Apr 26, 2017
by Patti Wethington
SDB Church, White Cloud, MI
As the time is drawing near to General Conference 2017, I pray that your plans are being set to join us in California for an experience that will challenge you to think differently about what it really means to live a Life On Mission for Jesus. The plans are set and our hearts are being prepared for all that is to come and an opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives from now until we meet again. I have been impressed with the way God covers our every need and supplies strength in times of weakness.
This past month has been an interesting one with more transitions and challenges on the home front. Thank you to those who have been praying for my father who became very ill with this season’s upper respiratory bugs including Influenza B. I’m thankful he has survived the trial and is now recovering from a fractured hip at our local extended care rehabilitation center. One thing I know for sure is that God has a plan in all things and the opportunities were there, just as they are for you, to share the message of Jesus’ love through the journey we walk daily.
Last month I shared about Dustin Willis and Emily Klotz, who will join us in Azusa this summer. In addition to their contributions, two more exciting experiences are planned. Alan Briggs has become a friend to many in our church teams. He has been spreading the gospel in a very unique way as God has called him to ministry and outreach for local and international gospel purposes. He is a man of God, husband, father, pastor, coach, author, and creative influencer in the cause of Christ. The following snapshot tells a bit about his life and work. I’m thrilled that he is coming to share, listen, and give wisdom to those who lend an ear.
Alan Briggs is the Director of Frontline Church Planting, a network and equipping hub in Colorado. He is the Multiplying Pastor at Vanguard Church in Colorado Springs where he makes disciples and trains leaders to multiply. He is also the lead creative at Stay Forth Designs, a leadership development team that equips leaders for health and impact. His speaking and writing focus on equipping and unlocking the saints for effective ministry inside and outside the family of God. He has written two books: Staying is the New Going (2015) and Guardrails (2016), and his next book,
Everyone’s a Genius, to release in 2017. He and his wife, Julie, have four kids, two adopted and two biological, and are enjoying the process of growing roots. Their family focuses on building bridges to the lost, largely in the context of their neighborhood. He is passionate about equipping leaders and churches to multiply through relational, experiential and formal learning. He loves climbing, camping, grilling and connecting with his neighbors.
Finally, I included in our plans for this summer an opportunity to speak with some financial experts. They can offer encouragement to our pastors, leaders, and participants on how to make their financial plans improve and seek solutions for stability and future financial security. I met Fawn Immboden in what I consider a “divine appointment” with my cousin, who worked until retirement as a V.P. for finance with their agency. Their offices are in Glendora, CA, and when we met, Fawn shared a great vision of strength and support over our pastors and outreach workers. Interestingly, in her prayer she blessed me with calling God’s power and strength through Ephesians 3:20 that God could “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” — not knowing my connection to this verse. God is AmaZInG!
ETERNAL POSSIBILITIES — As a credit union rooted in the Christian faith, we exist to serve God and our nationwide communities. Explore the ways we can help you transform your life — today and tomorrow.
WHO WE SERVE — We are made up of a strong network of Christians all over the country looking to serve the Lord through the healthy management of finances. Individuals, ministries, and businesses are welcome.
I am praying daily that your plans include a trip to California this summer to visit Azusa, CA, and spend a week together with our team to Encounter God in a personal way; Equip yourself with new insights of ministry and outreach to touch lives for Jesus; and know that you are Empowered through the life-sustaining gift of Jesus to share with all people so that they can “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that
surpasses knowledge.” Then together we “may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3: 18-19).
