August Prayer - Day 16
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6
Good News for Our Kids
by Joe White
I LOVE our children’s ministry. I love that it’s fun. I love that it's engaging. I love that it’s fueled by nearly 100 volunteers! But most of all, I love that it’s a place my children get to experience the gospel every Sunday. At Lake Baldwin Church, we’re not just teaching kids how to be nice (though some of our little rascals could use a crash course); we’re teaching them about the only hope they have: Jesus.
When the children of LBC grow “old”, what is it we hope they will “not depart from”? The GOSPEL. The gospel that tells them they are even more messed up than they know, but they are loved by God in Christ more than they could ever imagine. Today, pray for all the little ones of Lake Baldwin Church. Pray that God would use Splash kids to train our little ones up in the gospel!
How to pray today:
- For the hearts of all the children in SPLASH...to learn and love the story of Jesus!
- For our SPLASH Director Heather Shiflett, and our Assistant Director, Sam Stotts. Pray for joy in leading, for wisdom and managing the many tasks and people.
- For the SPLASH Leadership Team, teachers, and other volunteers: joy in serving, and grace as they share the story of Jesus in creative ways.
- For our entire church family to embrace the vision of SPLASH Kids, and an abundance of volunteers for all age groups.
August Prayer - Day 15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
—Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
—Colossians 3:15
"And Be Thankful"
by Ryan Sharp
Paul’s second imperative in this passage is one of the most convicting commands found in this letter, yet it offers good news for the found in at least two ways. First, we need to understand that unthankfulness is not an individual problem. Rather, it is a deeply rooted heart issue that all fallen people suffer from (Rom. 1:21). Christians are not immune; you and I are not alone. So, be encouraged—When struggling with unthankfulness, we have brothers and sisters in Christ ready to help share our burden.
Second, we need to identify (as Paul does) that the only remedy for unthankfulness is the gospel (2:6-7). Circumstances change, but we have received Christ; we are rooted and built up in Him. Our sins are forgiven. We are reconciled with the Father and adopted as His children. These truths are indeed hope for the found and a sure foundation for being thankful.
How to pray today:
- Thank God for his supernatural peace that has “ruled” at LBC, where we have been blessed with a relative lack of division among our church family. We have taken vows to practice “the purity and peace of the church.” Pray that God will give us grace to remain faithful to these vows, and that we would live lives of thankfulness for our church community.
- Thank God for those who are extending the peace (shalom in the Old Testament) of God in our city. Pray for John and Jane Hursh, who lead the 306 Foundation and Toolbox4Life. Pray, too, for the volunteers who are preparing for the fall class of Toolbox4Life, and for the participants. Ask God to give John, Jane, and their co-workers the grace to be fully present as they serve this upcoming class.
- We live in a dark and divisive world, where competition and vitriol are often the rule on social media, traditional media, and in political discourse. Pray that the thankfulness expressed in today’s blog post would be experienced and practiced by our church and by Christians in our society. Pray that as we refrain from grumbling and disputing, that we will shine as lights in a dark world, holding forth the Word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).
August Prayer - Day 14
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
—Romans 5:20-21
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
—Romans 5:20-21
Life in the Grip of Grace
by Mike Tilley
In 1666 while serving a 12-year prison sentence for preaching the gospel, John Bunyan wrote his famous book, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. The title of the book was based on this verse from Romans, along with 1 Timothy 1:15, where Paul regarded himself as the chief of sinners. Bunyan took in both parts of the gospel: the gravity of sin and the abounding grace found in Christ. His was a life in the grip of grace. Only grace can topple the idols of our hearts. Only grace can draw us to the throne of God in prayer. Only grace can thrust us out into God’s larger story.
How to pray today:
Pray that grace, not moralism, would fuel our lives and mission as a church.
Thank God for the partner organizations in our city that are extending grace in beautiful ways. Pray for the work of Grace Medical Home, providing free medical care in the name of Christ.
