We had our approval long before Sept 20 but none of us knew it. So we are official as Cowley Christian Fellowship.
Now we are moving forward with all our plans. We will purchase a CCLI license for us. We will form our drama and worship teams. :) We are moving forward to possess the land that God has already given us.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The table is set
I had two text messages from my student ministers this evening after the storms passed Cowley County. They bring a word of knowledge and a word of encouragement.
"God is going to do big things on this campus. Like the thunderstorm, it is going to come fast when nobody is waiting. It will happen everywhere on campus."
"God is going to move over Cowley College like a storm and God is going to move on this campus. It is going to happen very fast and unexpectedly."
Praise God for ministers and praise God for intercessors! He has perfect timing and He will not put His servants to shame. I've been praying through Psalm 31. When it rains, it pours in my life. Take it either way, in the bad or in the blessing, it pours in my life. Holy Spirit, send Your rain, let your anointing pour. We are thirsty! Soak us!
PS. The case of bibles for CCF arrived today. Perfect!
"God is going to do big things on this campus. Like the thunderstorm, it is going to come fast when nobody is waiting. It will happen everywhere on campus."
"God is going to move over Cowley College like a storm and God is going to move on this campus. It is going to happen very fast and unexpectedly."
Praise God for ministers and praise God for intercessors! He has perfect timing and He will not put His servants to shame. I've been praying through Psalm 31. When it rains, it pours in my life. Take it either way, in the bad or in the blessing, it pours in my life. Holy Spirit, send Your rain, let your anointing pour. We are thirsty! Soak us!
PS. The case of bibles for CCF arrived today. Perfect!
Battles - 2
Monday - I had to stir myself up to go to work with a very sore throat and the start of a cold. It was a good, productive workday. At CCF, we had a dozen students again and it was good to see the new Keynotes. It brings back fond memories of my learning and growing experience at Southwestern. I'm glad it was a mostly worship music service, because it was what I needed. Who knew that it would come full circle? Keynotes is also inspiring CCF students to do something similar.
Tuesday - The cold gets worse but I'm in a much better mood. It was group brainstorm day in Aural Skills so I was in and out of the classroom, mainly cos I had to keep getting medicine. Silly me left my door open and I didn't realize that my billfold was stolen. I was surprised that I didn't fall to pieces when I got home and couldn't find it. All my cards and cash were in there, including the money my piano student paid me. The thief left my iPod Touch! The eyes of the thief was blinded to the things of true value. God was still protecting my heart. I just had to spend some time canceling accounts and cards, and getting my driver's license replaced. It's okay... I know who stole it and I know the thief will have to repay seven times.
I listened to Joyce Meyer and Joseph Prince back to back after dinner. Joyce talked about not letting thoughts overtake our minds and to keep our minds focused on Christ. Good advice for what had just happened! Following that, Joseph Prince continued the series on the role of the High Priest. He spoke about the anointing oil and how it is poured on the head of the priest. The oil runs down the head to the beard and then to the garments of the priest. This is symbolic of God's anointing being poured out on His leaders (pastors, elders) and then it is through them that the people are ministered to. The blessings of a ministry are proportionate to the anointing of the leader. You want miracles? Look at what is happening in your leader's life. That is also why the enemy attacks the leader first, to stop the anointing from getting to the people. It is a STRONG reminder for me.
Wednesday, I make the decision to cancel my classes for the weekend. The kids are not in the mood to study with the bluegrass festival happening 10 miles north. I'm not feeling well either and I do have a full festival ticket to bluegrass. I might as well just cut myself a break. What a stormy day!
Tuesday - The cold gets worse but I'm in a much better mood. It was group brainstorm day in Aural Skills so I was in and out of the classroom, mainly cos I had to keep getting medicine. Silly me left my door open and I didn't realize that my billfold was stolen. I was surprised that I didn't fall to pieces when I got home and couldn't find it. All my cards and cash were in there, including the money my piano student paid me. The thief left my iPod Touch! The eyes of the thief was blinded to the things of true value. God was still protecting my heart. I just had to spend some time canceling accounts and cards, and getting my driver's license replaced. It's okay... I know who stole it and I know the thief will have to repay seven times.
