Things cannot (and will not) stay the way they are.
World Venture (my missions organization) has to stick its neck out. Business as usual is not an option if mission is still a goal. If radical change is not sought, mission will cease.
Radical is not only an option, it is the only option.
Church planting in Québec is difficult. Thousands of neighborhoods across the Province without a “matys evangelion” (Gospel witness). Only a radical movement can change this.
So I’m calling out World Venture.
And I’m calling out myself.
…
What could this look like?
It looks like something we have never seen. That’s the hard part. We have to invent it ourselves. We can’t rely on existing models.
We are the early church. We are the printing press, the reformation, and the haystack prayer meeting. We are the next unimaginable.
Is the next step safe? No way.
We don’t know how this is going to end up. There is no guarantee of success. It may fall to pieces.
But wouldn’t you rather die part of a movement that matters?
Wouldn’t you rather be part of a spectacular failure rather than a slow insignificant death always asking what could have been?
From the journal of Don’s aging father:“Lord, save me from the sins of old men”
Concerning his father: “There was a candor to him. It wasn’t fake. What you saw was what you got.”
“The worst kind of christian home to grow up in, is the one where there are large spiritual pretensions but low spiritual performance”
“The best kind of christian home to grow up in is the one where there are low spiritual pretensions but quite high spiritual performance… because the best stuff is caught, not taught.”
“He took care of my mother who had Alzheimer’s for 9 years until her death.”
“They come here and see how tough it is, and take it as a sign that this can’t be where God wants them; because being where God wants them means, in their minds, being where there is lots of fruit.”
“I stay because I believe God has many people in this place.”
In an incredibly complex situation, my desire is to understand what I can so that my prayer and involvementare intelligent and right-headed (not simply emotional… as many things Americans do are).
One of the best up-to-date synopsis I’ve read is over at the Wanderlust blog (a guy who is a friend of a friend that has done some amazing work in and about Africa):
A brief history:
I’ve looked at the Sudans context previously, but for those just joining us, here’s the one paragraph summary of the salient points of the Sudans’ modern history. Sudan gained independence as a single nation following British colonial rule which previously saw it divided, with direct administration of the south as an East African colony, and a proxy rule by the Egyptians in the north, resulting in a country with a deep north-south divide on cultural, religious and ethnic grounds. Khartoum’s governance was challenged by a civil uprising in 1956 that lead to two rounds of near-continual civil war, largely driven by the impact of resource centralization, Islamicization, arabicization and the marginalization of impoverished outlying states. This was further exacerbated by the seizure, via coup, of the National Congress Party (NCP) in Khartoum, led by now- (and still-) President Bashir, who entrenched these policies further. The signing of the internationally-brokered Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 brought an end to open warfare and led, in 2011, to a referendum which saw the south vote overwhelmingly for independence and becoming, a few months later, the world’s newest state. The time since has been characterized by increasing tension between Khartoum and the southern government in Juba, particularly over the official border demarcation between north and south and, by the same token, control over the country’s rich oil reserves that straddle that border.
The Wanderlust blog also gives great succinct (and witty) descriptions of the main characters:
Sudan, Republic of- The northern half of what used to be the nation of Sudan and historically refered to as ‘north’ or ‘northern’ Sudan, governed from Khartoum. Population: 30 million. GDP: USD 89 billion (USD 2,700 per capita). Percentage of exports associated with oil prior to secession of South Sudan: 70-90%.
South Sudan, Republic of- The southern half of what used to be the nation of Sudan, independant since July 2011 and with its capital in Juba. Population: ~10 million. GDP: USD 13 billion (USD 1,500 per capita). Percentage of Sudan’s pre-secession oil fields now in its control: 80% (estimated). Percentage of budget accounted for by oil exports: 98%.
The Sudan-South Sudan situation as it stands today (again from the Wanderlust Blog):
There are a lot of moving pieces in the machinery of the Sudans, and things are still unfolding. Even as Kiir returns from Beijing with a promise of full pockets, Sudan has continued bombardments of southern territory, and southern-allied militia have moved against SAF positions in Upper Nile, prompting Khartoum to declare a state of emergency. Behind the scenes, diplomats are scrabbling to keep the communication game alive, reporting with optimism that both sides claim to want peace, even while their respective pieces move against eachother along the chequered border. The withdrawl form Heglig appears to have bought a little more time for a brokered solution to be sought, but done little to change the trend towards escalation.
