All posts tagged: fhlindy

The 10/40 Window in our own backyards

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I had mentioned in my previous Blog that I will be writing more about the origin of the 10/40 window in our midst. Here’s an excerpt from my book, The Kingdom in our Midst:

In 1990, Luis Bush coined the phrase “10/40 window,” which refers to the section of the world that is least reached by the Gospel. These regions have roughly two-thirds of the world’s population. Many governments in these countries formally or informally prohibit Christian teachings. Thus, the term “window” was used because of the window of opportunity to evangelize these countries.

According to Wikipedia, approximately 77% of the U.S. population was Christians in 2009, down from 86% in 1990. This should not surprise us since the U.S. has become too secularized in its approach to life. The country that has the motto “In God We Trust” on its currency is now divided in its approach to Christianity. If the trend continues at its current rate, Christians could be the minority in the decades to come. We may be looking at the next 10/40 window right in our own backyard.

My recent conversations with a few local Christian denominational leaders revealed that about 10%-20% of the congregations tithe and are active in the works of the church. This means that about 85% of Christians are church-goers (I heard someone referred to them as half-baked Christians or part-time Christians), but are not actively involved in sharing the Gospel and are not being discipled. In general, who are the Christians in this country? Do they reflect Christ in their lives? Can we easily distinguish a Christian in a crowd? Or is it getting harder and harder to identify them?

In my next Blog, I will share more excerpts from my book relating to the same topic with a view from the Old Testament.

PS/ You order my book at www.amazon.com www.createspace.com on the 12th OR you can pre order it now at www.merlingonzales.com

Merlin GonzalesThe 10/40 Window in our own backyards
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FHL Week 2012: Day 5

During FHL Week, office paperwork and reporting continue. My first stop for the day is at FHL office to catch up on US mail, voice mails and balance checkbook. I met with our Bookkeeper regarding accounting and paying bills. Of course, we also deposited several checks donated by our donors and partners.

While I was at the office, there were several youth and adults from Anderson who helped out in a Southside project including helping  at Midwest Food Bank. At the end of their day in Indy, they had de-briefing. Here’s what a Youth Leader has to say about their experience yesterday and today: Sarah wrote, “Sometimes you get to see the fruit of your labor before your eyes, and other times, you don’t know what God is doing, but when you look into a little childs eyes and tell them just how beautiful they are and that Jesus made them special, and you see them look deep into your soul with a plea for you to keep talking to them in the truth of Gods love, you cant help but to know that every moment we breath is a moment Gods love can be poured into someones life.  You know at that moment that the seeds you planted took root and the fruit will follow.

Next, I visited Storehouse Ministries who are continuing their clean ups in preparation for tomorrow’s shelving constructions. My last stop was to visit the There’s Hope project. They are coming along well with the flooring of 3 rooms, organizing the garage and started the painting of the outside of the house.

My day ended at the FHL office and later at my house to finish this Blog. Each day is different and brings blessings in unique way. God bless,

Merlin GonzalesFHL Week 2012: Day 5
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The Power of Unity: Day 2 of FHL Week 2012

FHL Week 2012

Although It was hard to get up this morning after a long and hot day yesterday, I got up with great expectations. Something about FHL Week that charge up the environment with positive and encouraging consciousness.

My wife Annie and I visited the Martindale-Brightwood area with mostly new FHL Week Partners. The morning started with worship and devotion at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. We were joined by the youth and their chaperones from Ohio and Illinois through our partnership with Week of Hope, Their projects were to refurbish the host church and cleaning up the surrounding neighborhood.

Here are the interviews at Martindale-Brightwood area: Part 1 and Part 2

Our next stop was in front of the Indianapolis Main Library to give away cold bottled water to the pedestrians and passers by. We found ourselves busy giving away cold water since many homeless go in the Library to cool down during a near 100 degree weather.

Our last stop was at a Nursing Home for Ice Cream Social in the West side of Indy. I met resident who just had her 100th birthday. It was a great outreach for the youth and for the older volunteers during the heat of the day.

On the way back home, I received amazing news from a few FHL areas: Pastor Tad of the Anderson/Pendelton area had a backpack outreach yesterday. They gave away 70 backpacks and 50 people accepted Jesus in their heart. Several pictures were sent to me by Shannon Suttles, our Area Coordinator in Martinsville during their 3 on 3 basketball tournament. it’s a way for them to bring the neighborhood youth. 20 kids ended up accepting the Lord!

Tonight, I spoke with Angie White, a recipient of services “There’s Hope” project. She reported that a large dumpster was delivered this morning,  volunteers worked on clearing tree branches at the front entrance of her driveway and Mr. Quick provided and installed 3 ceiling fans.

What a great day! Indeed, the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Merlin GonzalesThe Power of Unity: Day 2 of FHL Week 2012
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Westfield In Mayor on Kingdom of God

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Merlin GonzalesWestfield In Mayor on Kingdom of God
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Kingdom perspective from Police dept Chaplain

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Merlin GonzalesKingdom perspective from Police dept Chaplain
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