This month thousands of college students will be swarming local campuses like Rollins College and UCF. Pray for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at UCF, one of the ministries supported by LBC. Pray for gospel fruit as Lee Wright (director) and Alex Gottfried and their student leaders reach out to incoming students. Pray, too, for the work of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Rollins College as they sow seeds of the gospel and make disciples among students. Zach Baldwin is the IVCF director at Rollins.
August Prayer - Day 13
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…
—Psalm 139:13-14
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…
—Psalm 139:13-14
Fully Known
by Dwayne Noble
Nothing has brought me closer to knowing the heart of God for his children than the experience of being a father. Holding my son close at night before laying him down to bed reminds of God’s love for me, his concern for me and his protection over my life. Not only that, in these moments I am reminded that God truly and fully knows me. Psalm 139:13 says, “[He] knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” This tells me that God created me uniquely and he is intimately involved in my everyday life. He is not distant nor is he indifferent to my worries and cares. If today you feel alone or if you feel as if no one really knows you, take comfort in this good news: You have been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by a great God, a Father in heaven, who loves you and KNOWS you.
How to pray today:
- Psalm 139 gives us a glimpse into the wonder of who God is: his love, his power, and his majesty. Pray that God, by his Holy Spirit, would make himself powerfully known in our worship services in the coming year.
- In many ways our Community Groups are places where we can know and be known, both by God and by our faith community. Pray that all of our church family will experience the joy of loving community. Pray specifically for your Community Group, for your group leaders, and for all who are part of it. Pray for rich gospel community where love and grace are practiced, where all can experience care.
- Our knowledge of God also grows through the in-depth study of his Word. Pray for the spiritual maturity of our congregation, and for the learning cohorts and classes that are offered throughout the year.
August Prayer - Day 12
Grace Day
Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!
Grace Day
Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!
![Acts 1:8 [widescreen].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53a07a78e4b0b8ba0661cef7/1533834330931-7J4P5ZP9HC4ESF845N9D/Acts+1%3A8+%5Bwidescreen%5D.png)
August Prayer - Day 11
There is no Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for your are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
—Galatians 3:28-29.
There is no Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for your are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
—Galatians 3:28-29.
No Lesser Christians
by Molly Tilley
It’s so easy to get caught up in our own “little” world that we forget the larger story of our heritage in Christ. If we belong to Christ then we are related to Abraham and part of the covenant family of God. This is a family where there is no favoritism based on gender, ethnicity or economic status. Christ as our covenant head made that possible for all of us who believe in him. Because of him we are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise. There are no lesser Christians! Praise God today that you belong to God’s eternal family. Take time to savor that truth.
How to pray today:
- Thank God for the many stages of life represented in our congregation: older, younger, single, married, single again, from children to senior citizens! Pray that all would truly find a home at LBC, and a place to belong, connect, and grow.
- Thank God for the early stages of ethnic and international diversity in our church family. Pray that we would grow as a faithful gospel community where people of all backgrounds can flourish as part of our community.
- Have you noticed the many senior adults in our church? Thank God for the rich inter-generational connecting in our church family. Pray that our older adults will not only feel welcome, but that they would be able to share their wisdom and maturity with us, leaving a spiritual legacy for the future.
August Prayer - Day 10
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and widows...
—James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after the orphans and widows...
—James 1:27
Father to the Fatherless
by TJ Sellers
Nine years ago, I had the opportunity to help build an orphanage in rural Uganda. I remember feeling a deep sense of compassion each day for the children who would come out of the sticks to observe the construction of their future home. Now, I spend my days in a comfortable office building, often going months without even remembering there are orphans in the world. James reminds us of our Father's heart for the destitute and calls us to action.
Pray that God would fill your heart with compassion for the orphans, widows, and oppressed around the world. Prayerfully consider what step you (and LBC) could take to care for those who are often overlooked. Perhaps that next step will include going on an upcoming mission trip to be reminded of the world's vast need for the hope of the Gospel.
How to pray today:
Pray for our deacon team: Scott Crocker (chairman), Andy Vincent, Chris Kendall, Adam Mikkelson, Michael Ballenger, Drew Hallberg, Kyle Bourne, and Candice Holtz. Pray for them as they lead our church in deeds of love and mercy; congregational care; finances; volunteer teams; facilities; and global missions. Pray that God will continue to add new deacons and deaconesses to the team.
