The "Culture" We Create

I recently returned from a visit to Hosanna Church of Rivne, Ukraine. It was a wonderful weekend of celebrating their 30th Anniversary as a local church. 30 years corresponds with the time of their freedom from Soviet rule, which didn’t allow a church like Hosanna to exist.

Most of my time their was spent in observation and contemplation. Hosanna has a “culture.” The reality is that every local church, every household, and yes, even on an individual level, we all create a “culture” or atmosphere.

Hosanna Church has a culture of gratitude, honor and generosity. They were overwhelmed by the goodness of God over their 30 years. They gave meaningful tribute and honor to their leaders. They gave what they could toward the ongoing work of a building for their ministry to their city. I could say a lot more about these three “culture” attributes. But experiencing these three cultural qualities of the people of Hosanna Church led me to consider, “What is the culture I am seeking to create?” A local church culture is the combined attributes of all of its members. Sometimes it isn’t easily articulated in words, but its felt, or experienced, sometimes before you even enter the doors.

So, what kind of church culture do you want to be a part of? If you had to choose three things to be known for in your local church, what would they be, and more importantly, what is your part to create that culture? In a time where the cultural air is so toxic, condemning, accusing, and so full of negativity, what can we do to create a culture that is counter what this world offers?

"...As Any Had Need"

Those words come from Acts 2:45, which describes what life was like in the church in Jerusalem in those early days after the Holy Spirit was poured out. There are many evidences of the Spirit’s work in people, but one of the clearest demonstrations of the Spirit’s work within the hearts of the early church was how they took care of one another.

Within Grace Partnership we have some opportunities to care for believers in other parts of the world on a regular basis. In fact, it is our tangible care that flows from glad and generous hearts that makes our relationship demonstrable. It is our faith at work.

Right now at Casa de Esperanza, what we like to consider “our orphanage”, there are some specific needs. The government is requiring some renovations to their main kitchen. We can attest to the need from our last visit. New drainage, flooring and work areas are needed, as well as a new stove and refrigerator.

Additionally, the main road through the orphanage is a constant struggle, as the heavy rains regularly wash out the road. We want to assist in a more lasting solution than simply refilling the road with dirt and gravel that will simply get washed away. With the heavy rains comes flooding and erosion that makes for added challenges around the property. We hope to send a short term missions team to assist with the work!

Finally, a dear little girl is in need of surgery for a cleft lip. We want to make that surgery possible as soon as possible!

A little north of Bolivia is the country of Colombia. We are working with 9 churches across the country. One of them is Iglesia Cristiana Sublime Gracia. It is in the community of Soledad, just outside of Barranquilla. It is hot all year, and very humid. The church needs two air conditioning units to adequately ventilate the facility. We want to give them the opportunity to worship, fellowship and listen to a sermon without sweating!

There is more we could share, but you get the idea. We think of the early church, and how, full of the Spirit, they would respond to such needs. The monthly giving of Grace Partnership supporters makes these things possible, but these needs above present a special opportunity for one time gifts should you feel led to do so. We could accomplish all of these things together!

You can go to the “Give” link and designate a one time gift to any or all of these needs. It’s one way we declare out love and assure that our brothers and sisters around the world know that they are not alone!

Relational Partnerships of Joy

There is a beautiful pattern flowing from the letters to the churches in the New Testament. Independent and local churches, large and small, were not alone. A relational partnership, not a hierarchy, was the fabric of the early church.

Within Grace Partnership we long for the same. Relationships, as even those New Testament letters make clear, can be messy. Things don’t always go the way we’d like. Hardships and disagreements arise. So, is the answer autonomy, “shelter in place”, or, independence? No. The answer is to pursue the grace of God that so often comes through relationship with one another.

Just as people will wither in isolation, so does the local church. Grace Partnership desires to see strong and established local churches, but not “alone” local churches. We are trying to play our small part in building a partnership of mutual joy, love and affection so that relationships are strengthened, leaders are encouraged, and the gospel advances.

After a weekend visit with Grace Community Church of Corning, New York, what a joy to say the same thing Paul would say to a local church, “I thank my God always in every prayer of mine, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel, from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3-4

Are you a local pastor or leader desiring this kind of relationship? Reach out to us! We’d love to get the conversation started.

Good Reads

I asked some the pastors and friends of Grace Partnership to share a book with us they are currently reading. Sometimes it’s the suggestion of a friend that spurs us on to keep reading, studying, and growing. Each of the books listed below are currently in the reading diet of pastors who are a part of or considering partnering with Grace Partnership. May the list below inspire your reading and discipleship!

