Missionary Funding

I am in Georgia this week attending an annual event to raise money for missions. It is part of the Assembly of God world missions' focus and they are amazingly productive in motivating churches and individuals to support missions with their offerings.

Tr-County Assembly (TCA) and Lead Pastor Brad Rosenberg are leading the pack of churches in annual giving. Pastor Brad is following in the footsteps with his father and founding Pastor Hugh Rosenberg as a trend setter in reaching the world with the good news of Christ's victory over death.

I am very impressed with the AG fervor and balance in local, national and world evangelism. they are able to continue in the tradition of an Evangelical emphasis on God's word, their own traditions of operating in the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the biblical emphasis on social and practical works in the community. And, they have a lot of fun. The joy of the Lord is definitely part of their character. Even in the midst of a genuine interest in people being saved and healed they are enjoying the blessings of salvation.

I am also learning about giving. The generosity of the AG people and their churches is astounding. The believe in supporting their missionaries and the put their money where their mouth is. The live out their convictions and that is more than I can say for many denominations.

I hope I can learn how to be more generous and how to challenge Christians to give with a cheerful heart to spread the gospel far and wide.

Spiritual Growth and Missions

Dr. Richard Kidd just returned from a short term mission trip in New York City with 26 students from Regent University. The post can be found on my new blog Spiritual Healing and Growth.

Muslim Finds Christ

The Wall Street Journal has a terrific story about a young man who opened his heart to Jesus Christ after he saw His love, grace and forgiveness.

The WSJ describes it this way in a "must read story". Mosab is the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founder and leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. Throughout the last decade, from the second Intifada to the current stalemate, he worked alongside his father in the West Bank. During that time the younger Mr. Yousef also secretly embraced Christianity. And as he reveals in his book "Son of Hamas," out this week, he became one of the top spies for Israel's internal security arm, the Shin Bet.

If that isn't enough to peak you interest I can't imagine what is.

Mosab also says that all Muslims need to be liberated from a god of murder, cruelty and revenge and find the true God of love, hope and mercy. WOW! These are strong words. The man holding a sign that calls for beheading anyone that insults Islam must be longing for a chance to kill this your believer in Christ.

Call to Action: Pray for Muslims to experience dreams and visions of Christ and come to faith in Him.

Mentors, Coaches, Counselors and Disciple Makers

Authors Steve Griebling and Gary Sweeten

What is the difference among all these titles? According to the "Myth of the Expert" there is a lot of difference. However, according to research on influence and change over the past fifty years there is little difference.

On the side is a book Steve Griebling and I authored several years ago. I like most of the title but not all of it. I chose the title so I can't blame anyone else. I placed too much focus on that famous character in history Humpty Dumpty, who desperately and unsuccessfully needed healing.

The title works in some ways because Steve and I wanted Helpers, friends and therapists Peer and Professional that not even Humpty was hopeless. We also wanted to let compassionate, merciful people know that it is not necessary to be an expert to be helpful to people who need spiritual and emotional healing, growth and discovery.

The contents of our book focuses primarily on the relational aspects of facilitating positive changes. We do that because both Steve and I have been deeply involved as change agents. Both of us are Clinical Counselors with decades of experience as therapists in hospital and out patient settings. We worked with people with severed addictions, clinical depression, anxiety attacks, Bi-Polar issues as well as psychosis and other categories of diagnosis.

We both have also worked in church settings to recruit, train, organize and release Peer Helpers. These lay men and women served in diverse settings such as Pastoral Care, home visitations, support and recovery groups, Deacons and psycho-education prevention like premarital preparation. We also trained Bible teachers, evangelism visitors, managers, small group leaders and chaplains.

In all these settings we scoured research studies to see what was the most effective way to train Peers and Professionals to be the most effective Helpers. The answer is in our book. I will preview the answers in future posts.

How Can Christians Reach Our Neighbors?

For years we have heard about a lot of fancy and complicated ways to win people to Christ. The Four Spiritual Laws are famous as is the phrase used by Dr. James Kennedy to share with Seniors in his Florida community. "If you died tonight what would you say to God to get into heaven?"

The following story is a very interesting approach to witnessing. And, the real work is done from home. PRAYER! Prayer? Yep, prayer.

How is that done? Read this article.

TYPICALLY GOD: Prayer creates openness for gospel

The pastor of a Christian church in Phoenix, Arizona, asked the members of
his church to randomly choose 80 people from the telephone book. He then
asked them to pray for each of the 80 names every day for 90 days. At the
same time, he asked them to choose another 80 names from the telephone book
who were simply laid aside, and nobody prayed for the people. After 90 days, church members called all 160 people and asked them whether they would allow Christians to visit them to pray for them.

