Prayer Focus: Outreaches

September 7, 2012 — Craig T. Owens

As this week marks the beginning of a “new year,” (as students are heading back to school and we’re all settling in to our fall routines), we are taking time to focus our prayers.

Today’s pray focus is for our fall outreaches.

“Sometimes I’m asked to list the most important steps in preparing for an evangelistic mission, and my reply is always the same: prayer . . . prayer . . . prayer.” —Billy Graham

How true this is! If we try to take on any kind of project in our own ingenuity or our own strength, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. The greatest example of prayer … prayer … prayer is Jesus. Throughout His public ministry, you will see prayer preceding all of the major ministry activities.

Not only that, but we see Jesus praying for us just prior to His crucifixion (see John 17) that we would spread the news about Him in God’s strength. And then just before His ascension, Jesus told His followers,

Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. …But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:4, 5, 8)

We have several local ministries in which we are involved throughout the year, and we have some special ministry opportunities we will be undertaking this fall. In addition, there are many, many missionaries which have counting on our prayer support.

Please pray for our involvement with:

Please pray for the missionaries that we know and love so much:

  • Kirk & Jayne Flanagan
  • David & Kristen Speer
  • Craig & Sharon Metzner
  • Ray & Deborah Miller
  • Bob & Rhonda Thomas
  • Dianne Eklund
  • Bob & Bette Sue MacIsaac
  • Joshua & Amber Payne
  • Matt & Carrie Love
  • Scott & Rachel Shank
  • Jon Fredrickson
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Shop With A Purpose

August 3, 2010 — Craig T. Owens

Why do you go shopping?

Just for fun?

As a stress-buster?

For real needs?

Where do you go shopping?

Whichever store is closest?

The one with the best prices?

     The one with the most desirable styles?

How about shopping somewhere that really makes a difference?

Betsy and I were wandering around Rockford, MI, last weekend and stumbled upon an incredible store called The W.A.R. Chest Boutique. W.A.R. stands for Women At Risk. (Please read more about the mission of W.A.R. on their website.)

In a nutshell, W.A.R. sells items made by women who have been rescued from slavery or other oppressive conditions. These women have been taught a skill to make jewelry or clothing or other one-of-a-kind items for your home. And here’s the great part: 90% of the proceeds go back to the women who made the items! Yes, 90 percent!

You can get involved by:

  • Educating yourself on the plight of at-risk women around the world.
  • Shopping at the two W.A.R. boutique locations in West Michigan.
  • Shopping W.A.R.’s items online.
  • Hosting a W.A.R. party in your home.
  • Praying for these women, and for organizations that are helping them.

Don’t just shop. Shop with a purpose.

Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person. (Proverbs 3:27)

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