How can I pray for Sudan?
Operation World offers 3 amazing things God has done in the most horrific of circumstances:
The prolonged conflict and war caused Christians to scatter throughout the country and beyond. This resulted in churches being planted in places and among peoples who were previously unreached. Now, many of those won to Christ while displaced are returning to their home areas with the goal of starting new fellowships.
The massive growth of Christianity, especially among central and southern peoples, is a point for praise. Christian numbers, 1.6 million in 1980, now exceed 11 million. Southern peoples may be as much as 80% Christian – remarkable growth amid terrible violence, warfare, persecution and even genocide. One such example is the spiritual transformation of the Dinka Bor people from animist to Christian.
The planting of churches in previously unreached areas and peoples. The crisis in Darfur, while tragic, has also seen the entry of Christian relief work along with the gospel. Sudanese Christians are church planting in Darfur, and the peoples of Darfur who fled elsewhere are encountering the gospel in their new locations.
However, the challenges are still greater than my comfortable western mind can fathom:
Darfur is the 21st Century byword for tragedy: Pray for a complete end to the violence, the execution of justice up on all those guilty of atrocities, the restoration of peace.
South Sudan: The re-establishment of peace, the construction of a healthy economy and just society, a continuation of the remarkable church growth of the last 20 years.
The abolition of slavery:In the north alone, an estimated 40,000 to 100,000 (or more) are now held as chattel. Pray that all such wrongs may end, and pray that world leaders may prevail upon all involved to end this wickedness.
The pressing needs of the church include: unity that transcends tribal boundaries and denominational lines, discipling, teaching and strengthening the millions of believers who have come into the Church.
Recovery:
Physical infrastructure and needs: Many towns, villages, and churches in the south have been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Education and health services have scarcely functioned for two decades. Various ministries are required to build a stable future.
Basic human needs such as food, medicine and agricultural supplies are scarce, but generosity must be wed to wisdom in distributing these. Health care and doctors are extremely sparse. Many agencies risked much to bring help to Christians during the war. Of special note is the work of Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, Frontline Fellowship, Samaritan’s Purse, and WVI. Numerous indigenous NGOs are also springing up. Pray for a wise and appropriate approach to material assistance for Sudan.
Spiritual and emotional healing is essential; every family in the south has been traumatized in one way or another. Training in counseling, reconciliation and peacemaking is needed.
… I often feel like several elephants are tied to me, and pulling in multiple directions. So while God is doing amazing things all around (170 people attended last Sunday, many are non-‐ Christians), I’m also constantly letting people down. They come for support, help, or direction, and I simply have to trust that God is bigger thanIam.
The fact is, I’ve probably let you down at some point. I’m sorry about that, I really, truly am. And thank you for the grace, forgiveness, and support you have shown, knowing that we are giving everything we can to sharing the Grace, Forgiveness, and Love of Christ here in Québec.
So what do we do? We’ve narrowed our focus to investment in three priorities:
1) A continued healthy marriage and family.
2) The local church in St-‐Jérôme
3) Supporting churches and individuals.
I’ve trimmed down my involvement in other church plants around Québec on multiple fronts for the rest of 2012. However, if the church in St-‐Jérôme becomes healthy, creating a foundation for multiplication, it’s a huge win for us and the entire Province.
At the end of the day, there is one Person we are responsable to, and His sacrifice makes it impossible to let Him down.
I recently had the privilege of leading part of a French Church-Planting Boot Camp in Montréal. Here are the sessions I had the privilege of teaching to the dozen or so that attended.:
“Preparation for the launch”
“Preparing the core group”
“Sharing the vision”
“Making disciples”
“Building small groups”
“Encouraging Worship Services”
“Community involvement”
In these particular photos, using a toy train as an example, a young believer in our church named Carl walks through his multi-year voyage before becoming a Christian about a year ago. The purpose was to discuss “making disciples”. How do we help and support people wherever they may be on their journey before or after salvation? (Carl did a fantastic job teaching and sharing his story).
Hugues and Danny giving us their “psychopath” look.
Life is like a train set. We have multiple stops prior to passing over the bridge of salvation… and many stops afterward. Unfortunately, most don’t make it to the bridge of multiplication where we begin to “make disciples”.
Danny (afro in the foreground), from our church in St-Jérôme
The church is people, not a building. A building is only a tool.
