Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line

The Harvest is Ready--could use your prayers and support

I am just back from Kenya and suffering from jet lag still. The trip was an amazing success. I trained about 100 pastors all over the country on evangelism, leadership, marriage, parenting, church planting, discipleship, and most importantly--kingdom expansion.

What is woefully apparent from getting on the ground and sharing with folks who have a passion to serve, yet fail to see the fruit in their efforts, is how misguided the church has become through the ages when it comes to NT church practice. For example, the Great Commission has changed from "make disciples, baptizing them, teaching them to obey all my commands" to "make converts through a simple prayer or even the raising of a hand." We have replaced "if you love me you will obey my commands" (John 14:15, 14:21) and "No one who abides in him sins; no one who sins has seen him or knows him" (1 John 3:6) with "love, grace, mercy--and even smooth roads and prosperity. What happened to "carry your cross and follow me" and "counting the cost." There is much tickling of the ears and little depth or substance anymore pouring from the air waves--their image of the American church. We teach our congregations: "if you profess Christ, attend church, and tithe--I demand no more from you." Yet, the Great Commission is to "make disciples" and "teach to obey all His commands." Where have we gone wrong? One local man told me "you are the first white man I have ever seen teach the truth."

What is discipleship anyway? Can we really "disciple" someone by "preaching" to them 30 minutes a week? How did Jesus do it? And even Paul? They walked with those they discipled. Can we really disciple hundreds, if not thousands? Jesus simply took on 12 people, and one still fell away. Why do we suppose we can handle more than Him? Paul likewise invested in a few (2 Tim 2:2). Can a lecture style setup really make disciples? What about 1 Corinthians 14:26--anything but a lecture.

Not all traditions are bad--yet many prove only marginally effective. I have brought teachings of NT practices to Kenya. I opened my teaching with this statement: "if you don't see what I teach in the Word, ignore it." The Word is sufficient. Yes, what I shared looked like new wine--however, it is not. It is simply the NT wine pulled off the shelf and put back into practice.

I am very encouraged by the multitudes of folks God is bringing back to the simplicity of NT practices. Traditions are being shed, and the Kingdom is expanding. You see, mammon and tradition have crept into the church. Men have created their kingdoms at the expense of "the Kingdom." Many now want to see the Kingdom expand--that is church multiplication and the making of disciples.

Many say the soil is hard in their field--that the harvest just is not ready. Yet Jesus spoke of a different problem. He said the harvest is ready, but the workers are few. Well, God has asked me and my family to labor in the harvest of Kenya. We are, right now, selling everything that doesn't fit in a suitcase and relocating our 6 (soon 7) children to the bush in Kenya. The harvest is indeed ready--but not just Kenya. It's ready wherever you are--for those who are ready to embrace God's Kingdom at the expense of their own. God wants those willing to put Him first in everything (1 John 2:15-17).

Now I have a personal request: please pray for my family and ministry. Also, consider supporting us. Not just sending funds--but rather by purchasing our products. I share in Paul's boast that I have always self-funded my ministry and have never taken a salary. That will prove more difficult in a poverty-stricken environment. So I ask that you consider doing what you can to help--while at the same time blessing yourself and your congregations.

My recently released book is designed to mobilize the saints to fruitfulness (www.valuesdrivenlife.com). I have offered an e-copy for free for a while now. I urge you to purchase one for your library and for those you disciple. Every copy you purchase puts $5 in the coffers for our work in Kenya. We also have other reources such as audio seminars, parenting resources, and even natural health products at www.valuesdrivenfamily.com. Please help us in this way. And spread the word about our materials if they have blessed you and yours.

Another way to support our work is to provide opportunities to speak at your churches. I am available to do anything from Sunday sermons to extended evening and weekend workshops anywhere in the greater Indianapolis area. A modest honorarium or offering would be appreciated and a table to display my products is all I ask. A blessing to you and support for us.

Lastly, a fine way to support us is to buy our stuff--that is our household items. We are literally selling EVERYTHING on Craig's List. Email me at marc.carrier@valuesdrivenfamily.com for directions to see what we have.

God bless you all,

Marc Carrier

posted by Marc Carrier @ 9:33 AM