I listened to Joyce Meyer and Joseph Prince back to back after dinner. Joyce talked about not letting thoughts overtake our minds and to keep our minds focused on Christ. Good advice for what had just happened! Following that, Joseph Prince continued the series on the role of the High Priest. He spoke about the anointing oil and how it is poured on the head of the priest. The oil runs down the head to the beard and then to the garments of the priest. This is symbolic of God's anointing being poured out on His leaders (pastors, elders) and then it is through them that the people are ministered to. The blessings of a ministry are proportionate to the anointing of the leader. You want miracles? Look at what is happening in your leader's life. That is also why the enemy attacks the leader first, to stop the anointing from getting to the people. It is a STRONG reminder for me.
Wednesday, I make the decision to cancel my classes for the weekend. The kids are not in the mood to study with the bluegrass festival happening 10 miles north. I'm not feeling well either and I do have a full festival ticket to bluegrass. I might as well just cut myself a break. What a stormy day!
Battles
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows."
I have entered the season of battles, willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly.
Sunday - This was quite a strange day. I had a dream, very clearly from the Lord. I dreamed I was at Pathways and we were in groups praying. As I was praying, I heard this verse "I have anointed you to preach the good news, to free the captives. I have anointed you" over and over again. I looked at my friend who was sitting next to me and she said I needed to tell the leaders of the group. I didn't want to, I was afraid to but she was already dragging me to the front and I heard the same voice "There is NO time!" I teared up when I heard this and knew I had to.
By the time we got up to the front, the leader had already dismissed the group but he said we had the mic and we could do anything we wanted. People were leaving, talking and going to the restroom, etc. Suddenly, someone from the back said loudly, "The people who want to stay can stay. This is the Holy Spirit's time and he is welcomed to do whatever he pleases."
I motioned to some musicians and they start playing, people started singing. Before I could give the verse, I saw a line of people form behind the mic. Someone started telling of what the Holy Spirit was telling her. Before she could even get much out, more people started saying, "I want to say something too ..." "The Holy Spirit told me ... " "God is doing ..." When I saw this, I was very moved and shocked. God had already moved in so many people.
I woke up at this point. I heard clearly "I have anointed you to preach the good news. I HAVE ANOINTED YOU!" I couldn't move for a minute or so and just lay there. I shouldn't delay or hesitate any longer.
It's been a long time since I've cried for hours but it needed to happen. There are many things that happen that are irritants, but minor irritants can turn into severe blisters. Lots of things happened during the summer that have turned into blisters which all needed to be lanced. I identified another area that I haven't died to self yet: I haven't crucified self-condemnation. I have not ceased to be my own judge so I am holding myself captive.
God knew a few days beforehand that I wouldn't be in any shape to preach on Monday. He provided. On Friday morning, I received a call from Martin asking if Keynotes could come play. Cowley is deserted on Friday evenings so I said it would be better if they came during CCF on Monday. Sure enough they could. What a blessing!
I have entered the season of battles, willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly.
Sunday - This was quite a strange day. I had a dream, very clearly from the Lord. I dreamed I was at Pathways and we were in groups praying. As I was praying, I heard this verse "I have anointed you to preach the good news, to free the captives. I have anointed you" over and over again. I looked at my friend who was sitting next to me and she said I needed to tell the leaders of the group. I didn't want to, I was afraid to but she was already dragging me to the front and I heard the same voice "There is NO time!" I teared up when I heard this and knew I had to.
By the time we got up to the front, the leader had already dismissed the group but he said we had the mic and we could do anything we wanted. People were leaving, talking and going to the restroom, etc. Suddenly, someone from the back said loudly, "The people who want to stay can stay. This is the Holy Spirit's time and he is welcomed to do whatever he pleases."
I motioned to some musicians and they start playing, people started singing. Before I could give the verse, I saw a line of people form behind the mic. Someone started telling of what the Holy Spirit was telling her. Before she could even get much out, more people started saying, "I want to say something too ..." "The Holy Spirit told me ... " "God is doing ..." When I saw this, I was very moved and shocked. God had already moved in so many people.
I woke up at this point. I heard clearly "I have anointed you to preach the good news. I HAVE ANOINTED YOU!" I couldn't move for a minute or so and just lay there. I shouldn't delay or hesitate any longer.
It's been a long time since I've cried for hours but it needed to happen. There are many things that happen that are irritants, but minor irritants can turn into severe blisters. Lots of things happened during the summer that have turned into blisters which all needed to be lanced. I identified another area that I haven't died to self yet: I haven't crucified self-condemnation. I have not ceased to be my own judge so I am holding myself captive.
