Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Taking Toronto- KACC GO! Team

The trip is just past the halfway mark, and we are brimming with information, insight, challenge and blessing here in Toronto.
Our time with the Churchill Meadow Church has been remarkable. This is a congregation begun 10 years ago in the home of Jim and Claudia Tune. They had been meeting in schools as they purchased property toward an edge of the city of Mississauga. In fact, in 2006, Shane Womack (KACC senior pastor) and I stood in that empty field with Jim and Claudia and prayed for God to demonstrate his power and direction for this group as they desired to build a facility that would move God's kingdom work forward. Two months ago the church moved into its new campus on this site, and they are going full throttle, trying to "lay down track in front of a moving train," as Jim put it. I'm blessed that KACC has partnered with this work and is able to contribute in multiple ways to its development and success.

We've been on the move the last few days as well. We're working daily to place door hangers announcing upcoming events in adjacent communities to the church.
The last two days we've hung more than 1,000 flyers, and been able to speak with people along the way. We met with a group of Christian Church pastors yesterday, and were challenged in hearing their stories of struggle and success in their communities. Of the eight men present, five were NOT Canadian-born! So much diversity and opportunity here.

Today we visited a local mosque, where Edmund (CMCC's admin pastor) has a good relationship with a young imam, Munir. He was extremely gracious as he shared the tenets of Islam with us, fed us and tried to make us feel a bit more comfortable than we may have appeared at first. As our conversation progressed, we were able to ask more pointed questions, clarify differences (as well as similarities), and share the Gospel with him. He seemed surprised at some of the things we did and didn't believe, and was vulnerable enough to tell us when he didn't have answers to certain questions. We ended on a positive note, as we encouraged him to seek truth (and he us). And I got his email address, so I can keep in touch...which I will!

There's a spiritual battle taking place in this great nation, something greater than we realize. Our brothers and sisters need our prayers, our partnership and our willingness to step out and become part of the battle in some measurable way. Peoples' lives hang in the balance and we have opportunity to come alongside those committed here and stand with them in the fight. Will you pray for Impact Canada (www.impactcanada.org), for the Churchill Meadows church, for the Tunes and other workers here? Will you consider coming on a short-term trip to serve and encouage those who live out this challenge each day? And will you commit to becoming more of a world Christian, looking beyond your own yard to the harvest field before you?

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest!'" -Jesus

2 comments:

Phyllis said...

I am so proud of the Tunes! I am always in awe of the mighty arm of the Lord! In him we can do anything, no matter what the odds of failing may appear to be. There are eternal seeds being planted in the searching hearts of the Canadian people and people of have melted in with them for all over the world. That is an awesome feat to accomplish and I know that God is dancing around you and showering you with many more blessings. It makes me smile when I think of serving God. Thank you Jim and Claudia and thank you Kacc Go Teams and all the many hands of the kingdom committed to the cause of giving people who have no hope ...the hope and love of Jesus!
God Bless you all in the riches of His grace!!!!

annaliz_24 said...

Great article. Having had the opportunity to be a member of CMCC since October 2001, it is a privilige and honor to serve God and the church. Having heard Jim and Claudia's vision 10 years ago, it is truly amazing how God has guided and directed them along this journey. Greater things are yet to come in this city!!
Blessings to you and your congregation.