I really don’t know where to begin. Moses was speechless after coming face to face with God on Mt. Sinai. Perhaps he was awe laced with fear or maybe it was pure shock at being exposed to the fullness of God in such a personal way. Regardless, Moses was speechless.
For the first time in a long time I feel the same.
There is no way to adequately explain what took place at the training conference. We were humbled, awestruck; dumbfounded by the way God was working through all who assembled. Let’s just say God heard and answered all of your prayers and then some. A revival has been sparked among a large group of Ethiopian pastors and their wives. Simultaneously, a door has opened for our St. Matthew family that none of us ever dreamed or imagined.
Every year, two to three thousand Ethiopian evangelical pastors from all denominations assemble for a national conference. Key pastor leaders for the whole continent f Africa also attend. The conference ends with a National worship service that draws over 30,000 people. We have been extended a preliminary invitation to play a role in the training and the closing worship celebration.
Unbelievable! Humbling! Speechless!
Do you see how big our God is? He has chosen to use a little ol church in Burleson, TX to impact a whole nation and that nation’s continent for Christ. Will it come to fruition? Maybe ,maybe not, but regardless one small pebble cast into the waters has sent ripples across the entire ocean. And it all started with your decision to return Christmas to its original intent, the celebration of Jesus birthday.
Our team split up early this morning to double our efforts. Melissa, Caren Robertson and Alemayhu went to Gunchire to work on the plans for the library. Claudia, Leigh Ann, Genet and I remained in Hawassa to finish the conference. Tomorrow we will all meet in Weliso and worship in Gunchire on Sunday. Sunday afternoon we return to Addis to gear up for three more days of training.
Thank you for praying and encouraging us. We have felt the presence of God every step of the journey. Though we are having an incredible experience, we miss our church family and are eager to be reunited with you in worship on the first weekend of February. Hopefully our speech will soon return so we can better describe the miracles God has been performing the people called St. Matthew.
Peace,
Rick
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
11:00pm Ethiopia, January 27, 2011
Greetings to all our family in Jerusalem from your brother and sisters who are now at “ends of the earth.” Though there are only four of us here from St. Matthew it feels like all of you are present. We are simply ambassadors for Christ and the good work he is doing through you.
Please forgive me ladies for even attempting such a metaphor, but I wonder if our experience is similar to what you feel after child birth. We are tired from little sleep and our bodies are somewhat sore from being on our feet hours and hours at a time, but we are full of joy because of the new life God is allowing us to nurture. We have witnessed the birth of the vision shared by us all to be a witness for Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria AND to the Ends of the Earth!
I am so proud to be part of a church family who gets it. Today the ladies heard the testimony of a recent Muslim convert professing faith in Christ. You are making a difference! Today, the senior pastor of all Ethiopia, similar to our Billy Graham, thanked God and praised you for saying yes at the perfect time in the history of the Evangelical Ethiopian Church. You are making a difference! Today, Ethiopian young adults passionately requested that we show them how to reach their youth for Jesus. You are making a difference!
From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, you are glorifying God by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as you can.
As most of you know, conception and giving birth is the easy part. Now is the time to feed and nurture the Vision until she fully matures and takes on a life of her own. Shout for Joy people of God for you truly are changing the world one person at a time.
Pray for us even as we pray for you.
I love you all.
Rick
Please forgive me ladies for even attempting such a metaphor, but I wonder if our experience is similar to what you feel after child birth. We are tired from little sleep and our bodies are somewhat sore from being on our feet hours and hours at a time, but we are full of joy because of the new life God is allowing us to nurture. We have witnessed the birth of the vision shared by us all to be a witness for Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria AND to the Ends of the Earth!
I am so proud to be part of a church family who gets it. Today the ladies heard the testimony of a recent Muslim convert professing faith in Christ. You are making a difference! Today, the senior pastor of all Ethiopia, similar to our Billy Graham, thanked God and praised you for saying yes at the perfect time in the history of the Evangelical Ethiopian Church. You are making a difference! Today, Ethiopian young adults passionately requested that we show them how to reach their youth for Jesus. You are making a difference!