God knew a few days beforehand that I wouldn't be in any shape to preach on Monday. He provided. On Friday morning, I received a call from Martin asking if Keynotes could come play. Cowley is deserted on Friday evenings so I said it would be better if they came during CCF on Monday. Sure enough they could. What a blessing!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Moving Forward
Someone asked me yesterday how I am dealing with so much disappointment on all fronts and not be just crushed. There is only one answer, you just have to keep moving and leave it be. God is not the one responsible for the disappointments. He is not the one ill-treating me.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Psalm 23: 1, A declaration
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. Psalm 23:1
I make a choice to believe this verse that -
I will not lack direction. I will always have His leading.
I will not lack affirmation, support and encouragement. Even if no one supports this, God is still on my side. The Holy Spirit is my Comforter.
I will not lack material and inspiration for teaching His word. The Holy Spirit is my Helper and has inspired every word in the bible.
I will not lack any money that this ministry needs. Jehovah Jireh is my provider.
I will not lack any physical thing that this ministry needs.
I will not lack personnel and helping hands for all that needs to be done.
I will not be found wanting in a battle because Jehovah Nissi is the Lord of Hosts, the Lion of Judah.
I will not be in want because I am found in Jesus. I am righteous and justified by Him. Amen!
I make a choice to believe this verse that -
I will not lack direction. I will always have His leading.
I will not lack affirmation, support and encouragement. Even if no one supports this, God is still on my side. The Holy Spirit is my Comforter.
I will not lack material and inspiration for teaching His word. The Holy Spirit is my Helper and has inspired every word in the bible.
I will not lack any money that this ministry needs. Jehovah Jireh is my provider.
I will not lack any physical thing that this ministry needs.
I will not lack personnel and helping hands for all that needs to be done.
I will not be found wanting in a battle because Jehovah Nissi is the Lord of Hosts, the Lion of Judah.
I will not be in want because I am found in Jesus. I am righteous and justified by Him. Amen!
Starting a Church
God has me in training, I know. I don't know what your opinion is but some are trained in seminary, some are not. I happen to be one of those who gets on the job training in almost every area of her life. When I was at SC, I could have had a minor in music ministry. I just needed one more class.
I have started many different organizations since grade school but starting a campus ministry is a new experience. The paperwork doesn't faze me but starting a ministry brings with it a different set of questions and issues. The blessing of starting a campus ministry here is that we already have the physical infrastructure ready - a room, music instruments and projector equipment.
Some of the issues I've had to consider are these, knowing that the ultimate answer is GOD WILL LEAD:
- Target Outreach Group?
Yes, we are called to preach the gospel to everyone but God lays on each of our hearts a burden for certain people. For now, it's the group of people who are tired of religion and a bunch of rules, but want a closer relationship with God. They need a revelation of God's love and grace, as everyone does. How do I get everyone plugged in? Small groups and what types to offer.
- Sermon Series?
There is so much I want to communicate to the students but where to begin. The biggest issue I want to tell them about is the love & grace of God, followed by their new identity in Christ. I think that whether or not I use someone's study series, God will lead me.
- Altar Call? Prayer Ministry?
I am open to having an altar call after the message, if we're led to. I'm waiting for more (peer) prayer ministers to identify themselves. I know that students will need to share their responses, questions or prayer needs.
- Fellowship Time?
College students spell LOVE as FOOD. As soon as we are registered and recognized, I will be writing to all the area churches to see if any of them would be willing to provide snacks/refreshments between 8:15 & 8:45 pm.
- Bibles?
Do we give out bibles or not? Do I purchase full-sized or compact-sized bibles? On other's advice, I purchased a case of full-sized paperback bibles to start with. We will now also need a rubber stamp to mark them as property of the fellowship. The compact bibles are really nice but perhaps that will be another month's purchase. Perhaps these compact bibles will be ones we could give away as gifts.
- Software & Licensing
I am not going to use worship music illegally and I remember some of the information from my Music in Worship class with Steve Rankin. I'm thankful that a student came up to me to say he has the software for the lyrics and bible verses. We just need to purchase the license. We will start with the smallest license since we are in the infant stage.
I have started many different organizations since grade school but starting a campus ministry is a new experience. The paperwork doesn't faze me but starting a ministry brings with it a different set of questions and issues. The blessing of starting a campus ministry here is that we already have the physical infrastructure ready - a room, music instruments and projector equipment.
