Thursday, January 17, 2008

Mentoring


Building One Another: A Letter of Encouragement (I Thessalonians 5:11)

January 15, 2008
Volume 7, No. 3 Mentoring

Dear Friend,

In the midst of the epic story that unfolds in the Book of Acts there is what seems to be a small aside:

“Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria. He was an eloquent man, well-versed in the scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord; and he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God to him more accurately.” Acts 18:24-26 (NRSV)

Certain matters just jump out of this story. Priscilla and Aquila were not threatened or jealous of the fervor and knowledge of Apollos. Instead they mentored him and sent forth a servant of Christ to use his incredible gifts.

Who are you mentoring? Into whose life are you encouraging life on life? If you have children, surely they are on your list. Who else?

Priscilla and Aquila could have excused themselves, “We’re too busy, the house is a mess, he has rough edges,” and done nothing. Instead, they mentored Apollos by spending their lives with him.

They focused on him. Invited him into their home – hung out with him. Shared their heart with him and so shaped his understanding of the faith.

Surely there is someone in your life that you could mentor. Why not begin with one?

“Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits* of another.” Proverbs 27:17

With joy

E. Stanley Ott

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E. Stanley Ott is pastor of the Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church and president of the Vital Churches Institute and Vital Faith Resources. As author and teacher, Stan has communicated practices of congregational vitality and leadership to thousands of people throughout the United States and abroad.

Copyright 2008 E. Stanley Ott

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Mission Trip to Belize in June 2008

A Message from Tim Tam of Word at Work:

Well, a few of your members got to participate on a Vision Trip with All Saints Church of Amarillo and were able to get a glimpse at our work in Belize.

Are you ready to launch a bigger assault?

The folks from All Saints are planning a mission trip for the 2nd week in June and would like to invite you to join them again.

Here’s what I know so far about what you will be doing.

Staying at Banana Bank.

Construction on a home or church in the Valley of Peace.

Time at orphanages nearby…..also some of you will deliver fish to all the orphanages and elderly homes.

Final debrief on Ricardo’s island.

Of course there will be opportunities to see what is going on in the Burial Grounds and visit the prison and Mayan ruins if desired.

You can also visit your old friends the Pechs, Cann family, Benjamin, and work in the schools

FYI: This week a church from Clovis is in the Valley and they have a Doctor of speech pathology that will be examining Magdalina.

Trevor was at my house last week end and sliced his toe chopping firewood……it is all fine now and he joined his church in Belize on Sunday.

So, What do we need to do next?

Tim Tam

USSV Needs for February 2008

We collect for United Samaritan Services of Vernon every Communion Sunday. As Christ has shared his life with us, let us share with one another. Here is a current list of needed supplies:
  • Brown paper grocery bags
  • Tuna
  • Macaroni & cheese
  • Dried beans
  • Peanut butter

Please also keep in mind that USSV often fills the needs that public assistance cannot provide. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CANNT BE PURCHASED WITH FOOD STAMPS:

  • Hygiene items
  • Bar soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Deodorant
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry soap