sending out 10

Jesus began with sending out the 12 (Luke 9:1-6) in groups of two and eventually the 70/72 (Luke 10:1-24). the apostles continued this missionary tradition sending out such pairings as Paul and Barnabas.

tonight, we began with 10--five groups of 2. we weren't canvassing the neighborhood, just trying to follow the gentle whisper of the Spirit. we went out to bless, not convict -- to offer service, instead of trying to get them to our services.

eight of the nine that we had previously been praying with and teaching to share their testimony were joined by one other willing believer this evening. we began as we usually do with our 5:00 prayer meeting. after the time of prayer, i gathered our new cards and reminded everyone of our desire to be a part of God's process -- that the quality of our interaction was important. we decided on which streets we would take (so not to create a mob scene down 1 street) and we set out

2 of our teams entered into two different conversations with people from the same household, at the same time. one team interacted with one member in their front yard; meanwhile another team was cutting through an alley and had run into another family member in their backyard.

we gathered back at the church after an hour and shared who we met, what their impressions were, what our impressions were. everyone, as in Luke, seemed to be filled with a joy of being a part of God's love extended to these homes. no one led anyone to Christ, but several of the teams had the opportunity to hear a need and pray with that individual/family for that need. now relationships have begun and we can follow-up next week, after we seek to continue to pray for those individuals through the week.

everyone also demonstrated a greater concern and a heart for our neighbors. we've talked about meeting our neighbors, being willing to meet our neighbors' needs in prayer and service -- but now those neighbors had faces, names, location.

everyone also seemed to have a greater confidence. we've been talking about it--but now we've done it. we've walked out the doors, across the street, and into conversations with our neighbors. it didn't hurt--they didn't bite--it wasn't that awkward. i think they think they can do it again

and we will

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ" ~ Acts 5:42