LBC has sent missions teams to Baja, California, to partner with Peter and Jenny Boling, serving with Mission to the World. Praise God for raising up a church planting pastor for the new church plant in La Paz! Their names are Jose Luis and Ana Villasana and they arrive in La Paz on August 18th! Pray for them and their children: Jose Luis (19), Daniel (17), and Raquel (15), who will be making significant adjustments with the move to La Paz. Pray that the whole family will know God’s presence amidst all the challenges and difficulties.
August Prayer - Day 9
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven.
—Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven.
—Proverbs 23:4-5
Treasure in Heaven
by Joe White
I love how practical the Bible can be. This is certainly true when it comes to its teaching on money. In addition to appealing to our hearts (“the love of money is the root of all evil”, for instance), passages like this in Proverbs 23 appeal to our logic. In effect, this passage is saying, “Why make the pursuit of wealth your goal when you’re not going to be able to take any of it with you?” Similarly, Jesus appealed to our left brain when he said, "Do not store up treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy… but store up for yourselves treasure in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-20). So much of our energy is spent acquiring wealth that isn’t eternal. What if we shifted our focus toward storing up treasures in the kingdom? What if today we sought out ways to be generous for the sake of others? What if we leveraged the resources God has given us toward making an impact? What if our true treasure was the gospel of Jesus Christ? Let’s spend some time today praying toward that end!
How to pray today:
From our deacon team and elders: pray that we would all grow in the grace and joy of generous financial giving. Ask God to provide full funding for all the ministries of Lake Baldwin Church.
Pray for those in our church family who are going through financial hardship or difficult medical challenges. If you can think of individuals, pray for them by name.
Ed and Candice Holtz give leadership to Cru City, with a team leading ministries around the city. Pray for the development of “missional communities” among the homeless, high school athletes, business leaders, and more. Also, pray for the new podcast LiveAlive, which makes the Cru City witnessing training (Living and Telling) available to more people.
August Prayer - Day 8
Lord you are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places.
Indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
—Psalm 16:5-6
Lord you are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
you hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places.
Indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
—Psalm 16:5-6
A Beautiful Inheritance
by Kayla Oliver
One of my favorite authors, Ruth Chou Simons, wrote, “I can’t drink from a cup that is already full of my own agenda and striving.” She got me thinking— How often do I try to fill my own cup with plans and expectations, only to become disappointed when my plans are thwarted and my expectations go unmet? You too?
Hopefully these verses represent good news! May we be encouraged by the truth that God holds our future. The cup he pours out is no longer a cup of wrath, but a cup of blessing thanks to Christ’s finished work. He himself is our inheritance! May we learn to deeply treasure the gift of Jesus, even as we wrestle to fully trust His plans. And may we rejoice with the Psalmist: “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Ps. 16:11) This is a beautiful inheritance, indeed.
For prayer today:
- The elders have asked that we pray for the marriages at LBC. Our marriages are often under attack, and we all need to be strengthened. If you know of individuals going through family challenges, pray for them by name.
- Pray for our elders in their work of shepherding and giving oversight to our church: Richard Hostetter, Ed Holtz, Jim Cunningham, Mike Mikkelson, and Bart Johnson. Pray, too, for new generations of elders as we look to the coming years. Pray for individuals who meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3.
August Prayer - Day 7
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.
—Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.
—Psalm 34:4
Prayer, the Antidote to Fear
by Richard Hostetter
I define fear as an assessment of our utter dependence on something outside of ourselves, which we cannot control and which threatens us. For me, it hits in the early morning when my defenses are low, or disengaged, or based upon some bad or potentially bad news. The antidote is prayer to our God and Father who controls every atom in the universe and knows our fears. He might not relieve the circumstances every time but He will relieve the fear when we seek him with all of our heart. My habit is first to praise Him for his mercy and to submit utterly to whatever His will may be. Then I cry out to Him to relieve me of the fear. Sometimes the relief is instant; sometimes He works relief in me by adjusting my thinking. Either way, HE IS FAITHFUL and will deliver us from all our fears.
