February 2007

Dear Friends:

As we enter this new year, God is expanding things rapidly for us. FIRST OFF, Natalia and I are officially expecting our 4th child to arrive in early September! That was God’s “happy new year” gift to us. Our core team has been expanding also. No, they aren’t pregnant, but they are full of vision and faith! Our WeR1 worship team is walking in a new level of authority and harmony. Over the next 4 months, we anticipate 10 outings. Many of us have experienced major testings recently, and our trust is ever more in Him! The Grace in Motion team grew to 8 leaders from 7 various groups, and we expect that number to double by our next meeting in late February. We will need to see some expansion in the funding area to pull off the things we sense God asking of us this year, so pray for favorable giving and open hearts.

7 years ago, the youth pastors in the Redding area were praying on campuses at 5:30 am each Tuesday. At that time, I was sensing that the strongman over the campuses had been bound. The Lord impressed on me a verse out of Matthew 12:29: "How can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.” We talked about a need to “plunder,” not just “bind” the enemy. This led to a united effort called THE 40 DAY PUSH. Students were commissioned for 40 days of intentional ministry aimed at setting captives free. This they did, fasting from various things and focusing more intently on prayer, evangelism and seeing the Kingdom of God come to their friends. It was an amazing time, and many powerful testimonies were recorded. Both the kickoff and culmination nights made front page news!

About that same time, pastors in Red Bluff fasted for 40 days as did a fellowship in Redding. But 7 years have slipped by since the last 40 day period of concerted prayer and citywide outreach. Five times in the month of December the “40 day” word came up, which I believe was the Lord’s prompting to lengthen our cords and turn our weeks of prayer into a 40 day experience.

So, all of this has led to a new plan for this spring. Starting on March 25th, 40 Days of Grace will wash over the region as the entire Body of believers connects and mobilizes to touch all people with the good news of Kingdom! Things are coming together quickly! There is a potential to co-labor with nearby communities to broaden the impact. We could have a gigantic swath of 50 miles covered in prayer and grace for a full 40 days! Imagine the impact! Christians all over the region who have been dreaming with God about how to reach out in their circle of influence will now begin to act on those dreams together with other believers who want to answer the call. This will create major shockwaves of Light as the Kingdom advances from all sides at once. People who lacked confidence will now be emboldened. Procrastination will be replaced by obedient action. Jesus will be lifted up and grace will permeate the city!

The 40 Days will launch on March 25 as the Body comes together before the Lord in a sacred assembly. About every 10 days there will be a checkpoint gathering for praise and testimony. A variety of influencers across the valley will rally help to bring the Kingdom in various ways to their sphere of influence, be it campus, workplace or neighborhood. All ages can meaningfully engage in simple or elaborate ways through service, prayer, encouragement and hope. Of course prayer tents will be up (4/18-20), public worship will happen (4/1, 4/8, 4/20, 5/5), an equipping seminar for marketplace ministers is planned (4/13-14), and a HUGE culmination celebration in the downtown of Redding on May 5th. Imagine, hundreds of believers simultaneously blanketing the streets of Redding and beyond with love, speaking peace, having fellowship and favor with all the people, opening up new relationships, helping, praying everywhere and being the Church. Stay tuned to this developing story, and begin to ask God how you can flow with us on this.

Amidst all the planning in January for the 40 Days, we gathered in the show room of Auto Connection downtown for yet another amazing business lunch. You know what? The Holy Spirit comes to those lunches! We heard how God changed the life of one of their employees and talked openly about business struggles before praying for one another. Great koinonia and wonderful foods were enjoyed by all. Thanks again to our team as well as Perry & Victoria. Our next lunch for marketplace ministers will be at DataWise on Feb 21, but space is very limited, so RSVP early!

Our joy in the work is also expanding as God guides. We are truly blessed to serve God in this valuable and practical work of intentionally partnering to bring the Kingdom to many people at the same time. Filling up a city with ministers of grace can happen as we link arms and walk in faith and action. We give thanks to God for all of you who walk with us on this journey as you put the vision in practice daily.

Please PRAY for:
• Leaders in the surrounding communities to take courage and faith to join with us in the 40 days
• Influencers in the various campuses, workplaces and neighborhoods to link with us and rise up
• Open doors to church leaders and city officials
• Supernatural favor on our time, meetings and work
• Ability to flow in faith no matter what circumstance comes our way
• Keen awareness of what the Spirit is saying in our daily walk

Expecting great things,

Jon Thompson

Redding Transformation Team Leader

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