| Precious Fellow-Workers for the Gospel,
Please forgive me for repeating things Deb and I have been saying repeatedly for several years now. If just seemed appropriate to begin the New Year affirming our ministry direction and vision.
As promised, here is a succinct review of what Deb and I will strive to do in the strength which God provides. As you know, we believe it is our calling to develop ten discipleship centers (churches), in ten global cities, within the ten civilizations of the world. We plan to do so by ministering locally and discipling globally. Although the plan has matured through the years, in its kernel form, we envisioned it over 40 years ago. We believe this desire is from the Lord, and we look to Him to accomplish it through us. We are disciplining ourselves body, soul, and spirit to accomplish what we believe to be God’s stewardship for us. So what will it take to do this?
Firstly, we are planning to actively pursue this calling to our 90th year if the Lord does not return, and if He grants us health and strength. We could retire, enjoy children and grandchildren and this would be a noble thing to do. However, we believe God has gifted us, equipped us, and given us knowledge of what could and should be done. Therefore, we must be involved with the doing of it. We believe the most important thing we can do for our children and grandchildren is to be faithful to our calling.
Secondly, what will InterGlo Ministries be like?
- We are orthodox in that we hope to have good relationships with the full body of Christ, globally. That which the believing church has always held dear, we also do. We are not sectarian.
- We are orthodox in that we approach the Bible in a specific way, which begins with a special creation and ends with a future for Israel. We believe that a literal understanding of the beginning and the end of the Bible is essential to help new believers become mature believers, equipped to minister the Bible.
- We are gospel-centered. We believe the main theme of the Bible is the reconciliation of man with God. As a result, the ministries of the church will revolve around first, the salvation of people in all parts of the world, and then the discipling of those same individuals.
Thirdly, how will we establish ten discipleship centers, in ten global cities, within the 10 major civilizations?
- The world seems poised for such an endeavor. Our ability to communicate globally makes ministering globally easier. Much of our ministry will be online ministry by means of social media and video conferencing.
- From our years in Boston we have many friends who now live in various places around the world. Many of these are reconnecting with us in online Bible studies.
- We also have solid connections within the global community of Iowa City. The Lord willing, these will be a resource for global discipleship.
- This combination of local in-person and global online ministry is the key to the ten discipleship centers.
Fourthly, what will our ministry program look like?
- We will continue to develop our weekly global Bible study groups with the gospel-centered ethos.
- We will have individual evangelistic, discipleship studies, as well as counseling online and in person.
- Deb and I will travel globally to visit those to whom and with whom we minister. (three times yearly)
Fifthly, is this even possible? While we know what we are doing and are experienced at it, there are many reasons why this may fail. In fact, we know that accomplishing this in our own strength is impossible. But if our partners in ministry continue to pray, give, and perhaps even go with us, it is possible, maybe even probable.
Let’s get this done!!
Bill and Deb,
Soon, a report on the progress towards our divine stewardship. |