From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, you are glorifying God by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with as many people as you can.
As most of you know, conception and giving birth is the easy part. Now is the time to feed and nurture the Vision until she fully matures and takes on a life of her own. Shout for Joy people of God for you truly are changing the world one person at a time.
Pray for us even as we pray for you.
I love you all.
Rick
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday 1:00am Ethiopia:
Wednesday was a long but productive day. The pastors arrived at the training full of hope and gratitude. They were like sponges today soaking up everything uttered by the Spirit. Your birthday gift to Jesus is going to reap a harvest in Ethiopia for years to come.
They asked me to thank you for your incredible generosity. I quote..."Thank you St. Matthew. God's spirit is moving and the saints are being equipped. We are praying for you even as you pray for us."
Soon we hope to send pictures so you can better grasp where we are and what God is doing. The pace has been fast and the days long so there has been little time to download pictures. Yes, everyone is tired but we are energized by the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, Melissa and Claudia will begin to work with the pastor's wives and I will continue the training with the pastors. Hopefully by Friday, we will be able to send you a more thorough report.
One thing I love about the Ethiopian Christians, they really know now to worship. I don't understand one word when they are singing and yet I understand everything because of their loving spirits. Our hearts are full.
Good Night Church Family. We love and miss you.
Rick
They asked me to thank you for your incredible generosity. I quote..."Thank you St. Matthew. God's spirit is moving and the saints are being equipped. We are praying for you even as you pray for us."
Soon we hope to send pictures so you can better grasp where we are and what God is doing. The pace has been fast and the days long so there has been little time to download pictures. Yes, everyone is tired but we are energized by the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, Melissa and Claudia will begin to work with the pastor's wives and I will continue the training with the pastors. Hopefully by Friday, we will be able to send you a more thorough report.
One thing I love about the Ethiopian Christians, they really know now to worship. I don't understand one word when they are singing and yet I understand everything because of their loving spirits. Our hearts are full.
Good Night Church Family. We love and miss you.
Rick
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
11:30 PM Ethiopia Time
We had another long day of travel to the southern most region of Ethiopia via the “oh no” highway. Vans and commercial trucks competing for the narrow roadway with hordes of donkeys, goats , cows and Bramha bulls while driving at break neck speeds. I think the game of chicken was invented in Ethiopia. The first one to turn the wheel and yell “Oh No” loses or wins depending on your perspective.
This morning, we met a young couple who have been in Adddis for two years evangelizing the migrated Somalis in eastern Ethiopia. They have a one year old son with another on the way. I was deeply moved by their obvious love for the lost tribes of Somalia. What a commitment!
We visited O Elem orphanage before heading out on “oh no” highway. The children and adults were thrilled to receive the gifts from the children of St. Matthew. Way to go kids! You are making a difference on the other side of the world. The financial gift was received with grateful hearts and hope filled sparkling eyes.
Tomorrow bright and early we begin equipping pastors to lead their churches, to reach the lost and make disciples. These pastors are willing servants with little or no education. They are eager, willing and hungry to learn. We are excited about the opportunity to be used by God to teach them how to be fishers of men, women, youth and children.
The weather today was very warm as we descended the mountain to the edge of the desert. Everyone is well, upbeat and ready to get to work.
Your continued prayers are coveted.
Rick
This morning, we met a young couple who have been in Adddis for two years evangelizing the migrated Somalis in eastern Ethiopia. They have a one year old son with another on the way. I was deeply moved by their obvious love for the lost tribes of Somalia. What a commitment!
We visited O Elem orphanage before heading out on “oh no” highway. The children and adults were thrilled to receive the gifts from the children of St. Matthew. Way to go kids! You are making a difference on the other side of the world. The financial gift was received with grateful hearts and hope filled sparkling eyes.
Tomorrow bright and early we begin equipping pastors to lead their churches, to reach the lost and make disciples. These pastors are willing servants with little or no education. They are eager, willing and hungry to learn. We are excited about the opportunity to be used by God to teach them how to be fishers of men, women, youth and children.
The weather today was very warm as we descended the mountain to the edge of the desert. Everyone is well, upbeat and ready to get to work.