This month we’re celebrating 4 years as a new church. Over that time we’ve changed buildings once… because we haven’t found another one. We are currently renting an elementary school gym (see photo).
So here’s our dilemma (and food for prayer):
We've since added more chairs.
The gym is packed nearly every Sunday. We’re also meeting in homes every week. There are hardly any more spaces to sit.
So what do we do? Each chose offers specific challenges:
Do we plant a daughter church?
We would love to! This is part of our original 5-year plan… so, concrete plans should begin to take place this year to do that (we don’t yet have a qualified church planter to send out). But in the meantime… what do we do?
Do we go to multiple services?
We already have people setting up and tearing down from 7:30am to 12:30pm. We may have to do this, but we don’t want to burn anyone out.
Do we rent a larger space?
We can’t yet find a large enough place to rent for less than $6000/month.
Currently we’re paying $2000/month for a few hours Sunday morning.
Do we buy?
Old Theater in St Jerome: for sale for $765,000 (they already refused a $500,000 offer, however, we aren't sure if it is worth more than that yet)
We can’t find a large enough place, in the general vicinity of downtown for under $750,000… not including renovations.
Most places are for sale for well over a million.
Though it may be possible to raise the $$, do we want to invest that kind of effort to find $$ right now? Or do we want to continue investing in people?
Do we build?
We have enough resources to build something that may not give us much time to grow. Again, do we want to invest our limited resources in something that may possibly be too small in a couple of years?
We aren’t saying “no” to any of these options. I’m simply asking you to pray for us as we pray and look.
Ever wonder if that $10, $50, $100/month actually does anything? Since WWII, thousands of missionaries have left family and language to make a home in places like S. America, Africa, and East-Asia.
These two images* confirm the fruit of their radical sacrifices for Jesus… and point us toward the coming fruit of current ambassadors for Jesus Christ scattered across the globe:
Each blue dot represents 50,000 Evangelicals
Each blue dot represents 50,000 Evangelicals
And here are the two photos layered one on top of the other… take a minute and breathe in the radical changes in S. America, Africa, China, and S. Korea:
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QUESTION: Is every blue dot 100% accurate?
ANSWER: I’m sure many of the blue dots, as individuals, are the subject of much debate. No one, however, can question the overall explosion… especially the movement of the center of evangelicalism from Europe and N. America to S. America, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia.
QUESTION: Do all of these dots have a true comprehension of the “evangile” (gospel), or are there other aberrant movements and theologies mixed in?
ANSWER: Many different radically pentecostal and prosperity-oriented theologies are most likely somewhat mixed into these results. However, again, one cannot deny the overall movement taking place. For more info, check out the Mission, Vision, and Ethos of Operation World.
We’re back at it in St Jérôme, here are a few things going on:
After a full summer, including 2 weeks at World Venture Headquarters and vacation time as a family, we’re back in the swing of things here in St Jérôme. We’re looking forward to speaking at the Momentum Conference in two weeks in Gatineau, Missions-Fest Montréal in November, continued involvement in church-planting Province-Wide, as well as preaching through the Gospel according to John this year.
Building update: no clear response yet from the owners… they are taking their time (God has it all under control) Support update: we’re still several hundred dollars behind each month, but God is providing… month to month.
Monday, my friend Ed drove up from Albany to talk to a bunch of dudes passionate about church planting in Québec. His talks were incredible. The first touched gospel and culture. The second explained the motivation and theology behind the Acts 29 network.
As us guys discussed, Martine and Diane hung out elsewhere. At the end of the day, everyone was encouraged.
One quote from the first talk:
Our Gospel must encourage the church to live differently and to reach out to the community around us. We must faithfully preach and teach the Scriptures and then as people go out into the community. Living out our faith in tangible ways will undergird our voice to speak into the community and speak of issues of faith.
Last Sunday after the morning service, at Ecclésia St-Jérôme (our church plant), we voted in three things:
the Constitution,
Le règlement numéro 1 (a legal document with the province of Québec),
the annual budget.
What does this mean?
We are a legal, functioning church in the eyes of the Province.
We are financially autonomous for the first time! This means that all expenses, including Jacob’s salary are 100% paid for by the church with no outside financial help to do it… (though our salary is not included in this).
Here are some photos of the occasion so you can praise God together with us!
A few quotes:
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