“The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” by Al Mohler

“I am reading this book to strengthen my grip on the gospel truths on historic Christianity and why Creeds are important and necessary for believers today. Creeds separate truth from lies and real from fake. I hope to preach a series on this creed soon.” - Phil Courson, Abundant Grace Community Church, Gainesville, FL

“Proverbs” by Eugene H. Peterson

Our friend and pastor Volodymr Lanevych of Hosanna Church, Rivne, Ukraine, shared the following excerpt,

“Wisdom refers to skill in living…those who have acquired wisdom understand how the world works. They know about patience and love, listening and grace, adoration and beauty.”

“We Will Not be Silenced” by Erwin Lutzer

Our friend and pastor Randall Hildreth from Bay Point Christian Church, St. Petersburg, FL comments,

“It’s about the church’s response to socialism. His previous book, The Church in Babylon was very insightful regarding how to be the church in a culture of opposition.”

“LEAD” by Paul Tripp

Chris Jessee, Lead Pastor of Metro Life Church, Casselberry, FL says,

“Paul David Tripp has such a gift for getting to the heart of the matter. Lead is no different. Tripp captures 12 gospel principles for Leadership in the Church and helps strike the balance between concepts of leadership in organizations and theological truths, bringing the two together in the heart of any leader. No matter where you lead or level of leadership (even if it’s just learning to lead yourself…) Lead has core values that you’ll benefit from.”

“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund.

Pastor Hector Cortes of Iglesia Morada in Orlando, FL says,

“Even though there is some controversy around this book, this book has helped me to ponder on Jesus love and mercy for me. In the aftermath of our sin and in the grief of our suffering, Jesus is never distant and impersonal. I highly recommend this book.”

Pastor Allen Snapp of Grace Community Church, Corning NY adds on this book,

“I too am reading Gentle and Lowly and find it strengthening and encouraging me in my relationship with Jesus. I didn't realize there was controversy over it, but after reading a bit of the criticism, I don't think the controversy is merited. The book is sound theologically and much of it comes from Puritan writings.

It is a book that richly and biblically reminds us of the heart of Christ for us, which is the heart of the Father and the Spirit, and encourages us to draw near to him in faith and assurance.”

“The Portable Seminary” Second Edition, Edited by David Horton

Aron Osborne, Director of Grace Partnership, quotes from the chapter entitled, “The Doctrine of Scripture”, which says,

“In Scripture, as in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine and the human elements are regarded as forming one indissoluble whole, dynamically united. The language is human; the message is divine. The human writers were God’s penmen, not merely his pens.”

Perhaps one or more of these books will make your reading list. Whether you are looking for a devotional or a book for more rigorous study, make reading a part of your daily rhythm.

“Against the Tide: Love in a Time of Petty Dreams and Persisting Enmities” by Miroslav Volf.

Friend and Pastor Jerry Cisar of Gulf Coast Community Church, St. Petersburg, FL reflects,

“It is a collection of his essays which he organized thematically into this book. The subtitle expresses its point well.

Volf is from a part of our family in Christ that we only visit once in a while so in many ways he is refreshing. It’s like reading the same Gospel truths expressed a different way.

These essays are poignant, each one pressing application of the Gospel in a culture that is infused with the self. Since it is a collection, each piece can be read in a brief setting. Keep your highlighter at your side. Expect to be challenged; expect to be stirred in your soul for God.”

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Colombia Report!

Recently Phil Courson and I returned from a 4-day trip to Barranquilla, Colombia to visit our partner church, Mision Rescate.

Within Grace Partnership we have a vision to share in Mission, Equipping and Care.  These three components of our vision are interconnected, and that was on display during our visit.  

Grace Partnership Exists for Mission!

We had the privilege to travel to three towns near the city of Barranquilla.  Soledad, Porto Colombia and Santa Thomas are towns that Mision Rescate is actively seeking to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ through church planting. 

We met with Pastor Pierre and his family in Soledad to hear what the Lord is doing in their town.  It was such an encouraging time, and I hope you can meet Pastor Pierre at our Grace Partnership Conference.   

We traveled to Santa Thomas to see the town and to learn a little of its history.  The plan is to begin a Sunday afternoon service in the New Year, where one of the pastors from Mision Rescate will initially serve while training and equipping men who may become elders for the new church.

Phil preached on Sunday afternoon in Porto Colombia to the small gathering of beleivers there.  What a joy it was to meet with the church and see their passion for the Lord.  We were even able to give a small gift to a newlywed couple for a celebratory dinner.  They were so grateful.

Grace Partnership Exists for Equipping!  

