Dear friends and partners in apostolic mission!
As I release this months Apostolic Newsletter I am challenged by the need for powerful, life affecting relationships.
In Proverbs 27:17 we are told that “As iron sharpens iron so a man sharpens the vision of his friend.”
Applying this truth in our apostolic context first let us consider:
Do I Have Relationships That Sharpen My Vision?
Many have warm friendships, the kind that are there in times of trouble, others are more a social support, and others affirm us. In this text we have another kind of friend – they sharpen us and challenge us. It seems we need friends who by their faith and courage, by their example and challenging lifestyle of sacrifice and wise service, by their devotion to the will of God and relentless pursuit of righteousness confront our complacency or our acceptance of mediocrity. This kind of friendship is not of the warm and fuzzy kind but the kind that has an abrasive effect on our spirit and sharpens our sense of calling, purpose and destiny.
This kind of relationship is avoided by some because although they say they want change they actually resist it. In their fear, stubbornness or worldly perspectives or pursuits they resist anything which disturbs them or threatens their comfort zone.
There is another kind of leader which hungers for change and courageously welcomes the Divinely appointed confronting relationships which inspire them to greatness. I personally thank God for relationships of a provocative and prophetic nature that God has used to disturb my complacency and challenged me to reach for greater things in Him.
Jesus The Confronter Not Just The Comforter
Jesus in John 4 demonstrated the power of relationship to refocus vision. His disciples we captivated by a mentality of the importance of their felt needs and had built a philosophy to accommodate their behavior. Jesus rebuked their thinking and gave a way forward.
“Don’t say its four months to harvest,” stop believing and confessing what seems reasonable but not right. Lift up your eyes and look on the fields – they are white awaiting harvest.
He demanded a refocusing of their vision if they were to experience the reward of their labor. Jesus pressed upon them the need to change their perspective if they were to change the outcomes. Relationships of this kind are a vital key to every leader’s growth and success.
One of the key commitments of ApostleNet is to get alongside pastors with the Apostolic and Prophetic grace and see them fulfill the destiny they believe God has placed in them and on their churches.
In 2011 we will be shaping a strategy both in regions of Australia and other nations to bring support through relationships to pastors. Any who would be interested in hosting a conference for your church and/or region contact me at chris@apostle.net.au as soon as possible as there will be a number of opportunities after June 2011 and possibly some in the first half of the year.
God is continuing to move powerfully in our spheres of mission's influence, including in
Papua New Guinea
I returned from a brief trip to PNG last Friday with Pastor Daryl Roos. We had opportunity to minister to leaders who are seeking greater understanding of the five-fold and particularly the Apostolic ministry.
We have been into PNG many times this year with teams giving support as they restructure the administration of the AOG, particularly in relationship to financial management. Apostlenet made a commitment to support Ps Tony Delaka and the NEC team. Ps Lyndon Westbrook,Tom Lew and Justin Ericson along with myself have sought to serve this fellowship which is facing immense challenges. Please continue to pray for guidance and wisdom to be imparted to the leadership at this time.
India
This is an urgent call to prayer and support for this great harvest opportunity in India. ApostleNet India is going ahead strongly with Pastor Prasad Rao doing a mighty work for God leading a team of dedicated leaders working in numerous areas. In a number of states they are giving support to churches of all denominations as they seek to align with the New Testament kingdom order of church.
Myself with Pastor Paul Camac a significant prophetic ministry from Acts church in Caloundra will be leaving for India this coming Sunday evening for 2 weeks. We will be hosting 3 conferences in Adilabad, Tandur and Hyderabad. We expect to powerfully impact these cities by by the grace of God by bringing the key leaders together from each city region.
As we released the information some weeks ago for your prayer and financial sowing into this great field of opportunity I again covert your prayers as we go and any who have yet to sow if this is in your heart we would greatly appreciate you doing so urgently as we still need your help to fulfill what we have committed to. Thanks to all for your partnership and God richly bless you for your sacrifice.
Sowing
If you would like to give towards the India initiative or sow a missions seed into ApostleNet International you can do so online:
BSB 064203
ACCOUNT NUMBER 10189751
I trust that 2010 has been a blessed and fruitful year and that you have positioned yourself in faith for 2011.
God's richest blessings,
Chris & Carol Peterson, Apostle
Apostolic Leaders, ApostleNet International
