"But how can they call to Him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out?" - Romans 10:14-15aWhile the work of mobilizing South Americans into extreme kingdom expansion marches on in Ecuador, I find myself focusing on another challenge--another call.
Back in my native Ohio, where the leaves have barely begun to change and the fall nip is just finding its way into the air, I have a mission. I am sharing in churches across Southwestern Ohio about the work the Lord is up to in South America, and how He is using Extreme Nazarene Ministries to bring His kingdom to earth.
And in makes me excited.
Yes, the words "enthusiastic," "bubbly," "contagious," and "effervescent" will likely be used to describe me when I share my passion with many groups here in these weeks of home assignment. I just can't help it. I love my job. I love the call God has placed on my life.
However, I want to bring a challenge with me as well. I want to see congregations in my home country step up into the radical obedience that discipleship demands of Followers of Jesus Christ. So I hope to be a part of the Holy Spirit's work as He afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted.
But I have a side mission, one I know my Savior is already taking care of. I love to talk about discipleship, and the cost of discipleship, in a figurative sense. But this call carries a literal aspect as well.
I need to raise funds to be able to return to the field, and head back to Ecuador to finish the work I started a year ago of deploying 40/40s to four cities in Ecuador to make disciples (who make disciples who make disciples). I am making a three year commitment to continue with Extreme Nazarene in South America. But this call--that has evolved into a commitment--requires economic support.
And as ever, I cannot do it alone.
I am seeking forty individuals, families, or small groups to give $50 monthly for the next three years. I believe God has already called the chosen, and I am simply waiting for them/you to say yes to this call. (If God lays another quantity on your heart, by all means, pledge that amount!) But here is my challenge to you: DON'T give within your means. Give until you have to rely on the Holy Spirit to come through for you. Trust until you place total and utter dependence on God to accomplish what seems impossible.
I am saying "Yes," because I have already counted the cost, and He is worth it all.
Please, pray, seek the Lord's will, and then, SAY YES.
If you are one of the people God is calling to send this worker into the harvest field, donations can be made by visiting extremenazarene.org/stevens. If you have questions about other ways to give, please contact me at cstevens@extremenazarene.org.
Note about fundraising: The funds that are donated to me go directly into my Extreme account. I then request the funds I need on a monthly basis. Therefore, the money given to support me goes to my rent, utilities, food, transportation, airfare, etc. If I do not have 100% of the required funds pledged, I am prohibited from returning to the field until I meet my minimum funds goal.
