October 2009

October has flown by - or rather blown by - The wind blew so hard this month it almost blew the tree right out of our front yard.  I found myself driving in a stabilizing pole and tying it off so it wouldn't topple over.   Maybe this is a picture of what God is saying to us at this time; to stand our ground, to sink our roots deeper into Him and to tie off to one another so we can be established, grow and expand our canopy over this land.  

LYNKing together

For 4 Tuesdays, we hosted 40 for a training and equipping time.  3 local pastors and a panel of practitioners shared how to impact a community.  I emceed and added in various pointers, paradigms and practical tips on transformation.  The net result is that more people are dreaming and dialoguing with God about influencing the local scene.  

Natalia hosted pastor's wives in the Redding Library Community room over tea on October 10th. She has had it on her heart to do this for a long time.  Mary Anderson helped lead and a terrific team of women shared the load of prep work.  Ten pastor’s wives showed up, and many more wanted to.  Those who came had a blast and want to stay connected.

Grace in Motion

Early in the month, we were able to mobilize a small but powerful Grace in Motion team on short notice to help a family who has been evicted from their home, not being able to keep up with payments because of the slow economy and medical problems.  Perhaps even more than the physical work we did was the encouragement we brought, just knowing there are people who will set aside their own lives to help them carry their burden.  (Read it from the family’s point of view in the Track Record.)  We will mobilize again on the 31st to help once more.  Join us if you can; if you can’t, please pray for a nice double wide trailer to be offered to them.

Standing our ground

We got word mid-month from some of the Lot organizers that the family of the boy who got hurt on Oasis' climbing wall at the August event has retained a lawyer.  Not sure what this means for all the parties involved, but we are praying for a peaceable outcome not only for the boy and his family but also for the Lot.  It's risky to do anything in our litigious society.  We believe that God's justice covers all.  Pray for truth to reign in the unfolding of this development and protection for everyone involved.

 

Amid all the gusts of this month, Karen was able to compile yet another awesome edition of the Track Record.  6000 copies declare all over town that God's presence and power is being applied everywhere with positive results.  The paper is encouraging, fun, informative and carries elements of challenge and paradigm shifting power.  The opening story is how Christians are responding proactively to the promptings of God as they read the local news.  Hayfork compiled a wonderful article which captures the heartbeat of the Father manifesting in His people stationed on the hill.  The centerpiece is about how local congregations are creatively reaching beyond their walls.  Read it and connect with these people.  Better yet, apply the Kingdom to your sphere of influence and let us know what God does!

Establishing and expanding the canopy

In between times, I met one on one with over a half a dozen new leader contacts.  Building relational bridges with strategic people in our area is a joy.  It's so cool to see what God is doing to raise the level of faith all over town and watch people find their niche of Kingdom service out in community life.

SafetyNet's Project 18 mentors underwent training and fingerprinting this month, so we are ready for a November 5 meet and greet kick-off with potential mentees.  PRAY for God's grace to cover all this.  We want to see life-change, guidance and friendship truly impact hearts of at-risk young people.  Come to the SafetyNet Orientation on Nov. 12 th, to find out how you can get involved in bridging gaps in our community - 6:30 pm at the Redding Library Community Room.  Details online at www.safetynetcommunity.net.

PRAY

• South County Transformation will host a 2nd prayer breakfast to connect leaders in the Anderson-Cottonwood area.  Much fruit and activity came of the first meal together.  We will again "speak peace", "pray for leadership and those in authority" and see where God takes it.
• Project 18 will launch this coming month as close to 30 quality mentors begin to give their time and energy to up-n-coming youth.  Imagine, 25+ families touched on a weekly basis and a vehicle built up to which many groups in town will want to refer broken youths.  This is truly exciting stuff, transformational and proactive.
• Champions of Kingdom initiatives will come together in a strategic think-tank relationship for the sake of the community later in November.  These are people who are passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God increase here. They have  implemented past assignments gaining credibility, favor and wisdom.  They are likely incubating another dream or two from the Lord and, with some alignment, support, teamwork and encouragement, new solutions could come about more quickly.  We believe if we join our strength of connecting and facilitating transformation, we could empower, help, potentially resource, and establish cool new developments alongside these champs.  

 

We are blessed to continue to do what we do.  A lot is at stake.  If we steward this season well, we can see the Church emerge as a leading voice for hope and action in a county that truly needs it.  An awakening IS HERE, connecting the awakened is key.  We've prepared for battle, envisioned battle, suited up and now find ourselves again walking into the battle with grace and peace.  We ask you to support us all the more as ranks are swelling.  We could use more prayer and some special year end gifts at this time.  We love you and stand with you.  

 

Rooted in Christ and bound to you,

Jon and Natalia Thompson

 

 

 

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