Macedonia Update and Strategic Planning
Walking by faith
When you step out in faith and trust God, you see Him work in special ways. Our Macedonia team share a few of the ways they saw God at work in the lives of this group of first generation pastoral couples.
In the teaching sessions there was strong biblical content. It was clear to us that the participants themselves were filled with a love for the Word of God. They listened attentively and discussed these life-giving passages of scripture, not out of a ritualistic, traditional reflex, but from lives transformed by the Good News. They took notes on paper and in their hearts. – Jim Parris
II saw God at work in the way that Jim and I were able to team teach and reconnect with one another. Ministry has been so time intensive, it was encouraging to slow down with our Macedonian brothers and sisters, learn together, and re- energize for the work that God has called us to. – Suzy Erb
It was a very positive experience for us in Macedonia. I really loved meeting the pastors and their wives all week. The praise and worship time was awesome, and I believe it was very uplifting for all. – Kay Adams
Why Strategic Planning
Solomon says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
The Bible is full of examples of strategic planning to fulfill God’s purposes:
- Nehemiah was a God-fearing leader led by God to strategically rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
- David was a man after God’s own heart who defeated Goliath and armies with God given strategies and obedience.
- Joseph learned from his past experiences, assessed the needs of the nation and executed a God-directed plan to provide for the people.
- Paul was led by God to strategically plant churches in the urban crossroads of the day.
- Jesus relied upon the Father’s leading to daily accomplish His will.
Four years ago our Shepherds’ Support Board met with Kelley Freeman for an extended time of seeking the Lord together and strategic planning for the future of the ministry. We are so thankful for the many amazing ways that we have seen the Lord fulfill the goals and plans that He led us to in 2020.
In recent years we have seen the Lord continue to grow the ministry despite facing a worldwide pandemic and wars in several places where we serve. It is time again for us to pause and seek the God’s leading for the opportunities and challenges ahead. So, this week our Shepherds’ Support Board is meeting again to seek God’s leading and plans for the future. Will you please join us in prayer?
Ways You Can Pray!
- Thank God with us for His presence and ministry in the lives of the Macedonian pastoral couples who attended our recent training there.
- Praise God for the many ways He is multiplying the church through His shepherds and the faithful proclamation of the Gospel.
- Pray for wisdom and clear discernment of God’s leading for the future and the faith to follow Him in directing our training opportunities in 2025.
We remain encouraged that Jesus continues to change lives through the transforming message of the Gospel. It is a privilege to serve the church and the shepherds God has chosen to lead it throughout the world.
Thank you for being such a special part of our team!
