sow the seeds of Good News because we have God's Authority, Power, Mind & Words. He encouraged us not to worry, but to have the Spirit's eyes on.

>To hear the reports of people sowing seeds of their faith at bus stops, gas stations, medical offices, over coffee, over a beer, while trick-or-treating and a variety of other spots. It encourages me at the challenge that Ed gave is taking root and seed-sowers are out casting seed!

>To have a couple of people interested in baptism charges me up. Beyond that to hear of disciples making disciples of others--ie. starting new Life Transformation Groups, fighting to save marriages and more.

>To see house churches forming at Ohio State University, Grace College and in Paris in the last few weeks. That's along with the growth of a newer house church (or 2) in Chicago. To see some things potentially pulling together for a future launch of Cap City Grace here in downtown Columbus. To connect with another church planter who has our Italian Village neighborhood on his radar and will actually be moving here in the coming month.

>To have the 4:12 Commission Team here for a day and to encourage them to be world changers was great. Also, we made the big goal for our service project in Rittman.

>To have a key family member of thequest invited onto the staff of Grace Brethren International Missions as a missions recruiter -- John Ward. [And he ran in the NYC Marathon too :) ]

> To have a time to share communion together with thequest family on the calendar also cranks me up (Nov 18th).

>At the same time, I see there are many who are being hit by the fiery darts of the evil one with physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual impacts. People have loved ones dying, depressed, injured and hurt. Some of us are actually depressed, ill, hurt or being pummeled. It's certainly part of following Jesus to suffer...but that doesn't make it fun.

As a humble spy...there is a little report for you. I hope it motivates you that God is moving.

Hang on to this:

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." Heb 10:23-25 NLT

Press on,
Mike

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