For prayer today:
- Our growing youth ministry needs a new venue for Sunday nights! Mark’s efforts have been stymied so far, and he needs a breakthrough. Pray for a great place to meet!
- Thank God for the growing number of people in their 20s who have found a home at LBC. That said, we are in the early stages and we’d love to do a better job reaching and retaining people in this age bracket. Pray that God would turn these dreams into reality!
August Prayer - Day 6
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” —Acts 16:14-15
One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” —Acts 16:14-15
The Lord Who Opens Hearts
by Mike Tilley
This is the account of the conversion of Lydia, a business woman in the city of Philippi, selling purple goods. I like the phrase, “the Lord opened her heart.” Isn’t that amazing? The moment you and I believed in Christ for salvation, it was because the Lord opened our hearts. In Lydia’s case, God had been at work in her heart prior to her hearing the gospel. She had been a “worshiper of God” or a “God-fearer.” She had been curious about God and even attended services, but she still needed to hear the gospel message and embrace it. We might wonder if people around us will ever open their hearts, and this could discourage us. But let’s remember that God has others like Lydia out there, whose hearts will be opened by grace. And she and her household were baptized! Later she hosted the fellowship of believers in her home. May the story of Lydia inspire our prayers today.
How to pray today:
- Many in our church are longing for their friends and family members to come to faith in Christ. Pray that the Lord will open hearts and that we will have the joy of seeing many believe the good news and be baptized.
- Let’s be praying for business owners in Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, and around our city. Perhaps they, like Lydia, will have their lives transformed and re-directed by the gospel.
August Prayer - Day 5
Grace Day
Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!
Grace Day
Happy Sunday! There's no new post today—take a moment to catch up on anything you may have missed, and spend time in God's presence. See you for worship at 10:45!
August Prayer - Day 4
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:16-18
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By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:16-18
Good News for Imperfect Servants
by Katie Pollard
Let’s face it—Bringing “good news” to a city with thousands of unchurched people is daunting. The Kingdom assignment to care for the poor, fight injustice, and have a redemptive influence on society often seems like an impossible task. This passage challenges us to literally “put our money where our mouth is” and practice loving others by being generous with our resources. Open hands are a true indicator of an open heart.
What enables us to serve? Our best deeds and noblest intentions are still tainted by sin, but in Christ we have the perfect savior and servant. May we cling only to Jesus, who laid down his life for us. May we look to his faithfulness as we strive to lay down our lives for others. May we persevere with hope as we trust his promise to make all things new!
For prayer:
Thank God for our partnership with Glenridge Middle School, and the opportunity to assist their programs for homeless students. Take some moments to pray for the students who will receive backpacks and school supplies this month.
Often God allows our deacons to offer confidential assistance to individuals going through a medical crisis or a difficult economic season. Pray for our deacons as they use the deacons fund to offer a “cup of water” to people, all of whom are made in God’s image.
August Prayer - Day 3
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. —Hebrews 2.11
Click here to subscribe to daily texts or emails during the month of August
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. —Hebrews 2.11
Good News for Black Sheep
by Tim Inman
Just about every family has a ‘black sheep’—Someone who has ruined the family’s good reputation, and used up their share of second chances. Maybe you’re the black sheep, with mistakes that still echo in your family’s life and shame from falling short time and time again. One of the most precious truths of the gospel is that Jesus calls us his family even though, in truth, we’re a church made up entirely of black sheep. In fact, He delights over us even now, as he is making us new—in fits and starts, two steps forward, one step back. To this black sheep, that’s some very good news.
For prayer:
- Many of our community groups will be going through the new Discover Grace course this year. Pray that God would use this material to ground our congregation in the foundational truths of living by grace.
- Thank God for the children God has entrusted to us as a church! Pray that our congregation will increasingly see serving in SPLASH as the easiest and best way to fulfill our vows as a covenant family.
