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December 25, 2007 by Pastor Jon.
God created Adam and Eve to rule over the garden and to walk closely with Him in the cool of the day. Of course we know that Adam and Eve sinned and all that changed. Man could no longer walk with God. However, God had a plan, a plan of restoration and a plan of redemption. Over two thousand years ago, God knew it was time to put that plan into action. God sent an angel to visit a young virgin named Mary to tell her of an incredible story.
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1: 26-33 (NIV)
The birth of Jesus was just that- it was a birthing. It was the start of God restoring His relationship with His creation. This restoration would require a sacrifice, the sacrifice of God’s own son. Jesus’ body would be broken that we might be whole. His blood would be shed that by the grace of God we would be forgiven of our sins and once again we could stand before God with confidence and walk with Him in the cool of the day.
We are in a birthing process with Redeemer’s Way. It too will require sacrifice, but God has so much more for us as we share with others God’s redemption. We are part of God’s plan of redemption. The cities of Locust Grove, Jenkinsburg, Jackson, and McDonough are filled with the hurting. God is calling Redeemer’s Way to share His love and redemption with them. This is big task, but we serve a mighty God.
Plant Update
Janice and I are excited about what God has called us to do. Each week God reveals more and more about His vision. We feel strongly that January will be the start of a new phase. We will begin holding our team meetings next month. We are still working out the details of where to meet, so we will keep you updated. Please let Janice and I know if you would be willing to open your home or know somewhere we could hold regular meetings.
Chaplain Update
Janice and I finally met with the Locust Grove Mayor and City Council. Since the council had requested to meet with us during a closed session, we were very nervous. I just knew they were going to grill me with questions. I felt like I had to go for a job interview.
I stood beside Police Chief Patton as he introduced me to the council. I was surprised (and relieved) when the Mayor spoke up and said how excited and thankful she was that I was taking on this role. Whew!!! All of the council was very positive. Early in our prayer drives through the city, God had spoken that there were walls in Locust Grove that needed to come down. It is so wonderful to see our Mighty Lord tearing down the walls and opening doors in confirmation of the Redeemer’s Way Church plant.
I will be meeting all of the officers in January, and will start my certification training in February. Please keep me in your prayers as I develop the Locust Grove PD Chaplaincy from the ground up.
Conclusion
Janice and I are encouraged by the support of our team members, intercessors, and friends. You give us more strength than you will ever know. God has big plans for Redeemer’s Way and the time for the launch is growing close. We are truly embarking on a Grand Adventure.
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