Spinning Under Control
We often hear stories of how things are “spinning out of control.”
How much better if we first seek Jesus and HIS Kingdom? It will end up with life and ministry both “spinning under HIS control!”
It is something that both you and I see within 4D’s ministry. It makes our giving have impact both right now and for many years to come. It truly is “a gift that keeps on giving.” Let me explain.
To do so, we can look at Luda in Moldova. She is such a great example. She came from a very difficult family background with abuse, neglect, and alcoholism. Then Luda started to attend an after-school program called Pearl. Pearl is led by Liza who is 4D’s coordinator of after-school programs and camps in Moldova (a small former Soviet country nestled between Romania and Ukraine). In the years following, Luda grew as a follower of Jesus and became Liza’s part-time assistant. Last year Luda was baptized, and this year she is leaving for the capital to attend university (just like Liza did many years earlier). Luda also works with Liza during the summer in camps and special Pearl programs. God provided for her studies. Luda’s dream is to become a teacher and return to her town so she can help other kids to learn about Christ and obtain life skills.
Yes, it often starts with bringing hope through Jesus to kids (like Luda). This summer, 4D hopes to be involved with about 10,000 kids in weeklong camps and another 5,000 in three- or four-day festivals.
Then there is the next step: to make followers of Jesus. After that, it is so exciting to see those transformed young lives produce new momentum and leaders that allows for both their individual growth and their lives to impact others. It’s multiplication as a result of God’s amazing grace demonstrated. It is a cycle of hope that keeps on “spinning.” Central in all this is Jesus at the core, and then the local churches (and you!) receiving and sharing as partners in HIS harvest.
“What are the obstacles?” you may wonder. And: “If it was that easy, wouldn’t everyone follow that model?”
There is always a temptation (also in Europe) to focus on the needs of “our own churches.” Becoming missional involves sacrifice. “Good care for our children” may seem safer than an environment with kids that come from problem backgrounds. Are we willing to self-evaluate and ask: how are we doing with fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus to go out into the world and make disciples (to be missional)? That includes being relevant and building bridges like Christ and the early Church did. (We call it being field driven.) That takes amazing and gifted people like Liza and others helping them.
Rei models it so well. He recently shared how among leaders in Romania, there now is more optimism, and new/more leadership that want their churches be missional. Earlier this year, Rei’s church and four other churches together organized a two- and half-day leadership conference for Romania. About 1,000 people in leadership showed up, representing different denominations but one desire – to be effective in the Master’s hands. There also were over 20 special workshops (that are now available online).
Another factor why 4D encounters so many open doors is that what we do today (and tomorrow) is possible because of what has been done before. Going back to when I first saw the needs and started simply bringing Bibles and other help, that period of ministry brought much needed help, but also provided a basis of trust. Often, we are reminded that we don’t only talk about empowerment, but all we do is to help churches be missional and fulfill God’s calling. When leaders in Czechia or Romania tell me, “You are one of us,” that is a big compliment and opens the door for ministry.
Looking back there are three building blocks:
18 years of restrictions (Iron Curtain) (1971-1989)
22 years of building publishing, children and youth ministry (1989- 2011)
13 years of new field-driven, local church-owned ministry
So, the cycle of hope is repeated over and over again. It is possible to start at any place in the cycle, but for most, it starts with going to a camp or a special club (like Luda did).
Amazing, isn’t it? And just as people like Liza, Luda, and Rei are essential, so are you!
Please, consider one more time to send more Ludas to camp this season! It’s not only sharing the good news with kids, but it also is a place where disciples are made and leaders are shaped. About 90% of the 1,800 leaders volunteering in the camps, came to Christ or became His follower in a camp themselves! So, join with a special sponsorship of just $28 per child for camps taking place in August and into the fall. Think about how many lives you can make a difference in! Ten, Twenty or even a hundred or more!
To join hands and be part of the ‘Cycle of Hope’ today, you can visit www.4dministries.org/donate to send kids to camp this summer!