Thursday and Friday evening during our visit we had 4 teaching sessions with people who are in different equipping tracks within the church.  Their hunger for sound doctrine was evident.  How sobering and humbling to serve in a small way!

On Saturday morning approximately 100 seminary students gathered in person and several more hundred were live streaming.  We taught on the 5 Solas (Christ alone, the Glory of God alone, Scripture alone, Grace alone, Faith alone).  We also had a session on the importance of holding our doctrine in humility toward others instead of in a divisive or arrogant way.

After the morning sessions we had a meeting with several pastors expressing interest in wanting to learn more about Grace Partnership.  This was followed by a lunch.  Several pastors are now building a relationship with us.  We look forward to seeing what God will do with these new relationships.

Grace Partnership Exists for Care!

Pastor Jaider turned down two lucrative job offers to serve the church as a full time elder, without knowing where his salary would come from.  He and his wife, Quislis, have two children and they live in a small apartment on the edge of the city.   

It is common to purchase an apartment that is unfinished, and this was the case for Jaider and Quislis.  They did not have the resources to complete the kitchen or bedroom fixtures.  Dressers are not common.  Typically, a bedroom will have built in armoire’s in Latin America.  

We asked what it would cost to complete these things.  When we learned that the fixtures and labor would cost under $2500 we felt compelled to share with this family.  We arranged to bring dinner, and over dinner Phil and I told them that GP would like to care for them in a specific way, to honor their faith and sacrifice.  We gave them a gift of $3000 for finishing the basic needs in their apartment and to have something left for their children for Christmas.  They cried many tears of gratitude.  They didn’t ask us for anything.  We believe it was the Lord’s leading, and it was only possible because of people like you who have vision to give.  

Lord willing, you can meet them yourself in 2021!  We are discussing a short-term missions team to Barranquilla.  Is it time for you to start praying, asking the Lord if you should go? 

We hope this report encourages you.  Let’s remember; we can’t see all God will do if we aren’t willing to take faith-filled steps.  That includes our generosity.  As we respond to the needs and opportunities around us God promises to be faithful.  And few things bring so much joy to our hearts as when hear the testimonies of how our faithful God provides.

We plan to assist the orphanage students we are partnered with this Christmas, along with the ministries we support in Bolivia.  Should you desire to give simple go to the giving link here at www.gracepartnership.net.  

God bless you!

Encouragement: Another Reason We Partner...

During a recent Zoom call with 12 other pastors within Grace Partnership I was struck again by the simple yet profound difference encouragement makes in our lives. As we shared the collective things happening within our lives and churches it was a reminder of the life and hope and strength we can pour into one another.

At the end of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he said, “So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.” - Ephesians 6:21-22

It makes such a difference, even across the world, to know that we are not alone. I think everyone on the call could attest to how we were encouraged and strengthen in that hour together. Take time to listen. Take time to ask. Take time to hear the stories. Take time to encourage!

The Difference Generosity Makes

The Difference Generosity Makes…

We all like to know that our giving truly makes a difference where it is needed.  In our early days of Grace Partnership, we have been privileged to see our giving meet real needs in our partnership mandate of shared equipping, care and mission. Here is a partial list of how the generosity of those who support Grace Partnership has made a difference.

Casa de Esperanza

Food for the children

New Roof on Adolescent boys’ home

900 Coconut Palm Trees (to create revenue through future sale of coconut oil)

Well Improvements

Automated Faucets for all sinks for water conservation (to be completed)

Support of staff

Sponsorship of children 

Future Need 

Roof Projects

Water Filtration

Child Sponsorship

Christian Education Center at Casa de Esperanza (CeC)

40 New Mattresses for dormitories

Staff Support 

Future Need 

Water Filtration

Water Heater

Study Resources

Un Lugar Seguro (Ministry to Women and Girls in Abusive Situations)

Furnishings

Promotion Material

Spanish Curriculum for Training and Care

Missionary Support

Future Need

Training of Volunteers

Promotion

Support

Vietnam

Assistance in support of Mission Trips for equipping pastors

Future Need

Equipping of Pastors

Teachers

Mision Rescate Seminary, Barranquilla, Colombia

Online Communications Equipment for Simultaneous Online Broadcast of classes

800 Students receiving training and equipping in Bible Doctrine

Future Need

Equipping of students

Facility Renovations

Hosanna Church, Rivne, Ukraine 

Support for Ministry Travel for Equipping and Care

 Future Need 

Building Project

This is only a partial list. And this is just 2019 and 2020!  Grace Partnership has an ambitious goal to raise up 500 supporters at just $30 per month to fulfill the vision and mission we share together.  Would you prayerfully consider being one of the 500?  Thank you!

www.gracepartnership.net