Your continued prayers are coveted.
Rick
Hello Church Family
Your Ethiopia Mission team, Leigh Ann Roy, Claudia Humphreys, Caren Robertson, Melissa Hagler and yours truly, have arrived safe and sound. After 16 ½ hours in the air, a mad dash through the Frankfurt airport and a long, slow line through customs in Ethiopia, we were greeted by our hosts with huge smiles and warm hugs. We are humbled and honored to represent you in this wonderful country. Tomorrow, while most of you are sound asleep, we will head to a local orphanage and then a 5 hour drive to get ready for our first training sessions.
We met two other mission teams while in flight and connected with several native Ethiopians. God gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel with an Ethiopian mother traveling with a 3 month old child. It was a Holy Spirit moment and a confirmation that God’s hand is upon us. A seed was planted; God will take care of the growth in His time.
Speaking of time, though our spirits are rested and full of joy, our bodies are suggesting we call it a night. The rooster will soon crow to announce another long day of travel. I will blog every day internet service is available.
Again, thank you for your generous birthday gift to Jesus. You are making huge impact in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
Peace and God Night,
Rick
We met two other mission teams while in flight and connected with several native Ethiopians. God gave me the opportunity to share the Gospel with an Ethiopian mother traveling with a 3 month old child. It was a Holy Spirit moment and a confirmation that God’s hand is upon us. A seed was planted; God will take care of the growth in His time.
Speaking of time, though our spirits are rested and full of joy, our bodies are suggesting we call it a night. The rooster will soon crow to announce another long day of travel. I will blog every day internet service is available.
Again, thank you for your generous birthday gift to Jesus. You are making huge impact in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
Peace and God Night,
Rick
Friday, January 21, 2011
A Winter Harvest
The ground is cold, desolate and hard. Rain is scarce, worms and other creatures that prepare the soil for seed are in hibernation. The days are short, shaded and brisk. And yet the fields are white and ready for the harvest.
God has been tilling, planting, fertilizing the souls of his people for a bountiful harvest. The seed, the Word of God, has been sown. The fertilizer, prayer, has been nourishing tender , youthful plants. And the gardener, The Holy Spirit, has been pruning in preparation for the fruit to be gathered in.
In the mist of the fierce battle for your soul, many of you have been faithfully working God’s plan. I can tell that many of you are in the Word like never before in your lives. I can tell some of your are praying with more daily fervor. I can tell that you have taken seriously the call to be in a small group. And I can tell that you are beginning to understand that the only way you keep what God has provided, Amazing Grace, is to give it away.
I am excited about what God is doing among us. I sense a Holy Spirit momentum as you are growing up and bringing people with you to worship, small groups, even to serve side by side with you. The best way to win this battle for the soul is a daily submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. So be diligent and continue to practice your spiritual disciplines. Draw close to the Lord and depend on Him in all that you do.
Leigh Ann Roy, Claudia Humphreys, Melissa Hagler and myself will be departing this Sunday evening to continue the good work you have started in Ethiopia. We will pray for you and I ask you do the same for us. Together, equally yoked in Christ….we can help God change the world, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
I am eager to be with you in Worship this weekend for many reasons; most of all to taste and see first hand the harvest of fruit God is gleaming from your lives.
I love you Church!
Rick
P.S. I will blog daily while in Ethiopia and post as internet service allows.
God has been tilling, planting, fertilizing the souls of his people for a bountiful harvest. The seed, the Word of God, has been sown. The fertilizer, prayer, has been nourishing tender , youthful plants. And the gardener, The Holy Spirit, has been pruning in preparation for the fruit to be gathered in.
In the mist of the fierce battle for your soul, many of you have been faithfully working God’s plan. I can tell that many of you are in the Word like never before in your lives. I can tell some of your are praying with more daily fervor. I can tell that you have taken seriously the call to be in a small group. And I can tell that you are beginning to understand that the only way you keep what God has provided, Amazing Grace, is to give it away.
