Only 6 days to go for the class on the Kingdom. Many people think that the time is ripe for a class like this…living out our faith as a lifestyle rather than an event or program. A Study on Living in God’s Dominion… for more info about the class. There’s an attachment on my enews that you won’t want to miss. Currently, the class is Free onsite and online but you need to RSVP by 1/18.
The next 10/40 Window is just around the corner…look around
A few days ago, my wife and I had a lunch with a long-time friend. He is fired up for the Lord, which brought him to the Army and was deployed in Afghanistan in the past. During our conversation, he mentioned about the mortality of the soldiers in the battlefield, which keeps them prepared at all times. He also mentioned that the first three months and the last three months of deployment have the most casualties in the troops. They learn that complacency kills; apathy is not tolerated in the war zone.
We have heard a saying that when you become a Christian, you are automatically drafted in the army of God. In a sense, we are in a war zone all the time. Jesus said in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Jesus was actively engaged in the Kingdom expansion. He knows the urgency of preaching, teaching, discipleship and to bring the tangible love of God. He models how a Christian should live their lives. He was in tune spiritually with God and He also knows how to reach out to the world. He operated in the spiritual and in the physical realm simultaneously.
My passion for the Kingdom of God to be tangible in our own lives propelled me to write the book, The Kingdom in Our Midst. Here’s an excerpt from the book: “The next 10/40 window is not hard to reach—it’s the absence of passion in the Christian world that prevents the Gospel from reaching our own backyards. This 10/40 window could empower governments to formally or informally prohibit Christian teachings. The next 10/40 will be marked by the apathy of Christians. Physically, it is right here in our own backyard. Our cities are waiting for the concerted action of Christians to take the land.”
I wrote a few pages on the topic – “The 10/40 Window in our own backyard”, how we got there, where we are heading if our conformity and apathy continue and what can we do now to reverse the trend. We will start a discussion on this topic soon at my website. You can order my book by calling 317-578-3370, email [email protected] or online www.merlingonzales.com Free S/H if you order before Dec. 15.
God bless you,
PS/ Remind others that complacency can have a sudden and long-term effect for individuals and for a city. Don’t get caught with your guard down. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Saturday, July 28th started with working with the Ch 8 Religion in the News Staff at the There’s Hope Project. We did some painting and cleaning the surrounding areas around the trailer home. Later, our carpenter came to finish the flooring in 2 rooms with brand new linoleum.
My next and last stop for the day was at the Honoring Hometown Heroes at the Falls Park in Pendleton, In. This event has been planned in February this. Incidentally, the day before, there was a shooting in Pendleton that claimed 2 lives, a Anderson Policeman shot in the leg and a Pendleton Policeman. It was a timely event although a tragic incident happen. The Pendleton/Anderson area leaders worked hard to provide the First Responders (Policemen, Firemen & Emergency Personnel) a day with gifts for them and their family members, food, music and kids activities. My day ended with attending a wedding ceremony and a concert at The Prairie.
You may be wondering why there’s a “+” sign added to the Title of this Blog. It is because there were 2 more projects today, Sunday, the 29th. After visiting a participating church in Martindale-Brightwood area, I visited the Food Collection with Concert at Noodles & Co. at the Midtown area. Later, I supported the Play, “The Point” at Trinity Baptist.
It’s been an eventful week and so many blessings, it’s hard to record everything. In the coming days, I will be writing a Blog regarding the entire FHL Week 2012.
St. Paul United Methodist at Martindale-Brightwood was my first stop. The Pastor of the church just started 2 weeks ago and he was very happy to host the day. Several churches and ministries were present such as Impact Movement, Habitat for Humanity and Youth/Children Ministries.
I had a chance to call back our Pendleton/Anderson Area Coordinator, Facundo Cortez. He reported that there was shooting in Pendleton that involved an Anderson and Pendleton Policemen. It was a tragic event that took 2 lives and a K9 police dog. The “Honoring Hometown Heroes” today at 11am, Saturday, July 28th is expected to draw more media because of the incident.
I have been following the progress of “There’s Hope” project and they are coming along very well with the installation of siding on the garage. It’s humbling to see that I am a part of a task that could change the perspectives of a family through the practical expression of God’s love for them.
My next stop was at the Storehouse Ministries where they already constructed several movable shelving for future growth. You can hear the live conversation with Paula, this ministry’s leader.
On my way to the Living Water Project in Franklin, the much needed rain poured down. It has been so hot and dry in Central Indiana that the down pour was appreciated by everyone. At this homeless ministry, I was given a tour of the progress of the project. They have already installed the cabinets that were donated to them late last week.
I received a report from our West side Area that the Firemen Outreach went well. They gave them gifts and thanked them for their services. Lastly, our Martinsville area had their evangelistic concert, Ignite and reached the local neighborhoods for Christ.
This has been an eventful day! What we do matters and can impact people’s lives.
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