Give Up Your Blueprint and God Can Lead

When I look back over the past several years, one experience stands out that laid the groundwork for our work with Appleseed.  During a time of painful transition God spoke clearly to me, “You are expecting that I will give you a blueprint for where you are going, but there will be no blueprint.  You must learn to walk one step at a time as I lead and guide.”

I was challenged!  I like to know what’s coming and see the upcoming turns in the road.  But, this faith journey works!

As we see churches planted among the poor and lives changed in greater measure then we could ever have imagined, I am brought back to this simple conclusion.  We must be followers of our amazing Jesus on a day-by-day basis.  This is all that matters.

You are part of this work that God is doing because, at some point, you also responded to His voice and joined in.  Jesus said, “whatever you do to the least, you do for me,” and by responding to Him you are also taking faith-steps with eyes focused on Him.

What God can do through a few folk like you and me, simple vagabonds seeking to be faithful followers, has yet to be seen.  Let’s continue to find out! -- Roger
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Consider What You Helped Us Do This Year

• An 8-year-old orphan, fainting from lack of nutrition, was treated for malaria, given a mosquito net to protect her, and provided a meal every day.  Multiply this by dozens of other children’s stories!

• A widow discovered that she was no longer despised by God and that others would not only loved her in word by also through actions of support that lifted her from destitution to begin caring for herself and family.  Multiply this story by many dozens of others.

• One network of churches in Kenya set a goal of 2,000 new baptisms for 2011.  They missed the mark, baptizing 'only' 720 people.  Undaunted, and knowing that God wanted to set free many people living in the oppression of victimization and poverty, they set their new goal for 2012: 4,000.  They have learned some lessons and believe they should aim high!  Multiply this effort by several other networks of churches. Read More Here About Church Planting Movements!

You can see why we are excited by what you have done with us, and we look forward to so much more as you partner with us in 2012.