Autumn always stirs a new hope in me. Hope is the commodity of heaven, a kingdom gift to strengthen and encourage us.
I like what the apostle Peter said about hope in 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV).
Hope is a conversation starter—an evangelistic tool that can touch the most cynical hearts. Hope builds us up and equips us for the battle, giving us authority in the face of the impossible. Hope also builds others up, assuring them that they were created on purpose. When we revere and worship the Lord, we have hope, and we have answers.
As I write this during this Thanksgiving season, I am deeply moved by the tragic condition of our world. Refugee camps are overflowing, cities are being destroyed, governments are under assault; evil seems to be advancing. Now is the a time to pray more, give more, believe more and go more.
Foursquare Disaster Relief (FDR) and Foursquare Missions International (FMI) can provide many options for you to help others. At the first Thanksgiving, those who had resources shared with those in need. We stand at new thresholds of opportunity for sharing the hope and light of His kingdom. Please do whatever God prompts you to do so that people in despair can be inspired with hope. Visit Foursquare Disaster Relief and Foursquare Missions International for more information.
In addition, I ask that you join us in prayer for the following:
- Pray for relief and comfort for the millions of refugees displaced by war, disease and famine.
- Pray that world governments will have the courage to stand against injustice.
- Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Lord’s power.
- Pray that satanic strongholds will be torn down.
- Pray for the effective proclamation of the gospel throughout the world.
This is the reimagining of our movement: focusing, aligning and driving everything to mission. We must contend for God’s kingdom to advance and flood the earth with His grace, hope and forgiveness. Let’s not hesitate. Pray today, give today, get involved today!
Reimagine Journey Continuing
At Foursquare Connection 2014, we received overwhelming support to go forward with the Five Stakes:
- Aligning everything Foursquare to the Great Commission (our mission)
- Aligning the national church office and district offices to a catalytic culture
- Aligning 100 percent of the tithe to the field (local and district)
- Aligning Foursquare Foundation to resourcing and supporting the Foursquare mission
- Aligning polity to provide property options for local churches
Following convention, strategic leaders met in Tacoma, Wash., regarding implementation of the Five Stakes. At the end of June, the Foursquare board of directors met to consider the recommendations that resulted from the meeting in Tacoma. For further information, watch the videos from convention.
We anticipate that the Five Stakes task groups will present implementation strategies at cabinet in March 2015. Please pray that we hear God’s voice and obey His plan for us.
Planning for Foursquare Connection 2015 in Anaheim, Calif.
Now is the time to begin to make plans to attend. The theme for Connection 2015 is “Sent.” We are multiplying our efforts to reach the world for Christ. Our four urban focuses—Atlanta, Austin, Chicago and Detroit—have teams in place that are ready to reach lost and hurting people.
Globally, we are partnering with our extended Foursquare family to reach the world through intercession, missionary support, disaster relief, discipleship training, leadership development and intervention ministries. We want to engage our entire Foursquare family as believers who are “Sent.” I look forward to seeing you in Anaheim. Details will be mailed to Foursquare credentialed ministers in January. Go to the Connection website for more information.
FMI Christmas Offering 2014
I was so thrilled that last year’s FMI Christmas offering far exceeded expectations. To date, $132,134 has been given for the express purpose of caring for children. With over 131 Foursquare orphanages worldwide, we are caring for 6,500 children.
This year, we invite you to partner with FMI by giving in a way that reflects our heart for missions: Give a love offering to bless our FMI missionaries. Currently, there are 73 missionary kids serving with their parents on the mission field, and close to 100 FMI missionary families and individuals positioned worldwide to share the gospel.
This Christmas, let’s give them renewed hope as we give funds they can use to care for their families, their marriages and their personal needs. Visit the FMI Christmas Offering 2014 website to learn how your church can get involved in sending cards, emailing video greetings and giving to the FMI Christmas Fund. Be part of blessing our missionaries, who help to bring in the harvest!
New Foursquare Database
Our brand-new online data management system, The Foursquare Hub, will release in its first phase in Jan. 2015. This replacement for what was known as “Ezra” will allow the Foursquare family easier access to things such as a minister directory, applications, event registrations and monthly reporting.
This tool promises to provide much more flexibility and will soon include new features such as Spanish-language access. I am grateful for a team of workers and consultants who diligently labored to develop this system, customizing it to serve our unique needs and purposes.
In closing, I want to communicate the depth of my gratitude for being entrusted with serving as president for another five years. Favor is never to be taken for granted; it is directly from the Lord. The following passage aptly expresses my feelings for each of you:
“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph. 1:16-19, NIV).
To download this article in Spanish, click here. Para descargar este artículo en español, haga clic aquí.