"The amazing result," says Alvin Vander Griend, was this: only one person on the list of people who did not receive prayer was prepared to allow Christians to visit, whereas 69 of the 80 people for whom the church members prayed were open to allow Christians to visit. 45 even invited them into their house, offered coffee and named special prayer requests. Prayer was clearly the decisive factor causing these people to open their houses for personal prayer," he says.

Source: Mission America, www.lighthousemovement.com

Why not try it? God might show up.

African Hope

Many of us have prayed for Africa and sent money to support the ministries there. The American government has sent trillions of dollars to help Africa. How has it worked?

My good friends just returned from a ministry trip to Africa. They are deeply compassionate people and spend money and time giving themselves to help people in need. They returned beaming with warm remembrances of the people but faces lined with worry about the future of Africa.

According to my them, there are Non-Governmental Organizations on every corner. Most of them are dispensing money, medical services, advice and comfort to the people. They and Government Groups have been doing this for several centuries yet the situation is unimproved and even worse. Why?

It reasons are simple. The top leaders are corrupt. They despise their own people and see that as long as the people are poor, sick and traumatized the western nations will send them money. So, it pays to have sick, miserable people.

Take a look at this web site for some insights about what will help Africa.

Etics in Business?

My friend Michael McLelan has been sending me some great articles from blogs about ethics in business. Earlier today Michael passed this one from Forbes Magazine along to me. I think you will find it interesting.

Michael G. McLelan

Senior Vice President, Business Markets
PowerNet Global Communications

800-319-0075 office

www.pngcom.com

PNG is a great company in Cincinnati. They work and live in a very ethical manner.

Gary Sweeten

Those Controversial Gifts of God

I am of the conviction that those who fail to exercise their God given spiritual gifts will get spiritually, emotionally and physically sick. Not as a punishment from God but as result of failing to fully utilize the spiritual energy that resides within them.

It is a mystery to me why so few ministers, ministries and churches teach about or encourage their people to discover and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

It is clear that the Bible teaches that every Christian has the Holy Spirit within them and that every Christian has spiritual gifts, yet George Barna, who is a top researcher on all things religious, has a report out on the confusion of Christians about the gifts. Here are a few of his conclusions.

Awareness of spiritual gifts was most common among self-described Christians who live in the South (75%) and West (71%), and least common among those living in the Midwest (63%) and Northeast (58%).

Such awareness also varied within the various segments of the self-described Christian population. For instance, 99% of evangelicals have heard of spiritual gifts, far more than the 74% among non-evangelical born again Christians and 58% among notional Christians. Similarly, there was a large gap between Protestants (75%) and Catholics (54%) in awareness.

Even within the Protestant community there was a noteworthy gap between those who attend a mainline church (68% awareness) and those who attend a Protestant congregation not associated with a mainline denomination (78%).

What do you think about the gifts? Do you believe in the gifts as outlined in I CO 12? Hit the comment button and let it fly.

Gary Sweeten

Small Groups that are Missional

Although many people are using the term missional almost as often as they say, "LIKE" or "You Know" I don't find many who understand the term at all. It has become a buzz word and used to replace Post Modern.

Here is what a church can do to become missional. Remember the basics of the good news and preach Christ resurrected from the grave. Also remember that almost everyone who comes to Christ does so through a family member of friend. Few come in big meetings or evangelistic events.

Campus groups have been remarkably successful in sharing the gospel among high school and college students. I cannot count the number of adults who Committed their lives to Christ through a fellow student from IV, Campus Crusade, Navigators, Young Life, etc.

One reason is that the groups are focused on reaching out to friends. That is a very successful strategy. Intentional outreach is much more successful than accidental outreach.

Every group needs to have an outreach. Later I will lay out the ways to design groups for maximum impact.

Gary Sweeten

www.sweetenlife.com

Lowering Costs of Doing Ministry

Embrace the World
Because the economy has been powering along like a Bull for the last eight years, Christian ministries have been growing like weeds and spending a lot of money to achieve their goals. Now, the Bear Market has changed all that. There is a great article about this issue in the Out of Ur Blog of Christianity Today.



No one knows how long this recession will last or how far the economy will slip, but this may serve as a wakeup call to an American church that has built its missional strategy on the assumption of affluence. If the downturn is protracted, it may cause churches to reevaluate their philosophy of ministry. If those delayed plans to build a larger facility or hire new staff members cannot be taken off the self in two, three, or five years because of the economy, will we be forced to think more creatively about advancing God's mission?
Neil Cole, in an interview in the latest issue of Leadership, said his research concluded that, using traditional church planting methods—hiring staff and building facilities—it would cost $80 billion to reach the city of Atlanta with the gospel. Even in a robust economy, that number is prohibitively large. Perhaps it's time for American church leaders to begin learning from pastors in the developing world who have few resources but where the gospel is spreading nonetheless.

