God's work and our work:
Bringing gospel-renewal to the world
When you watch CNN, Fox News, or whatever news source you regularly turn to, how do you feel once you’ve clicked the “off” button? Hopeful? Encouraged? Thankful? Reassured? Or do you feel enraged? Fearful? Tense? Pessimistic?
Sometimes we let the fear of losing our liberties, our personal well-being, and a prosperous future get the best of us and we look to political solutions for the answers. And no doubt, it matters who pulls the levers of power in public office; from our city planning commissions to the highest office in the land and everyone in between. As Christians, we express love to God and our neighbor by pursuing that which is good, beautiful, just, and true, so how we engage as political citizens ought to reflect that reality.
At the same time, however, we must remember that, “the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1). In other words, God is providentially working out his purposes in and through those he has placed in public office. This is why the Christian’s political philosophy can be most succinctly summarized in three simple words: “The Lord reigns.”
Go d’s providence in government ought not to lead us to passive withdrawal. Instead, it ought to nudge us into faithful action. The God who ordains the ends ordains the means. And the some of the means by which he works out his purposes are by his people praying for those who govern them, serving in public office, and ministering to our elected leaders.
You may not be able to persuade your representatives to pursue justice and righteousness, but you can pray.
You may not be able to serve in office, but you can vote.
You may not be able to directly bring the gospel to those serving in elected leadership, but you can send missionary-ministers to them.
As you consider your role as citizen of two kingdoms, ask God to reveal to you what your role might be in seeking the welfare of your city, state, and nation. Then step out in faith with your time, resources, giftedness, and mind to live in ways that glorify God and serve your neighbor.
And most importantly remember that our hope is not in who occupies the seat of power or in what policies pass and fail. Our hope ultimately lies in our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who promises us that “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
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Ministry is like agriculture
Support raising – like ministry – is much more akin to agriculture than industry. The farmer plants, waters, and tends to the crop, but the harvest happens in its own time. The experience of ministry is often the same: preaching, teaching, discipling, counseling. But the growth depends on God working in the heart of the person or church.
I’ve discovered that building a team of prayer and financial supporters works the same way. This summer, I’ve met and spoken with individuals who I think m ight be interested in helping to resource the work of MTS. I’ve spoken at numerous churches and presbyteries in four different states. I’ve met with pastors and missions committees. I’ve made enumerable phone calls and sent countless emails. And God has been faithful to bring in a harvest. Admittedly, it’s slow as is common during the summer months, but God has been gracious to bring more individuals and churches to support MTS – North Carolina. And I couldn’t be more thankful!
Still, I have around $3200 per month to raise before I am fully supported and can begin working at the capitol full-time.
If you aren’t doing so already, would you consider joining my prayer and financial support team? By becoming a prayer and financial supporter, you can take an active role in bringing gospel renewal to those entrusted with great public responsibility in our state.
You can learn how to support me and my work with MTS by clicking here.
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Where am I going? What am I doing?
I've been making my way to see individuals, churches, and presbyteries who are interested in supporting the work of MTS - North Carolina. Here is a look at my upcoming schedule:
August 25 – Presenting MTS at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Raleigh
September 7 – Presenting MTS to men's group at Adams Farm Community Church (ARP) in Greensboro
September 8 – Preaching at Back Creek Church (ARP) in Charlotte
September 8 – Presenting MTS to missions committee at Grace Church (PCA) in Harrisburg
September 15 – Presenting MTS to Grace Hill Church (ARP) in Hillsborough
October 20 – Preaching at Peace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Cary
November 24 – Preaching at First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Burlington
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Some new prayer requests
 Our financial situation as a family is incredibly tight at the moment. In God's providence, my consulting job came to an end in June when the church hired a new pastor and at about the same time, Melanie's work with Mission to North America slowed down to a trickle. We are truly struggling to make ends meet, so we're both looking for additional part-time work. Please pray that God will provide something for us quickly so that we can keep our head above water during this lean season.- On that note, pray that God will keep us from discouragement and stir in us an unusual trust that he will provide for all of our needs. As excited as Melanie and I are about Ministry to State and as well as support raising has gone, we do sometimes battle discouragement with the financial squeeze this season has brought upon us. Pray that God would causes us to diligently and sincerely pray, "give us this day our daily bread" and to trust him to provide for all of our needs.
- Pray for our kids as they start back to school on August 26. Sarah will be in seventh grade and Luke will be in third. Along with extra-curricular activities, school, and ordinary life, we want to care for them well and not neglect shepherding their hearts toward the Lord. Pray that God will help us to that end.
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KEEP UP TO DATE WITH
MTS NORTH CAROLINA
To learn more about MTS North Carolina, check out our website at mts-nc.org and our Facebook page at facebook.com/mtsnc.
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WHO ARE MY REPRESENTATIVES?
 Want to know who represent you in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Senate, or US Congress? Then check out this site from the North Carolina General Assembly. Find your representative and be sure to pray for him/her.
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