My Heart Soared
I can hardly wait to see what God does through the upcoming GACX forum. My first GACX meeting was the children’s ministry strategy intensive at the 2018 forum. From the moment I arrived, the presence of God’s Spirit was palpable. My heart soared as I met others who had a focus on Kingdom-minded collaboration.
One of the first people I met was DJ Bosler, president of GameLife123. After I shared our work, he began championing the Prayer Covenant. Their ministry resources have greatly enhanced our ministry. In addition to attending Prayer Covenant launches, GameLife created 10 unique, biblically based games that tie in with each of our 10 themes which are designed to help children establish a spiritual foundation and understand Christ-centered prayer. “DJ is awesome!” say our leaders. DJ now serves as Director of Ministry Development with the Prayer Covenant
I also met Gary Strudler, global director of Kid Story (Kids Around the World), who graciously provided us with “re-tell” stories for each of our themes. He’s a master storyteller! All of his re-tell stories can be found on our website under “training.”
There were also Dion Steinborn and Chery Osterloh, with the JESUS Film Project, and Greg Stoughton from Cru. Dion and Greg flew into Cincinnati to attend a Prayer Covenant launch, learn more about the ministry and explore ways to deepen our partnership.
Meeting Carol M with Cru has opened the door for the Prayer Covenant to SE Asia. God spoke to Carol about God’s heart for kids: discipling them in the area of prayer. She considers PC4K and her new friendship with Candy M, whom she fondly calls “Candy Rapper,” a blessing. Carol has been sharing the vision with Cru leaders in 10 SE Asian nations. She has started to train a few leaders whom she prays for to be God’s instruments to reach the children. Other Prayer Coordinators share God’s heart for children. Translations of the Prayer Covenant being underway is a praise item. The Bahasa version of the Prayer Covenant is done and ready for use. Carol’s vision is to see 500,000 children in 10 countries with the Prayer Covenant and Best News Ever resources over the next two years. We praise and thank God for their partnership and God-given vision to reach children in SE Asia
Equipping African Leaders
The Jesus Film Project and Cru have blessed the Prayer Covenant ministry greatly by raising funds to provide backpacks for our African leaders, many of whom travel by motorbike or boat to share the film. I wanted to share with you a few of the comments received since initiating this particular partnership:
“The last few months I’ve had heavy travel to meet with church leaders and attend conferences to teach about Prayer Covenant and about the importance of training kids for Christ. Whenever I speak, I make time to show the Jesus Film.” –Nigeria
“In every village I go, we show the film and children receive Prayer Covenant cards. I explain the importance of prayer and pray after the film. Yesterday, 20 children gave their life to Christ. The “JESUS” film will help raise many children in our country for Christ.” –Burkina Faso
“With 14 backpacks received recently, our leaders have shown the “JESUS” film 186 times to 17,918 persons, resulting in 2,190 converts and 187 trained leaders. Every child that receives or renews their commitment to Jesus receives a Prayer Covenant card and booklet.” –Togo
We are grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and leadership of GACX partners who live out Galatians 6:9.
PRAYER
Father, we thank you for these partnerships and the work of the gospel made possible through your servants. Thank you for the work of your Holy Spirit in uniting your Church in fulfilling the Great Commission. Continue to make us one so that the world will know we are Yours—that you live within us and love through us. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” –Galatians 6:9 NLT
