This food was fed to us as we discussed starting a VBS in a vecindario (apartment complex) of one of the members of Harbor: Mid-City. This VBS is not starting today, but next Monday when we will have the help of our other intern Emily Gryder there to help us out. We are expecting about 7-12 students, so not a huge VBS, but because of their ages we are trying to organize almost all of it in Spanish. Our goals thought this is to show these children the love of Christ, while at the same time showing their parents the love of Christ.
I am learning a lot about helping church plants get off the ground while here in San Diego. Trying to help Harbor while they are still establishing themselves in the neighborhood is unlike anything I've ever done. We are collaborating with people that have passions for various different ministries all feeding into one church. At our staff meeting this morning we worked alongside of Campus Outreach teams, World Impact teams, Urban Life, and also MTW's Spanish outreach in this area of San Diego. It is spectacular to how God works in these early stages.
Update on Wednesday night Bible study: it was cancelled yet again this week due to some health problems and parent teacher conferences. This week will also be cancelled due to the fourth of July holiday. However, we are hoping that the week after will result in it being full swing again.
In other news, we are looking to start an evangelistic Bible study in one of the vecindarios as well. I ask you for prayer concerning this, that the persons that are offering to host would be emboldened by the Holy Spirit in their outreach to their neighbors. Also prayer for Ray and I as we ponder the best paths to organize this Bible study.
Thank you again for your support,
Zach Lutz.
Dear Zach,
ReplyDeleteDrinking in your prayer request brought me to share the following thoughts from Psalms 119:42 & 105; Ephesians 4:15. “Lord Jesus, surround about Zach and Ray and embolden them to know Your Word is power and brings forth ALL life!
As your team follows His Word, His anointing will become amazingly manifest. In Asking for HIS wisdom… His covering will come. (James 1:2-8)
“So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in THY WORD. Psalms 119:42
“Thy WORD is a lamp to my feet, and a LIGHT unto my path.” Psalms 119:105
“Speaking the truth in love, let us grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
As you begin your plans for the bible study and the VBS, remember, regardless of the numbers, your most welcome guest is the presence of HIS Holy Spirit guiding, protecting and strengthening you. When by faith, we are following and walking in the path that HE directs, miracles can and will occur. But remember, prayer proceeds worship and worship proceeds service!
As your faith and spiritual confidence builds, ask HIM to help you move, far from your old standard comfort zones. Under His power and directed by His love, never be ashamed nor afraid to use HIS Word! And quoting His Word in Spanish will indeed be a powerful testimony to all whom you are ministering to. Intervene by Speaking the Word in Truth and in Love!
Remember we are only His chosen instruments, it is HIS Incarnate Word that goes before us and brings forth ALL LIFE! Spoken in Love, words powerfully penetrate even the most confused soul. May you and your team go forth, becoming the Masters magnificent means for radical transformation.
It is your job to Speak the Word in truth and in Love. Then we get out of the way, and let “Him work His Word” in us, as HE WILLS.
“Lord Jesus, we praise YOU for YOUR Word and for what You are doing in the life and testimony of Your faithful servant Zach. For Your WORD is power and light and life to ALL WHO are to hear! Give Zach and Ray boldness, covered with Your love in spreading YOUR WORD. And may we do so only in truth, by Your AGAPE love. We praise YOU for the harvest Your WORD has brought forth on Zach’s trip. It’s in Your Mighty and Matchless Name we pray. AMEN”