Tom Sine, author of The New Conspirators, has also spoken about the danger of predicating our ministry model on the automobile. Megachurches in particular have flourished by drawing attenders from a wide geographic area. But if average fuel prices rise high enough, we may see driving habits shift as people become more reluctant to commute multiple times a week to a church facility. Economic realities may accelerate the already perceptible trend toward decentralized ministry.
Faith should protect us from the fear seizing many in these uncertain times, but faith should also lead us to greater creativity and an ever increasing trust in God to continue his mission even as resources disappear.


What do you think about this? Are these guys right or can we and should we continue spending so much to achieve so little?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sweeten Life has always operated with very low overhead. We get a lot accomplished with a small investment. We do it because we multiply the resources through discipleship and equipping leaders. We have very few large group meetings but rather follow the example and teaching of Jesus.

We can certainly use your financial support this year.

Sweeten Life Systems

P.O. Box 498455

Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

Gary's Cell: 513-300-5065

The Greatest is Love

The Wall Street Journal, my favorite paper, has another great article in its online version. The article focuses on happiness and economic well being. They ask the question: "Does riches make us happier?" They say, in part<

It doesn't have a place in accounting students' spreadsheets or future venture capitalists' portfolios. But at business schools on both sides of the Atlantic, professors are increasingly studying and teaching about an intangible they say is nonetheless a key part of the modern bottom line -- happiness.

Economists, psychologists, sociologists and others trying to untangle the relationship between wealth and emotional well-being have found a home in business schools in the U.S. and Britain. They say the schools, more interdisciplinary and open-minded than many other parts of academe, are the perfect place to examine that connection.

Read the rest of the Journal to get to the meat of the question. But first, what do you think?

Gary Sweeten

http://www.sweetenlife.com/

A Pillar of International Missions

Go into all the world and make disciples!

One of my favorite Seasoned Believers is Donna Thomas. She and husband Charles founded a concept that has revolutionized world missions. Their idea was to partner with local ministers and Christian leaders in various nations and support them with funds, education, love and friendship. It worked then and it works now. They called it, "Project Partners" because they partner with nationals as equals.

The idea that Western Ministries ought to develop friendships with national Pastors and support their indigenous ways to evangelizing and church growth is revolutionary. It has led to some of the fastest growing and healthiest groups I know in India, China and Mexico. They are planting thousands of churches and equipping multiplied thousands of "Barefoot Pastors" to evangelize and disciple the new converts.

I received a memo from Donna and I want to share her need with you. Please pray for her trip to visit Samuel Stevens and The India Gospel League, one of the dynamic ministries she and Chuck founded years ago.
Dear Gary,

I am leaving for India October 29th to attend Samuel’s son’s wedding and also to lead, teach, train, etc. in various meetings there. I will leave India on the 11th of November and arrive home on the 12th.

On a trip like this I need prayer partners that will stand with me that I may be useful to the Lord in all circumstances. If you would be a prayer partner with me, please ... let me know.

Blessings,
Donna S. Thomas
3560 Towne Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
317-876-9884
http://www.cvministries.org/

Click on Donna's web site and buy one of her books. She is a great writer and speaker.

Gary Sweeten
http://www.sweetenlife.com/

Russian Economy

Gary and Galina near Moscow

When I talk about my trip to Russia I am often greeted by Americans and Europeans who say, "Their economy is really great. It isn't in trouble like ours is it?" This is dead wrong. How in the world can we in the West assume that the Russian economy is in great shape?

Maybe because what we read in the papers and hear on TV. They usually report how much money the Russian government is taking in through their oil and gas revenues and assume, wrongly, that the citizens of Russia are benefitting greatly from the billions controlled by The Kremlin.

Remember that Russia is not a Democratic Republic built on Capitalism. Most of the Russian people live from hand to mouth and have to work two or three jobs to pay rent and eat. Even those with high jobs in the military, police, government and medicine must try to eke out a better living by using their cars as a taxi or taking bribes.

Bribes are everywhere. Ikea was not able to open their store in Moscow for eight years because they refused to pay a large bribe. It is often impossible to find an office space or run a business unless you pay bribes.

Our taxi was stopped one day and the driver had to pay a $40.00 fine ON THE SPOT to the officer. That is a huge fine to a taxi driver and much more than he would make by driving us and more than the officer can make in his salary. As they say, "We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us".

Prices in Moscow are sky high but the people make very little. The Kremlin is rich in oil revenues but the common citizen gets little or none of it. A few thousand oligarchs get it all. This is one reason why so many churches can only exist if they get support from Western friends.

Pray for our Russian friends. They are doing a great job of spreading the good news to thousands. They are loyal Russians who love their country and are not trying to change it. They are far too busy trying to survive to get involved in politics.
Gary Sweeten

http://www.sweetenlife.com/

I'm Home

My rented three room flat in Moscow with a stove from the Forties. It is "worth" about $300,000.00 to buy.

