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July 2007
Dear Friends:
“I googled ‘Redding-Holy-Spirit’ and you guys popped up.”
The unlikely answer caught me by surprise. We had asked a visitor from Hawaii at our latest business lunch how she had come across us. We all had a good laugh! Turns out that she, as well as many of those who came to this lunch, have been called to work with children and fill the stream of education with the love of Christ. People met with God and connected with one another BIG time. One attendee later told me that these lunches have been one of the most spiritual, uplifting times in her monthly routine. Hanging out with gifted, passionate marketplace ministers who are on the front lines daily is a blessing indeed.
Summer jobs
God opened the door for our WeR1 band to sing out His praise at the Shasta District Fair and at the Redding Convention Center this month. The band itself is made up of 12 people coming from various local fellowships who want to walk in unity and lift Jesus high. The next platform He is putting us on is the Convention Center main stage pre-fireworks show. This is the most prominent, well-attended citywide gathering Redding has. Upwards of 10,000 people are expected to be on hand. Pray for us on July 4th at 6 pm. On July 8th, the WeR1 band will lead worship and I will share on transformation in Anderson’s Crossroads Bible Fellowship, as we are on July 1st at Trinity Alliance in Redding.
Heating up
As is the nature of the Kingdom, we are growing and expanding. In the past year our friendships, relationships, and implementation approach has grown in favor beyond our city’s boundaries. Communities nearby that desire to walk in unity and be proactive in bringing transformation want to align more closely with us so we can help one another press forward in reaching this entire county and Nor Cal region. In order to broaden our servanthood role, we must embrace a name that reflects the wider geographical area. So, the WE ARE ONE NETWORK is being birthed. You’ll soon be able to find us at www.WeR1Net.net!
The core values and networking strategy of this new team will be fun to hammer out together with those God has called to lead in the various communities. To be visionary and dream is GOOD, but in order to develop, one must define. By summer’s end, we plan to have in hand a new, self-produced communication tool that will empower us to share our vision more creatively, succinctly and clearly than ever before to a broader group of people. This DVD will explain the BIG PICTURE vision, the core values that operationalize that vision (with illustrations and testimonies) and personal, ‘bite-size,’ how-to’s. Here’s a sneak peak of the 5 core values which form the centerpiece of this DVD:
Proactive components undergirding a citywide transformation movement....
- Everyone prayed for
Personal and daily reality, no event necessary, everyone is in strategic position to minister now. The number of people in the city is FINITE, so this is a plausible scenario.
- Every environment adopted
Proactive effort to be an ongoing presence of blessing, help and grace to campuses, workplaces, neighborhoods and interest groups. The number of community environments is FINITE, so this is a measurable goal.
- Christ is central
Formally recognizing and welcoming the Lordship of Christ in every arena of this community, which He redeemed, is a powerful step to turning on the lights all over town. Public praises, campus dedications, workplace dedications, etc. enthrones Christ as Lord throughout the region. He IS the MAIN THING and we must maintain that focus. Dedicating place after place to the Lord Jesus will cause His presence to permeate the city.
- Needs become opportunities
Praying for everyone is good; seeking ways to demonstrate the Kingdom through servanthood toward those we are praying for is the next step. Grace-in-Motion is an antidote for hopelessness. It touches people in a powerful way and affords us a practical way to walk in unity, to demonstrate love in action and develop an atmosphere of love and evangelism in the city.
- Faith goes public
Special seasons where prayer and united action is on display. Each community will be different on how they go public, we have done prayer tents and praise in the streets, others may have a children’s extravaganza or a festival or prayer, but these strategic partnerships to inundate the community on all fronts with the message and sound of the Kingdom will stoke the fires within the Body as they see things crescendo and bring awareness to all in the community that God has come to town.
A Short History
Almost 4 years ago, the Lord interrupted my life with an invite to Argentina. He clearly spoke to my heart while there about a new season starting in the immediate future. Within a month, the elders of our church blessed Natalia and I into this transformation ministry. Less than a month after that, Pastor Lyle Faudree, a Godly man with a ‘father-figure’ mantle here in this region, laid hands on me and said the vision he carried was now to be on me and he would serve that. Since then, God has graciously opened doors for us to connect and mobilize the local Body of believers as never before. This has not come about by our ability, but by the authority that comes from the One backing us. That is what it means to be a “sent one.” I needed to be reminded this month that the work He has called us to is His work. I am to represent His interests, encourage the Body, obey Him and not fear man. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Jesus represented the Father’s interests. Being well received or rejected is not the point. To walk in our calling and obey His guidance while expressing love to all mankind is the point. Everything else is secondary.
God is working on me to be boldly about His business. Not fleshly and aggressive, but humbly confident, because He is with me. By His grace, that is what I will be. I speak that out for you also. What has He called you to? Are you walking in that role as a mandate from the Lord? Recognize that you carry the authority of the One who sent you.
Financial matters
We do truly appreciate each month the financial gifts many of you send our way, no matter what the size. We are truly thankful to the Lord for how He has faithfully provided and sustained what He has started. If this is worth building, it is worth sustaining! We again find ourselves with no debts, but with no surplus either as we face another month filled with bills and on-going expenses. Normally, about $4000 comes in, and we are in need of $6500 for everything. So, if you’ve wondered whether or not we need donors, the answer is YES! Wanna increase your monthly amount or begin supporting? If you’ve been thinking of sending a check, this would be a good time! If you are not able to at this time, no sweat, but please pray that God will move on someone else’s heart to give.
We’re also looking forward in the coming month to some much needed rest, time with the Lord, time with family, and time to get ready for our new arrival (due Sept. 5).
Growing in grace,
Jon Thompson, Director
WeR1 Network
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