I am excited about what God is doing among us. I sense a Holy Spirit momentum as you are growing up and bringing people with you to worship, small groups, even to serve side by side with you. The best way to win this battle for the soul is a daily submission to the Lord Jesus Christ. So be diligent and continue to practice your spiritual disciplines. Draw close to the Lord and depend on Him in all that you do.
Leigh Ann Roy, Claudia Humphreys, Melissa Hagler and myself will be departing this Sunday evening to continue the good work you have started in Ethiopia. We will pray for you and I ask you do the same for us. Together, equally yoked in Christ….we can help God change the world, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
I am eager to be with you in Worship this weekend for many reasons; most of all to taste and see first hand the harvest of fruit God is gleaming from your lives.
I love you Church!
Rick
P.S. I will blog daily while in Ethiopia and post as internet service allows.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Praise and Prayer!
I am still basking in the glow of our Christmas Eve Celebrations! God was present and God was greatly honored by your worship. My email box has been barraged with notes from your family and friends saying they had a God encounter Christmas Eve. Thank you to all of the servants, lay and staff, who sacrificed family time to make sure everything was read to celebrate Jesus Birthday. From the parking lot to the chair and pew God was honored and people were blessed. Thank you to everyone who invited someone, brought a coat and a financial gift to Jesus. Thank you to everyone who showed up to celebrate Jesus birthday.
Below is an accounting of what God did through you on Christmas Eve. Numbers are important only because they represent the fruit of your labor and evidence of God working in the lives of his people.
3 Worship Celebrations
Coats will be distributed very soon and our mission team will be heading to Ethiopia the afternoon of January 23rd. We will keep you posted on both and share pictures from both endeavors.
As you get ready for the New Year, I have a special request. I am deep into the preparation for our next message series, "Spiritual Warfare" and I sense God leading Dallas and me to pray for you and your family in a more personal way. Continue to place any prayer requests in the offering plate or contact the prayer line, but please email me, rick.owen@stmattcpc.org, with the same accompanied with more detail about the request.
Prayers of praise are also welcome but I especially want to know where the evil one has built a stronghold and is hindering your quality of life. I will NOT be able to respond to each and every prayer request but I promise that Dallas and I will keep your prayer requests confidential and jointly pray for you as we approach this new series beginning January 8-9.
I covet your prayers also knowing full well that when darkness is exposed attacks are inevitable. I am eager to share what God is teaching me about this long ignored but important subject. I pray God’s revelation will empower and embolden you in your journey to follow Jesus.
"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me that when ever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel...."
Ephesians 6:18-19
Below is an accounting of what God did through you on Christmas Eve. Numbers are important only because they represent the fruit of your labor and evidence of God working in the lives of his people.
3 Worship Celebrations
Attendance 1755
Coats 358
Birthday Gift to Jesus $87,762
Praise be to God! I have been worshipping and offering prayers of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness and your obedient generosity for four straight days and counting. You are in incredible people and I am so proud to serve as your Senior Pastor.
Coats will be distributed very soon and our mission team will be heading to Ethiopia the afternoon of January 23rd. We will keep you posted on both and share pictures from both endeavors.
As you get ready for the New Year, I have a special request. I am deep into the preparation for our next message series, "Spiritual Warfare" and I sense God leading Dallas and me to pray for you and your family in a more personal way. Continue to place any prayer requests in the offering plate or contact the prayer line, but please email me, rick.owen@stmattcpc.org, with the same accompanied with more detail about the request.
What keeps you up at night? What occupies your mind? Where do you need to grow spiritually? Where is procrastination and rationalization wrecking havoc with your life? What is your life dream? Who are you concerned about? What burdens your mind and heart?
Prayers of praise are also welcome but I especially want to know where the evil one has built a stronghold and is hindering your quality of life. I will NOT be able to respond to each and every prayer request but I promise that Dallas and I will keep your prayer requests confidential and jointly pray for you as we approach this new series beginning January 8-9.
I covet your prayers also knowing full well that when darkness is exposed attacks are inevitable. I am eager to share what God is teaching me about this long ignored but important subject. I pray God’s revelation will empower and embolden you in your journey to follow Jesus.
Peace,
Rick"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me that when ever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel...."
Ephesians 6:18-19
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