Words cannot express my gratitude to be going into urban spiritual battle with my fellow World Impact missionaries and staff members, Christ the Victor (CTV) pastors, and growing network of ministry partners across the Midwest. I believe I have a front row seat to see this generation's “Strong and Courageous” Joshuas being raised up. They are fearless yet humble leaders who are not motivated to build their own kingdom, but simply motivated to risk it all to advance HIS kingdom. These are mature leaders who defer earthly praise by instead lifting up and honoring their fellow comrades in battle—other local pastors, ministry leaders, and church members. They have uncommon perspective in pursuing the defeat of our one common enemy and resist any temptation to fight one another.
Here at World Impact in Wichita, we recently hosted our third annual Christ the Victor conference. We had over 30 leaders gather representing 11 CTV church locations in 5 cities across 4 states—3 of these are in prison and 2 of our fellowships are Spanish speaking, we have 3 potential new church plants coming into our family! These leaders shared stories with me that left me in awe and with a profound thankfulness for what I get to do in resourcing and encouraging these mighty men and women of the faith. One leader working in a prison setting CTV church has completely worked himself out of a job! He started our CTV church and since then has trained up a team to help him run the service and now that he is getting out soon, has trained them well enough that he can come and simply attend, observe, and coach as needed. This truly is the vision that we are after in evangelizing, discipling, and training leaders and if we stay faithful to Christ’s commands, He will continue to build his church and we will see neighborhoods, prisons, and even cities transformed!
The world and reality around us may often look bleak with darkness at seemingly every turn, but let me assure you (if you need assuring!), there are men and women, and yes boys and girls, making a real difference in some of our hardest and most difficult communities. Christ's church and kingdom moves ever onward and if you are on the sidelines watching, it is time for you to join!