See below for a great description of the harvest field called "Chicago". Mark and Katrina Willis, part of the Abilene/Antioch diaspora, have been assigned by the Lord of the harvest to that huge city. Add your voice to theirs today in beseeching the Lord to thrust out (exballo) an army of harvest workers there.
John
My wife Katrina and I are living and working here in urban Chicago - we moved here in June 2008. It's been a fast-paced lifestyle that has asked a lot of us emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Living in the urban matrix of Chicago, we've seen elements of Babel and whispers of the New Jerusalem -- plenty of "making a name for ourselves" through skyscrapers, gang graffiti, and workaholics; but also plenty of peace-making, reconciliation, and redistribution of God's people throughout the "empire" to serve the poor and lost among us.
We are connected to several other couples in the city who have the goal of planting house churches and participating in mission with God. This has been a great source of encouragement for us, and at the same time, we're still listening to God as to how he is calling us together. Our dream is to see a "vibrant family of Jesus" in close reach of every person in Chicago. We are desperately praying that God show us people from the harvest who can be leaders in their context. We have seen several vibrant families gather in the last year, and are praying for the holistic salvation of Chicago, the "city of neighborhoods."
Mark and Katrina, thanks for this introduction. You have encouraged me and confirmed what is happening where I live as being part of the same pattern. It's the way the Almighty does things.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that on the one hand you see the loud work of the world but intermingled with it Papa's work of love and peace through his special people. What a contrast!
'People from the harvest who can be leaders in their context.'
Yes! That is the key to how the Kingdom will continue to come. The sown seed growing and sowing seed of its own. Read Revelation 3:7-8. The key of David is the Key to the Kingdom, the key that was promised in Matthew 16:19.
Wow, you are quite articulate! I love the description.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the image of you pouring yourselves out/emptying yourselves. Philippians 3 has been on my mind lately.
Father, I pray that you be WITH Mark and Katrina. Make your presence known as you rejoice and suffer with them. Accept their offering and fill them up again and again.
Praying for you guys in Chicago - that's a tough city if I've ever seen one!
ReplyDeleteFor the Kingdom!!
Mark and Katrina-great description of the vision that God is placing on your heart. I really appreciate your desire to interact with the people in your city--to notice and look for ways to describe what you see through your Father's eyes. I'm praying with you today.
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