August Prayer - Day 2
Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
—Proverbs 25:25
Click here to subscribe to daily texts or emails during the month of August
Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
—Proverbs 25:25
For the Thirsty
by Joe White
For every Christ-follower this is true: WE have the “cold water” thirsty people need. We have heard the good news—that God came to this world in the person of Jesus to live unto perfection, die unto sacrifice, and resurrect unto the making of a new world. Felt needs change as culture changes, but the deepest need within the heart of every last person we encounter is to know this good news. Lake Baldwin Church exists to proclaim this, not as put-together religious people, but as broken people who once were thirsty and have found in Christ the spring of living water. Today, pray for those at LBC who do not yet know Christ. Pray for your friends and families. And pray for the boldness to carry water to the thirsty, to carry the news from a far country.
How to pray today:
- Ask God, by His Spirit, to give us an increasing heart for those who do not yet know Christ. Ask him to give us the compassion of Christ.
- Many make a first-time commitment to Christ in their teen years. Pray that many teenagers will come to faith in Christ through our youth ministry in the coming year.
August Prayer - Day 1
It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. —Isaiah 49:6
Click here to subscribe to daily texts or emails during the month of August
It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. —Isaiah 49:6
A Greater Plan
by Mike Tilley
The people of God in Isaiah’s day had a limited view of God’s salvation. They thought mainly of the twelve tribes of Israel being restored. But God had a greater plan, one that would be fulfilled by his “servant,” the Lord Jesus Christ. He would be a “light to the Gentiles” and bring a salvation that would reach to the ends of the earth. Now we as a church are caught up in a plan that is greater than ourselves. May our hearts be captured by God’s larger story!
How to Pray:
- Pray that our church would be a light in a dark world.
- Pray that the light of the gospel will bring salvation to people around us in Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, and wherever God has placed us around the city.
Listen: "Gospel Culture" by Ray Cortese
This powerful message includes Ray’s personal story of gospel transformation. He also helpfully defines the gospel and then applies it to our hearts and to many aspects of church life.
There was such an enthusiastic response to this message at the LBC Leadership Retreat that we wanted to make it available to the entire congregation. Ray Cortese is the pastor of Seven Rivers PCA Church in Lecanto, FL, and he recently spoke to 26 LBC leaders on the topic, “Gospel Culture.” This powerful message includes Ray’s personal story of gospel transformation. He also helpfully defines the gospel and then applies it to our hearts and to many aspects of church life.
The Future of LBC Youth
I’ve always been drawn to the power of potential of what could be under God, and I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring as we continue to move forward in Lake Baldwin Youth. It is an honor to come alongside young people, see them be continually impacted by the Gospel, and help show them what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My heart is for this youth ministry at LBC to flourish and be a place where young people find "life in all its’ fullness" (John 10:10).
by Mark McKinney, Youth Director
“Everything we do is about enabling, equipping and empowering young people to become Sons and Daughters of God by grace and live increasingly devoted to Him for the rest of their lives. The unbelievable privilege is that in Youth Ministry, we get to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of young people.”
I’ve always been drawn to the power of potential of what could be under God, and I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring as we continue to move forward in Lake Baldwin Youth. It is an honor to come alongside young people, see them be continually impacted by the Gospel, and help show them what it looks like to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. My heart is for this youth ministry at LBC to flourish and be a place where young people find "life in all its’ fullness" (John 10:10).
As a team, we’ve spent the last few months learning, evaluating our current realities, and praying about our direction for the future. We are excited about our vision for LBC Youth this year and are eager to pursue this with passionate hearts for fulfilling the great commission.
“LBC Youth— Establishing young people as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, empowered to impact the world.”
There are three main areas of strategic focus for us that—in complete dependence upon God—I believe will bring us into an increasingly God-honoring future in 2018 and beyond!
1. Healthy and high-impact Youth Volunteer Leadership Team
When a team of fully devoted disciples are serious about serving, giving their very best, using their spiritual gifts, and growing in personal leadership, we are in the best place for great gospel ministry. Developing, investing and empowering a team of leaders really matters. The team gathers every Sunday before Youth for prayer and planning, and we hold an additional monthly meeting to invest in leadership development and work through strategy for the future.
