Beyond...

As quickly as it seemed to come, so it has gone. Our time of missions emphasis, Beyond...9 days in March! is now history, but it has left an unmistakable impression in its wake. Our focus this year was that of prayer, real prayer especially on behalf of those with whom we partner throughout the world. And as we talked about prayer, learned about prayer, and had fresh opportunity for prayer, we were challenged to become more of a prayer-urgent people...something not easy for so many of us in our culture.

We had most of our 41 missionaries and missions organizations represented as they shared their stories with us, explained their unique ministries, and encouraged us to deepen our relationships and concern for them. Highlights included: a great breakfast on the 9th with valuable interaction with several missionaries, our Wednesday night Global Gathering (complete with the In-n-Out Burger truck!) and a special time of prayer for our global workers, a Friday Night at the Movies spectacular ("Inn of the Sixth Happiness," the story of China missionary Gladys Aylward) and our concluding weekend, complete with missionaries and their displays. It was especially good to have SP and Joy Daniel (from Hyderabad, India) with us again. They spoke at a number of venues, with Joy having a great chance to connect with our various women's Bible study groups.

We learned again of the needs of our brothers and sisters in so many places, and the privilege of partnership we share with them through prayer. Romans 15:30 is of particular importance to us now, as we read of Paul's challenge to the Roman church to join him in his struggle by praying for him. We may not ever make it to Austria, Kenya, Chile, Indonesia China, or any of the other places we support workers, but we can join these faithful ones in their work, their struggle, by praying for them. This way, we all have a part to play in getting the message of hope in Christ to a world in such desperate need.

The nine days were good, but our hope- really, our need- is to take what God has shown us and go beyond these nine days, allowing Him to shift and shape our lives and actions to reflect His global heart and purpose. Maybe John Piper said it best- "Go, send or disobey."

It's that simple, and we do well not to complicate it.

Beyond...9 Days in March!

It's almost here! That's right, the time of missions emphasis at our church gets set to kick off this weekend. Dubbed, Beyond...9 Days in March! this is a time for us to learn more about what God is doing around the corner and around the world, and just what that means to us. Our theme this year is A House of Prayer for all Nations (Isaiah 56:7), reminding us of our need to seek God in prayer for the fulfillment of His Great Commission.

There will be special events, activities and opportunities for us to become more connected with our growing global perspective. And one of the highlights will be the chance to rub shoulders with many of the 41 missionaries and missions organizations we support as a church. They'll be with us throughout the week, sharing what God is doing in and through them, giving us the bigger picture, and answering our questions.

Here's a thumbnail sketch of some of what will be taking place:

Saturday/Sunday, March 7/8-
- Kick-off weekend with great worship, visuals and message from Pastor Shane;
Monday, March 9-
- "Have a Missionary for Breakfast!"- a free super breakfast prepared and served in our Fellowship Hall (8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.), where our missionaries will join us, share with us and answer questions.
Tuesday, March 10-
- Our Young at Heart (10:00 a.m.), Women's (7:00 p.m.) and Men's (7:15 p.m.) Bible Studies will have missionary guest speakers.
Wednesday, March 11-
- We’ll host our annual All-Church Global Gathering under the pepper tree! At 5:30 pm, the In-N-Out truck will be here to serve a great burger dinner ($3 cost). Our 7:00 p.m. program will include a special performance by the International Children’s Choir of Long Beach, as well as introduction of, and prayer for our missionaries. Special focus will be given to our local workers.
Thursday, March 12-
- A special Women's Ministries meeting/brunch honoring our female missionaries. Begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends by noon. Joy Daniel of Hyderabad, India will be our guest speaker.
Friday, March 13-
- 7:00 p.m. Friday Night at the Movies, a time to share a great movie and snacks with family and friends. And it's all on us! (with childcare!)
Saturday /Sunday, March 14/15-
- Services with our missionaries or representatives present, along with their displays and information. So much to see and do!

In addition to these events:
- The lobby of the auditorium will be open each night from 9:00-11:00 for prayer. We’re encouraging our people to come at least once during the nine days, even for 15 minutes, to offer prayers for missionaries, as well as for the global situation.

Join us if you're in the area (315 S. Knott Ave., Anaheim, CA), and pray for us if you're not. This is a critical time for us as we seek to grow in our understanding of the partnership we have with God's global plan. Pray that God would open our hearts, challenge our lifestyles and bless our efforts. And that we would take what He shows us and go beyond these nine days...to a lifetime of service for those who have yet to know Him as Lord and Savior.