I arrived safely in Cincinnati after a long but uneventful flight from Copenhagen to Paris to Northern Ky. Flying is glamorous! It is so wonderful to have people in blue uniforms and white surgical gloves do a full body search of your entire person while you stand spread eagle with no shoes or self respect in front of hundreds of adoring international visitors.


The lines and rules get more ridiculous all the time, to say nothing of the increased cost to the paying public. But I thank God for America. Despite the frenzied reactions to every failure in life by overanxious officials we are still a great place to live. But, the "government first" folks will soon turn us into a smaller version of Socialist Europe if we are not careful. They will take the money from those who work and give it to those who don't.

Our European and Russian friends are terrific and are doing great things for God. Revival and Reformation are needed there and God is blessing them individually but few churches are growing. Keep them in your prayers for Christians in Europe remain America's friends despite the rantings of many of their leaders.

We are, however, so wealthy and have life so good here even after the money crises. We are blessed and I am thankful to be home.

We are moving. With another new grand baby we need a bit more room. We have bought a condo in Mason with a basement. Now those beautiful kids will actually have a bed to sleep in. Go to my daughter's blog to see the photos. http://hookedonhouses.net/

Gary Sweeten
http://www.sweetenlife.com/

Give and It Shall Be Given Unto You

Recent research sponsored by the AARP on the value and commonality of volunteer service among Seasoned Citizens, especially Boomers, indicates some interesting results.

The research found that:
1. Fifty-five percent of Americans in the 44 to 79 age group believe they will leave the world in worse condition than they inherited it, while only 20 percent believe they are leaving the world in better condition. Those most actively engaged in volunteering feel less pessimistic.

2. Fifty-two percent of older Americans said their desire to “help people in need” was a very important motivational factor in their volunteering. Forty-eight percent said the desire to “stay healthy and active” was a primary motivator.

3. The rate of volunteering is highest among those who attend religious services regularly (86 percent); college graduates (85 percent); professionals (84 percent); those with annual incomes over $75,000 (83 percent); and evangelical Christians (80 percent).

4. Eighty-three percent of Republicans said they volunteered for an organization in the last year, while only 67 percent of Democrats said the same. Sixty-nine of those who identified as independents said they volunteered in the past year.

5. Baby Boomers, those born from 1946 to 1964, were most likely to increase their volunteer hours, according to the survey.

Those who volunteer live longer, stronger and more joyful lives!

Pray for Christians in Indonesia

It is frightening for Christians in Asia to see the rising attacks against them and their children. Historically places like Indonesia have been rather tolerant about minority groups such as Christians. Recently however, hate filled groups in that largest Muslim nation in the world have become filled with rage and threats.

A recent story on Fox News tells how the students and teachers in one school have been forced to leave the school grounds because of threats of violence.

Several years ago I was in Singapore to teach. At the Hotel Asia where I stayed I met a man of about fifty at breakfast and we chatted for awhile. I assumed he was a Muslim but in a very short while he said, "I saw you praying over your food and decided to come over to talk. I am a Christian and want to have some fellowship while I am in Singapore."

He related how a group of vigilante Muslims had attacked his home kampung or village and he and the others had barely escaped into the jungle. According to this man it was getting more dangerous by the day for children to attend Christian schools and go to church buildings. He asked for our prayers.

The rising intimidation of radical Muslims around the world is also affecting Western nations. Muslims are scaring many leaders into submission in Europe and allowing them to get away with crimes of intimidation against lapsed Muslims and other "infidels".

Pray for these Muslims to meet Christ and follow the Prince of Peace rather than Mohamed the Warrior.

Veritas

ePistle is an interesting Christian e magazine has the story of Russian novelist, former dissident, man of God, Alexander Solzhenitsyn who died earlier this month. In memory of his rich, embattled, courageous life, we direct you to the text of a speech he delivered at Harvard University on June 8, 1978.
“I am sincerely happy to be here with you on this occasion and to become personally acquainted with this old and most prestigious University. My congratulations and very best wishes to all of today’s graduates.
“Harvard’s motto is ‘Veritas.’ Many of you have already found out and others will find out in the course of their lives that truth eludes us if we do not concentrate with total attention on its pursuit. And even while it eludes us, the illusion still lingers of knowing it and leads to many misunderstandings. Also, truth is seldom pleasant; it is almost invariably bitter. There is some bitterness in my speech today, too. But I want to stress that it comes not from an adversary but from a friend.

“Three years ago in the United States I said certain things which at that time appeared unacceptable. Today, however, many people agree with what I then said..."

This man tried very heard to bring the truth to the USSR and to the USA. It appears that the current leaders of Russia are resorting to the tactics used by the KGB in the former Soviet Union and returning to their violent ways.

Pray for the Believers in Russia.

Go to ePistle to read the entire story.