2. Engaging, relevant and life-changing ministry
This year the team will continue to focus on re-creating and investing in our Sunday night gathering, working to make that an increasingly engaging, relevant and deeply life-changing space. Our heart is to help young people establish a relationship with God through excellent and relevant Bible study, worship, prayer, and hanging out. The Youth Alpha series we’re currently in is really great, helping us engage with some of the basics of what it means to be a Christ-follower. I’m excited to see what God might do through this series.
We’ve been working on short- and long-term strategic plans that include Summer Camp, an increased number of social events, and evangelistic opportunities. My hope is to eventually establish separate middle and high schools ministries, although that’s way down the line! Getting creative with our meeting space has been a challenge, and we continue to pray for a venue that meets all our needs.
3. Hearts of young people
Our objective is to ignite, equip and empower young people in faith through high-impact discipleship and evangelism. It has been very encouraging to see many new young people coming on Sunday nights and engaging with small groups.
Discipleship is a relational process that takes place over a long period of time, so this year our team is driven to engage deeply in relational discipleship. The aim is to empower young people to walk in all the ways God has called them to. That’s why we take meeting with young people seriously, discipling and encouraging them in their faith journey.
“But as for you… Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Of course, none of this is possible without the mighty hand of God and the phenomenal power of the Holy Spirit moving through LBC Youth. I’m always reminded how utterly dependent on God we are if we hope to see the lost come home and those who are part of the Kingdom live fully for God. Would you join us in praying for God to do a mighty work in middle and high school students? Under the One who is still changing lives, I’m excited to see what God has for us in 2018.
The Future of SPLASH Kids
We say at Lake Baldwin Church that we want to be characterized by hearts that beat for the good news of the gospel to transform the lost, the found, the city, and the world. If that’s where we’re headed as a church, why not start there? Why not begin providing opportunities for our littlest hearts to engage with the transforming power of the gospel for the lost, found, city and world?
by Heather Shiflett, SPLASH Kids Director
“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are. And as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many… let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.”
Small beginnings. At this writing there’s a “small beginning” sleeping on my lap... a precious and precocious little 3-year-old ready in his waking hours to take the world by storm. One of the wonderful privileges of parenting a 3-year-old alongside a 17-year-old is perspective. Perspective that brings comfort and hope on difficult days, reminding me that he’ll grow up all too quickly. Perspective that brings wisdom, reminding me not to waste this time with him. Perspective that knows the truth observed by William Bradford, a small candle has the potential to light a thousand. Perspective that whispers “start with the end in mind.”
God has used that phrase, “start with the end in mind,” not only in my parenting, but also as I’ve contemplated how to begin leading SPLASH and asking where He wants to take our children.
A volunteer helps a child pack a backpack at the 2017 SPLASHserves event
To start with the end in mind, one must ask, “What is the end goal?” What does the Lord want to accomplish with our children and youth? What does He want the hallmarks of Lake Baldwin Church children to be? When one of our sons or daughters leaves home for college, for what will they be known?
We say at Lake Baldwin Church that we want to be characterized by hearts that beat for the good news of the gospel to transform the lost, the found, the city, and the world. If that’s where we’re headed as a church, why not start there? Why not begin providing opportunities for our littlest hearts to engage with the transforming power of the gospel for the lost, found, city and world?
After five months of prayer, I believe God is leading SPLASH to align with these four aspects of our vision statement. Throughout 2018, we will introduce four serving events: Serving Our Neighbor, Serving the Found, Serving the City and Serving the World.
Serving Our Neighbor
In the fall we intend to host a bridge-building event open to the community called a Science Lyceum where families can explore and observe the world of BUBBLES! Did you know you can observe the color a bubble turns right before it pops? Bubbles not only delight children, but present an opportunity to engage families who might not be ready to explore a church setting.
“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16
Serving the Found
In May we will host our first transitional class for kids graduating from SPLASH Kids and moving into the Youth Group and Worship Service called ANCHOR. Over a Friday evening and Saturday morning, we will celebrate the closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new. Incoming 6th graders will be introduced to our Youth Director, Mark McKinney, and learn in a developmentally appropriate manner some of the special components experienced in a Worship Service, like the sacraments.
