I am excited about our Dreamer's Night Service slated for Sunday evening (January 16, 6:30 p.m.). Together we will open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I hope we have a full attendance from all of our attendees.
You might be thinking, "Well what exactly happens at a Dreamer's Night Service?" That's a great question. I hope I can give a satisfying answer; although, they best way to find out is to come and take part.
Basically, a Dreamer's Night Service is a brainstorming session - actually it is a brainstorming session through the power of prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is a form of worship where we open our hearts to the possibilities of God through New Life Baptist Church.
It will involve possibilities from our present meeting place. Can we see ourselves here at 1760 Prospect Road serving God in full capacity? If so, can we see the possibilities of the necessary upgrades and expansion down the road? Answers to these questions and more should come only from the gathered fellowship, as we spend time in prayer with one another. It may also help us to answer the present question of whether or not we should purchase St. Christopher's and make it our home.
Secondly, what is our understanding of our community in terms of ministries? What are the possibilities? During the service we will take time to brainstorm every potential ministries. Now brainstorming does not involve a discussion of whether or not these possibilities are viable. Therefore, no idea is a bad idea; and every idea is greatly encouraged and applauded. It is a really fun exercise where everyone is appreciated and every idea is praised. It is a great way to pat one another on the back - probably something we don't do enough.
I have entitled this particular blog, "Children have a Voice Too!" because I want everyone to know that there is no age preference to a Dreamer's Night Service. Sometimes our most doable ideas for ministry opportunities comes from the voices of children. So think of this service as a family one and bring your children.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)
Hope to see you there!
Blessings,
-Leo
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Prayer of the Children
If you want to watch a heart wrenching video, click on this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xj6Ymz9ak
I have watched this video off and on a number of times over the last year. It makes me think of my responsibility to children; not only the children I know, but children all over the world.
If there is one sector of people in the world who don't seem to have a voice, it is children. They are born into the world in innocence, and totally dependant upon an adult society to look out for their well-being.
But how responsible are we? We seem to do a fairly good job with our responsibility for children in our own back yard so-to-speak, but what about children around the world. Do they not deserve the same consideration as our own?
If God gave children a voice to say what they wanted to an adult world - what do you think they would say? It might be in the form of a prayer and say something like the message of the above video.
How sad it is when children are banished because the world turns a blind eye to their tragic lives. 28,000 children starve to death every day. Thousands more die from wars and natural disasters. They are abused by soldiers, politicians, war-lords, pimps, and the like. But who really cares?
The story around th birth of Jesus comes to mind. When king Herod heard from the magi that a new king was to be born he was angry. He gave orders to his soldiers that every boy two years and under be killed. This was the sad fulfillment of prophecy from Jeremiah, "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
I think this prophecy speaks volumes of the unheard, unspoken voices of the children crying out from the grave; a huanting prayer, "Care for the children." Sometimes, instead of feel-good daily inspirations,we need heart wrenching ones to awaken us to the reality of the world. Let's pray the prayer for the children and take action to their cause.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ncXoL6iW8&feature=related
Amen.
Blessings,
-Leo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xj6Ymz9ak
I have watched this video off and on a number of times over the last year. It makes me think of my responsibility to children; not only the children I know, but children all over the world.
If there is one sector of people in the world who don't seem to have a voice, it is children. They are born into the world in innocence, and totally dependant upon an adult society to look out for their well-being.
But how responsible are we? We seem to do a fairly good job with our responsibility for children in our own back yard so-to-speak, but what about children around the world. Do they not deserve the same consideration as our own?
If God gave children a voice to say what they wanted to an adult world - what do you think they would say? It might be in the form of a prayer and say something like the message of the above video.
How sad it is when children are banished because the world turns a blind eye to their tragic lives. 28,000 children starve to death every day. Thousands more die from wars and natural disasters. They are abused by soldiers, politicians, war-lords, pimps, and the like. But who really cares?
The story around th birth of Jesus comes to mind. When king Herod heard from the magi that a new king was to be born he was angry. He gave orders to his soldiers that every boy two years and under be killed. This was the sad fulfillment of prophecy from Jeremiah, "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
I think this prophecy speaks volumes of the unheard, unspoken voices of the children crying out from the grave; a huanting prayer, "Care for the children." Sometimes, instead of feel-good daily inspirations,we need heart wrenching ones to awaken us to the reality of the world. Let's pray the prayer for the children and take action to their cause.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ncXoL6iW8&feature=related
Amen.
Blessings,
-Leo
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