Prayer Points

Prayer Points – Baja Mexico Team 2010

Just to keep everyone in the loop. I'll be going to Baja Mexico with a team of 10 students for two weeks starting July 11th. We'll be working with LeaderTreks which means it will be much more than just a mission trip. Here are some ways you can follow us in our journey and support us through prayer.

1 Peter 4:11. "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Daily Prayers

            Pray for:

·         Vulnerability between team members and unity for the team as a whole.

·         Wisdom for all members.

·         A willingness to take risks.

·         Spiritual growth.

·         A lasting impact to be left on ourselves and others.

Sunday July 11^th

·         Pray for protection and safe travel for the group as we fly into Mexico and then drive to our site in La Paz.

·         Team – Pray for the food team, led by Steven. This is our grocery shopping day and it is very critical we purchase all the necessary supplies. Pray for discernment and wisdom over this process.

Monday July 12^th

·         Pray for a quick adjustment into our new surroundings and a strong first day on the worksite. Also pray that as we promote the VBS on this day that as many children as possible are able to attend.

·         Team- Pray for the work team, led by Allie D and Alex. Pray for boldness and confidence as they pioneer the first day on the work site. The team needs this strong leadership to follow.

Tuesday July 13^th

·         Pray for team unity and vulnerability among all members. Let all walls preventing communication be removed starting with team time and continuing into all aspects of the day. Pray that we become fully united.

·         Team- Pray for the ministry, led by Bennett and Lauren. Tuesday is the first day of VBS so please pray for flexibility and patience as they direct the team and minister to the local children.

Wednesday July 14^th

·         Pray that the team would settle into a rhythm that is effective. This requires precise time management and coordination. Pray our schedule flows seamlessly.

·         Team- Pray for the adult leaders, Ash and Abby. Pray that God would continue to show them the specific roles dynamics they play into the team life. Ask for wisdom and guidance as they help the team continue in the right direction.

Thursday July 15^th

·         Pray that as a team we would press on towards specific goals and continue to take risks as we move forward on the worksite and at the VBS.

·         Team- Pray for the worship team led by Nathan. Pray that he would be able to encourage and energize the team by bringing a contagious worshipful spirit everywhere he goes.

Friday July 16^th

·         Pray that the team is able to finish strong in all areas. Also pray for joyful spirits and encouraged souls that will be confident and satisfied in the work we accomplish.

·         Team- Pray for the cleaning/water team led by Allie R and Ryan. Pray that they enable the team by promoting a “leave it better than you found it” lifestyle in all aspects of the day.

Saturday and Sunday July 17^th-18^th

·         Pray for a refreshing and relaxing weekend so that the team will be restored and ready for the challenging kayaking week ahead of them.

·         Pray for intentional relationships and intentional conversations so that the team would continue to grow closer to each other relationally.

·         Pray for the student leaders, Matt and Steph. Pray that they specifically would be emotionally and mentally refreshed. Pray that they would be able to effectively lead the team through this transition and into the week ahead of them.

Monday – Thursday July 19^th-22^nd

·         Pray that the team would rely on God’s strength and develop perseverance and endurance in the strenuous wilderness conditions.

·         Pray that the team would individually be more in step with the Spirit and willing to embrace new growth and change.

Friday July 23^rd

·         Pray for safe travel on the way home.

·         Pray that the team would continue to impact everyone around them for Christ. Pray that the missional lifestyle continues on even as the trip draws to an end.

Dive

I read through the Gospel of Matthew this week and I couldn't help but notice a continual pattern. Jesus' followers were willing to risk everything for Christ.

Joseph, upon discovering his future wife Mary was pregnant, obeyed the command of the Lord that came through an angel and married her anyway. When God came to him again and told him to flee to Egypt, again Joseph went immediately.

The first two disciples Simon Peter and Andrew, upon Christ's command to "follow me" dropped their nets and began to follow him. They were willing to leave their occupations, their source of money and livelihood, because Jesus asked them for everything.

Jesus tells Peter to come to him on the sea of Galilee. He responded by stepping out onto the raging sea to meet his Lord.

These are only a few examples of men who really grasped what it meant to follow God. I think the difference between them and the Christians of modern day is their boldness. They were willing to step out on faith and risk everything.

How many of you have heard something like, "I just want to know what God's plan is for my life"? This sentence in itself isn't bad, but too often with this question comes inactive people. Jesus has already given us plenty of instruction, but many of us perpetually sit at a crossroads.

Take a risk for the Gospel today. We might like a blueprint to our lives, but the odds are we aren't going to get one. Don't let your life hang in the middle, make a stand and be willing to answer the call of Christ.

-matt

Consume Me

What if all we are was given to God? What if we let Him consume us.

Oh the things He would do.

Watch this short video, let it speak to you.

-matt