“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives.” —Hebrews 6:19
Serving the City
Building on our Secret Agent theme from last year, SPLASH Kids will continue investing in our host school by packing backpacks of school supplies this July for the 50-70 homeless families whose children attend Glenridge Middle School. It is our hope through this project to begin instilling an "outward face" in LBC children.
“But when you give to those in need, give in complete secrecy.” —Matthew 6:3,4
Serving the World
On New Year's Eve we began introducing SPLASH Kids to LBC-supported missionaries! During the initial introductory phase we are learning about four families: the Jean-Rejouis family in France, the Bolings in Mexico, the Meyers in England and the K family in East Asia. After introductions have been made we will begin FaceTime/Skype interviews during SPLASH to increase familiarity with these families and their work. Later, we will culminate our year with Serving the World, a service day that will directly support our missionary families and their work overseas. Our hope is to build familiarity with global missions in a way that makes going on a trip as a teenager/adult a completely natural next step for LBC children.
The Jean-Rejouis family, serving in Toulouse, France
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.” —Romans 1:16
If you’ve read this far, I hope you are excited about the plans God has in store for SPLASH. I know I am! 1 Samuel 12:16 says, “Now then, stand still, and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.” Next Sunday look into the eyes of a child and ask yourself, “Is he/she the ‘small candle that will light a thousand?’” Let’s kindle those little flames together. They are after all our future.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
Ready to get involved? Learn more about serving in SPLASH Kids!
The Future of Global Missions
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
by Mike Tilley, on behalf of the Global Missions Team
LBC member, Brita Zuelkhe, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
Imagine a remote village in Nicaragua with no Wi-Fi, no Starbucks, and no access to the village except by river boat. Imagine that same village teeming with children and adults in need of medical and dental supplies and services. Several members of Lake Baldwin Church will partner with Team Nicaragua April 7-15 to serve the wonderful people of this remote village.
LBC member, Angela Robinson, on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua
In a world of turmoil it’s encouraging to know that people are willing to sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure to bring gospel hope and to make a difference.
The Global Missions Team of Lake Baldwin Church has a clear mission: to partner with the global church to bring the gospel to the nations.
While the challenges are daunting, the opportunities have grown because we live in a globally connected world with ease of travel, ease of communication, and fewer language barriers.
Thanks to trusted relationships with people around the world, our church has formed partnerships with missionaries serving in East Asia, Mexico, and throughout Europe. Beyond that, LBC members are connected to ministry efforts in Nicaragua, Japan, Africa, and the Middle East. We designate a portion of our budget for missions support, and we are currently supporting missionaries in La Paz, Mexico; London (working with the Bangladeshi community); Toulouse, France; and a remote people group in East Asia.
What can we look forward to in 2018?
LBC sent a team to La Paz, Mexico in July 2017
- The medical mission to Nicaragua April 7-15, led by Brita Zuehlke, Angela Robinson, and Chris Kendall.
- Encouragement of LBC members preparing to serve in Bangkok, Thailand and Senegal, West Africa.
- Serving a Europe-wide retreat for pastors and families October 29-November 2 as part of International Christian Community.
- A return trip to the church-planting effort in La Paz, Mexico (2018 or 2019) which has just secured a full-time Mexican pastor to lead the work—an answer to prayer.
- Laying the foundation for work with international students right here in Orlando, led by LBC member and Jesus Film staff worker Don Dearing.
Why are we so hopeful as we take these steps? The first missionary, the Apostle Paul, spoke to skeptics in Athens and told them an astounding truth:
“And [God] made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”
This truth can be seen vividly in today’s Europe, for example, where refugees and immigrants have come from Africa and the Middle East. These immigrants are “seeking God” in places like Athens, Geneva, Prague, Frankfurt, and other cities.
Whatever it takes, our dream is to work alongside front-line missionaries and pastors to plant thriving, gospel-centered churches among the nations.