Some of the issues I've had to consider are these, knowing that the ultimate answer is GOD WILL LEAD:
- Target Outreach Group?
Yes, we are called to preach the gospel to everyone but God lays on each of our hearts a burden for certain people. For now, it's the group of people who are tired of religion and a bunch of rules, but want a closer relationship with God. They need a revelation of God's love and grace, as everyone does. How do I get everyone plugged in? Small groups and what types to offer.
- Sermon Series?
There is so much I want to communicate to the students but where to begin. The biggest issue I want to tell them about is the love & grace of God, followed by their new identity in Christ. I think that whether or not I use someone's study series, God will lead me.
- Altar Call? Prayer Ministry?
I am open to having an altar call after the message, if we're led to. I'm waiting for more (peer) prayer ministers to identify themselves. I know that students will need to share their responses, questions or prayer needs.
- Fellowship Time?
College students spell LOVE as FOOD. As soon as we are registered and recognized, I will be writing to all the area churches to see if any of them would be willing to provide snacks/refreshments between 8:15 & 8:45 pm.
- Bibles?
Do we give out bibles or not? Do I purchase full-sized or compact-sized bibles? On other's advice, I purchased a case of full-sized paperback bibles to start with. We will now also need a rubber stamp to mark them as property of the fellowship. The compact bibles are really nice but perhaps that will be another month's purchase. Perhaps these compact bibles will be ones we could give away as gifts.
- Software & Licensing
I am not going to use worship music illegally and I remember some of the information from my Music in Worship class with Steve Rankin. I'm thankful that a student came up to me to say he has the software for the lyrics and bible verses. We just need to purchase the license. We will start with the smallest license since we are in the infant stage.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CCF Approved Step 1 - SGA
We were approved by the Student Senate and our petition has been forwarded to the Board of Trustees. The board meeting will be on September 20. They are certainly welcomed to see us in action. We will meet in the choir room BC 209 until we have full approval. Thereafter, we will meet in the band room. Praise the Lord!
First Meeting - Aug 30
We found out Monday afternoon that the SGA meeting is on Sept 1. Thank God that we already have all our paperwork and 80 signatures on our petition. The meeting may have caught us by surprise but God already knew, so we are prepared. I didn't take pictures of our first meeting but here are some highlights:
Announcements:
Diane & Mark are leading a study by Chip Ingram on "Love, Sex and Lasting Relationships." Lindsay will be leading a women's bible study.
FCA at 9:00 pm and they are hosting a film on Wed Sept 1, 7 pm on the Arab World.
We are doing Puttin on the Hits, a lip-sync contest on campus.
There are volunteer opportunities with the sound/set-up team, worship team, welcome & fellowship team and the drama team.
---
Will Austin led worship. Carly did the announcements and projector. It was quite an interesting announcement time about our small group bible studies. We had a different group of students than the our initial meeting so we know there will be more coming. The teaching on Monday was entitled "Jesus the One Mediator." I hope the message reached some of the young people that night.
At the end when we called for volunteers and helpers for CCF, it was an amazing response. Almost everyone signed up to help in at least one area. This was a surprise and a blessing to me. Someone came up to me and said he used to run the projection for his church and has the software to do it. It is an urgent need for us.
I have decided to make the following purchases for our group - CCLI License, bibles and the Freedom in Christ Youth study series. There will be more needs coming up for sure.
Announcements:
Diane & Mark are leading a study by Chip Ingram on "Love, Sex and Lasting Relationships." Lindsay will be leading a women's bible study.
FCA at 9:00 pm and they are hosting a film on Wed Sept 1, 7 pm on the Arab World.
We are doing Puttin on the Hits, a lip-sync contest on campus.
There are volunteer opportunities with the sound/set-up team, worship team, welcome & fellowship team and the drama team.
---
Will Austin led worship. Carly did the announcements and projector. It was quite an interesting announcement time about our small group bible studies. We had a different group of students than the our initial meeting so we know there will be more coming. The teaching on Monday was entitled "Jesus the One Mediator." I hope the message reached some of the young people that night.
At the end when we called for volunteers and helpers for CCF, it was an amazing response. Almost everyone signed up to help in at least one area. This was a surprise and a blessing to me. Someone came up to me and said he used to run the projection for his church and has the software to do it. It is an urgent need for us.
I have decided to make the following purchases for our group - CCLI License, bibles and the Freedom in Christ Youth study series. There will be more needs coming up for sure.
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