Published April 6, 2017
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Toledo, Ohio
Casey
Ministry Highlights
I formally announced and presented my second project to the church during our Missions Emphasis Month. I will be leading a team of seven healthcare providers from our church to Togo West Africa on a Medical Missions Project in October.
During Missions Emphasis Month, I got to interact with many of our missionaries that came in to present their ministry to our church. It was especially exciting to meet and greet Mike & Anna Cole over lunch, who are on their way to Togo as medical missionaries.
Over the past month I have had tremendous follow up to the talk that I gave to the surgery department at the hospital earlier this month. I have had many conversations that have opened the door to deeper spiritual conversations where the gospel had been shared.
Our small group continues to grow as we have added new couples to the mix.
Key Prayer Requests
For the planning and preparation for my Medical Missions Project.
For clarity with regard to future ministry after internship.
For effective gospel witness to family and neighbors while we are still here in Toledo.
Prominent Lessons
I learned that God’s Word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16). Even those who don’t know Him can live wisely according to His word. I was able to share biblical principles of communication to the surgery department at the hospital, that if applied will improve relationships and foster effective communication (Eph. 4:25-27, 29, 31-32). Of course, we need to address the matter of the heart because from the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34) so it is more helpful to teach the gospel that provides the opportunity to change that heart. I learned that teaching God’s Word to unbelievers should reveal to them their greatest need, a new heart. By showing them that God’s Word is significant for today and applicable to real life it is my hope that they also see their greater need. Better communication is necessary for relating to one another in a right way, but a new heart is necessary to properly relate to God as we should. Only He can do that work, we must be the faithful messengers of His truth.
In planning this medical missions trip I have already seen how God is moving to grow and stretch the members of my team as He answers prayer, opens doors for further ministry, and strengthens the team’s commitment and focus to partner and to serve other believers in reaching the world for Christ. I have been learning that, although leadership is tough, when God is on the move in the work that you are seeking to do for His glory there is a greater joy and encouragement that comes from seeing others catch a glimpse of His hand at work and His blessing on His servants.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Get to work on the preparations for my Medical Missions Project.
Get my passages and exegesis done for my Sermon Series Project.
Obtain the necessary CEU’s for re-certification of my professional license at two upcoming conferences.
Write my last project proposal.
Michelle
Ministry Highlights
A young lady from our church just asked me to disciple her. We have met two times so far and I am really excited about the opportunity.
I was asked to do another “Coffee & Canvas” for a mother/daughter ministry, which will take place in April. It involves teaching how to paint and sharing the gospel.
Our Soul Care group is growing and connecting well.
Our church just finished missions emphasis month – what a blessing! We hosted Mike and Anna Cole (missionaries to Togo), Casey gave a presentation on his medical missions trip to Togo happening in October, and we hosted Dr. Bob Cropsey for lunch and talked to him about Togo as well. Lots of talk about Togo going on this month – we will to see how God uses it in our future.
Key Prayer Requests
Pray for our future. What does God want us to do when Casey is done with his internship?
Pray for more discipleship opportunities through the Moms Matter group and Soul Care.
Pray for more opportunities to meet with our neighbors and for their salvation.
Prominent Lessons
I have a tendency to get stressed out with having people into our home when it involves dinner because I overthink the food and feel like I have to provide an amazing meal. Twice this month, we hosted people in our home for dinner and I was able to do it with ease and no stress because of what I have been learning from Ellen Snyder. She has shared many helpful tips in hospitality and having people into your home. So I was able to apply some of these tips and entertain with ease. It is important for me to remember that it is the fellowship that is most important and not the food. It can be something simple as long as I am hospitable and make them feel welcome and special.
The importance of being organized as a mom and wife with our home so that when ministry opportunities come up, I am prepared and have the time to do them.
Stepping out of my comfort zone has brought many blessings into my life. When I am willing to take chances and allow God to use me in ways I haven’t experienced before, I see much more potential for ministering to others.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Keep reaching out and encouraging the moms that attend Moms Matter.
Lots of prayer!
Have a family over for dinner.
Request Info
Visit
Apply Now
Give