People’s responses to the Spirit’s stirring Friday night could result in “tens of thousands of souls” in heaven, remarked President John Stumbo at the service’s conclusion.
“When you and I reach out to one, and they come to faith in Christ, it often changes an entire generation and generations to come,” John said.
Mark Ashton, pastor of Christ Community Church (CCC) in Omaha, offered three challenges to propel the Alliance family forward. First, the Jerusalem challenge: to “reach one more.”
Second, the Judea and Samaria challenge: to plant or co-plant a church before Alliance Council 2019.
“What is it that keeps me up at night?” Mark asked. “It’s the idea that there are a half million people in my own backyard who are headed to a Christ-less eternity.” This angst is why CCC has daughtered or granddaughtered 10 churches in the past 10 years.
Whether in rural or urban settings, “we need all kinds of people with all kinds of church plants,” Mark said.
Third, the ends of the earth challenge: to increase giving to the Great Commission Fund by 25 percent.
“Eternity hangs in the balance,” Mark said, fighting back tears. “I just can’t live with the idea of untold millions passing in the night without having heard the name of Jesus.”
He continued, “Oftentimes the gap between what we’re doing and what we’re dreaming about doing is just money. . . . We’ve got to be raising up Great Commission funds to make this happen.”
Mark ended his message by encouraging anyone with doubts about meeting any of the three challenges to come forward and pray for one another. “God can turn your ‘no way’ to a ‘let’s go!’”
The Day in Pictures
Seen and Heard
“It’s such a privilege to be able to go into these dark places where nobody has been, that nobody knows, and nobody cares about—people with no hope.” —CAMA worker serving in Laos
“When you marry hospitality and truth, it just works!” —Joel Bubna, pastor of Hope Community Church in Olmsted Falls, Ohio
“Nothing is more sustainable than the church. Nothing done in Jesus’ name is ultimately sustainable without the church.” —Tim Crouch, vice president for International Ministries
“Kids matter to God; they should matter to you.” —Melissa MacDonald
Extras
Following are additional items to remind you of today’s session.