This is the day, the weekend, the moment, the time when the Vineyard began their journey to create the future and leave a legacy.
The Bible is a missionary book. If the Vineyard are to leave a legacy for OUR KIDS, OUR TOWN and OUR FUTURE then we must develop the mindset of a missionary.
1. Missionaries love the community they are called to
seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jer 29:7
We can't pull this off if we don't engage with Gods heart for the community and we can't leave a legacy without seeking and engaging with our community. Bottom line is, if our town is doing well then, hey the Church will prosper
2. Missionaries understand the changing context in which we find ourselves.
There are features in our community which will make it responsive to the message of the Kingdom or reject it. Missional communities see the problems as opportunities. It's vital we earn the right to be asked into peoples conversations. Some features in our community are:
a. single parents
b. increase in ethnic diversity
c. rise of the fatherless
d people are disconnected
3. Missionaries are people who understand the longings of their communities
We feel the longing of our communities are:
1. Hunger for love and community
2. A hunger for justice
Leaving a Legacy is taking the challenge to take care of the widow, the orphan and the stranger.
Here's our dream; a place, a safe welcoming place called 'The Store House' where teenagers can come and know that we care. A place where Vineyard kids can grow in God, be influencers and fire starters in their generation, a place where the kids bring their parents to Church. The Store House is a place where we can help kids who maybe struggle with their school work find help through a mentoring after schools club. It's a place where we can invite our immigrant workers through free English classes and help them beat the loneliness. Its a place where mums can come and breathe and enjoy a coffee and conversation. The Store House is a place we can gather and bring home essentials, food and if people have need they can take; no questions asked.
We have the power (Spirit of God) and potential to be catalysts for change and an engine of influence. I believe that God is calling the Vineyard to create the future and Leave a Legacy.
I want to invite you to take a spiritual journey with me and ask God what he wants you to do. Have a great week and don't forget to start your spiritual devotional on Monday.
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