September 2009

THE CATCH OF FISH

Jesus told professional fisherman to fish differently! "Throw your nets on the right side of the boat." We all know what happened: fish, nets sagging, boats sinking, help coming from nearby friends and a huge catch hauled in.

Dejavú. Since the beginning, Redding Transformation has been fishing the community a bit differently. Throwing our nets on the other side of the boat, into the streets, schools, workplaces and such. We have found whole 'schools of fish' swimming around out here. These colorfully marked fish are people groups of broken youth, battered women, the elderly, those who need immediate help, people in marketplace callings who need to see Jesus, and neighborhoods which lack the peace of God. These hungry, swarming hordes, which no small net can manage alone, are ready to be set free from enemy nets and brought into a new and living way.

The commission in Matthew 28 is to 'disciple nations' (ethnos, people groups). In effect, this means we are to sweep entire people groups into Kingdom alignment. They are currently trapped, imprisoned and oppressed in the enemy’s netting, but Christ came to set them free. Intentionally infecting society with the King's values and ways may bring a quizzical glance since we've tended to think the Great Commission only says 'make disciples of people.' But, since the mandate is to disciple nations, we need to pull on those nets together more strategically now than ever!

 

THE CAST

In May of 2008, God showed us to come underneath the youth in an outdoor venue called the LOT. Then He spoke to us about creating SafetyNet, another toss to the right side of the boat. Both times we cast the nets; both times we end up with a haul too large for our net or our dozen member crew. We have the bored-broken-youth people group in this haul, the battered women and children, the neighborhoods of our community, and now the elderly (see Compass, below). What a net of fish! Who will help us haul this in?

SAFETYNET is beginning to weave all over town. We hand-carried our new overview DVD to 60-some local fellowships this month. People will now begin to be aware of the opportunities SafetyNet currently has (Project 18, MyWatch and Safe Transitions) and start to see quick ways to collaborate when new ideas emerge (Haves/Needs Forum). Contact us if you’d like a copy of the DVD to show to your small group. You can also see it online at www.wer1net.net/snvideos.html.

PROJECT 18 has a list of 100 contacts from the LOT waiting for follow up. These families can use the adoption by Christian families. There are others awaiting mentoring from us and many agencies watching to see if other boats will actually come in to help or not. The nets are heavy! Come to the training on Sept 10 to jump in now.

MYWATCH, under Robert Wigington, ran another successful neighborhood event on National Night Out, complete with a big screen movie night out on the baseball field. The city helped as close to 100 folks came out. People loved it and are now clamoring for the next happening! Adults are now asking Rob what drives him. It's led to great discussions and openness for good news! We will have training and orientation meetings in the fall for all of you who are interested in getting MyWatch started in your neighborhood.

 

EXPANDING SOME MORE

Joanne McCarley, a long time friend and co-laborer, is joining us as she brings her branch of Compass Care Services underneath our umbrella. Joanne sees the elder care and social services systems as transformable and wants to bring Christ into the middle of it via a non-profit approach. Prayerful discussions have permeated the 2 month process and God has granted peace to our board of directors. Joanne and her team will continue to run the company and we will encourage the church in the region to create community-based solutions via Compass for needy seniors who may be falling through the cracks. Sound like something you'd like to help with?

 

HELP ARRIVING

Maria Russell has agreed to coordinate and organize our volunteer ranks over the next few months. Bethel School of Ministry and many others will now begin to send people our way, so it is important that we have a person overseeing this crucial area! Maria is very gifted with organizational skills and well connected in Red Bluff too, so our team's reach grows ever wider.

Dona Schaller, a long time friend, intercessor and supporter has responded to the Lord's prompting to serve with us. Her bookkeeping skills are a welcome addition and an answer to Karen's long-time prayer for help in this area.

BACKPACKS OF BLESSING

South County Transformation held their first shopping day, “Looking Cook for School.” Around 70 kids got blessed and loved on. The volunteers were deeply touched to give back in this way and the community really rallied in a generous way, even in the midst of economic turmoil. Kim Berry also saw a HUGE success in Red Bluff as over 124 kids got backpacks and new clothing. Families are being followed up on and given more Kingdom paradigms to implement in their financial decisions and parenting techniques through this as well.

The LOT this summer has been coordinated by Jessica Freeborn, and this last one was spectacular: skate park, basketball, dance offs, music, jumphouse, climbing wall and a dunk tank. Unfortunately, a youngster broke his foot and some minor skirmishes outside the LOT boundaries put a slight damper on this event, but aroun 500 youth were noticeably enjoying the night. Our city mayor, district attorney, chief of police, deputy marshal and Simpson president all showed up to support the event and be in the dunk tank! We are casting nets on the right side of the boat, speaking peace and hanging out with these youth (Step 1 and 2 of Luke 10).

FALL >>FORWARD

• GO PUBLIC: our upcoming week of prayer, Sept. 20-27 with prayer tents, corporate worship times and a focus on media and youth all tangibly visible in 5 area communities. To get involved with the prayer tents, call Natalia at 221-8238 or natalia@shasta.com
• Love Revolution: We will convene pastors on Oct. 1 for a luncheon with Gaylord Enns of Chico. That same night, we will host a regional worship night with Gaylord sharing his heart message to create a Love Revolution in our county. Please come to that!
• LYNK II: Launches on Oct. 6, held each Tuesday night in October. We aim to equip and inspire citywide transformation vision in young families and those about to enter the workforce. All are welcome. Plan to come, or watch someone’s kids so they can come.

Fishing can be fun, but it can be dangerous. Pray for us and join us to haul in the catches even as we seek to come alongside you in your catch!

Manning the nets,

Jon and Natalia Thompson

 

 

 

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