Advent and Christmas Greetings!
We want to take just a few seconds out of your busy holiday season to say thanks to you for all that you are doing in partnership with us to see that churches are planted, disciples are made, and leaders are raised up in urban communities of poverty. Because of your faithful prayers and gifts to our ministry, we are able to continue to pursue this God-sized vision in front of us and we want to share a couple brief examples how we continue to see God’s hand at work because of your generosity!
World Impact’s area of ministry mobilization continues to push the boundaries and seeks to enter new cities in the US in the hopes of finding urban pastors, church workers, and movement leaders. We want to do all we can to encourage, resource, and further equip these amazing men and women as they pursue the calling God has for them in reaching their city with the gospel. We do this through a variety of ways as we establish trusting relationships with leaders who are doing some of the most amazing things in some of the most difficult places. We introduce them to our ministry initiatives and TUMI resources and try to find something that can meet a tangible need they have. It might be letting them know of our seminary training through the Capstone Curriculum or letting them know about a pastors’ retreat house available to them or even simply talking and praying with them. Let me share a few examples with you.
In Cleveland, Ohio we recently came alongside an urban ministry that effectively reaches out to those in poverty. Their leaders decided that they would like to start an Evangel School of Urban Church Planting so they attended our Evangel Dean Training and were certified to be deans of their own school. When they had their first school two of our mobilization staff members were able to attend and support them as they coached three church plant teams starting up in Cleveland!
This is just one of the many examples and amazing stories we could share with you. Thank you for your continued love, grace, and many prayers that fuel our ministry and souls. Know that as you pray for us, we are praying for you. May the Lord continue to grant us all the grace and strength needed to do all that He puts before us. Thank you for your financial support, without which we could not empower leaders like these. May the Lord bless you for your partnership in the gospel.
For His Glory,
Ted Smith
