End of 2006/Looking to 2007

AHOY THERE!

24 & 7 months ago

In May 2004, we set sail on a journey into the uncharted deep in response to orders from our Captain on high.  Our heart was to see all of God’s “fishers of men” work together to intentionally sweep a Kingdom net throughout every current and ocean depth of daily life in Redding.  Seeing the Church inter-lock in a vision to transform the region was only a dream then, but as we’ve walked in obedience to Christ, extending grace to all, bringing prayer to street level, and mobilizing believers to minister in their spheres of influence, we are watching the fog lift over these waters and meeting others of kindred Spirit.  An unmistakable aroma of love, unity and worship has accompanied us throughout the voyage.

Fast forward to December 1, 2006.  

We find ourselves standing in Old City Hall, in the heart of our downtown. So far, it had been a year of public prayer and worship, a year of bridging the people of God and the community, having taken the message, the sound, the love into the streets and major venues of our city (the Cascade, the Civic, Old and New City Hall, historic school auditoriums, city parks, inside the downtown mall and outside on a car lot), and gathering community leadership thrice (February 21 at Simpson, March 30 at the Air Shasta hangar, and August 29 with local mayors, a newly elected sheriff, pastors and ministry leaders). Assembled before the Lord in this 100 year old building were marketplace and pulpit ministers as well as representatives from 5 area communities.  A formal declaration was read and signed (see enclosed) in a powerful moment of regional unity.  All I can say is that a truly significant piece of heavenly legislation was passed there that night.  We have shifted from “my church” to “my community,” from “my city” to “ourregion” and from what “I am doing” to what “we are about together.” Geographic lines, denominational lines, even generational lines are being erased while a fresh love, a new understanding and dynamic unity is manifesting.  The next night we brought our joy to the streets, joining our community in the Lighted Christmas Parade.  The WeR1 Band sang Jesus’ praise throughout downtown Redding, telling thousands the good news of God’s perfect gift.  One of the two floats we entered won first place, which is exactly the place Jesus deserves in this, HIS city!

In the next newsletter, we’ll unveil the course God is charting for us for 2007, which calls for an all-out united prayer movement to surge across the region. You will be needed for all that God has in store for transformation as 2007 opens up. The hold is well stocked, His hand is with us, His wind is blowing. Other communities are raising their banners to sail in the armada alongside us.  These are strategic waters.

On the horizon

Team building and expansion are foremost. Picture a majestic 3-masted clipper ship that sails boldly across the ocean in any weather.  One person, or even two or three, can't sail it alone.  It takes a team. It’s the same with this vision. It takes each crew member doing their part, working in coordination, listening to and obeying the Captain as He makes His will known. That tall ship can look pretty overwhelming compared to the smaller boats we’re comfortable with, but we need the strength of the bigger boat for the stronger winds that lie ahead, and we need one another more than we know! It may take the crew a while to get used to each other, to learn their parts and to communicate effectively. It will take commitment to stick with it through the rough spots and the feelings of seasickness as we adjust to the bigger swells outside the harbor.  It’s all part of the journey, but we can face it – together.  

Message in a bottle

Just the other day, I opened a Christmas letter, which was signed on the inside, “LOVE, So-n-so.”  At first, I thought, “That was short.”  But then it hit me, this was more than just a quick good-bye; it was a command - “ LOVE!”  As I reflected on this, many faces came to mind, people I have met out in these waters, and I realized that God has quickened me with a new love for people and for the city.  This new sense is like a mix of grace and understanding, patience and compassion, optimism and peace based on what God can do in any and every situation or person.  Can’t wait for Him to perfect this in me, but I am glad for what’s happening.  Doing transformation without loving people would be a waste of time.  I Corinthians 13 says that if we do all these great things but don’t have love, we are NOTHING! As I have said before, if we win the city, but still don’t love those around us, we’ve missed it.  If everyone in the city comes to Christ, but between the fellowships we lack love, we’ve missed it!   So, “ LOVE” people as Christ loved you.  Enjoy them.  Join your heart with the Lord’s goodness and let love spill out on them as you pray with and minister to those near you this season and throughout the coming year.

Sailing onward,

Jon Thompson