Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC MESSAGE
Dear Friend,
The economy is on the mind of everyone these days. It dominates the headlines on radio, on television and in the newspaper. People in this part of Mexico are always hurting this time of year because we are a tourist dependent economy and Nov. is normally the end of the low season for tourism. People are worried this year as the Pecos is loosing value each day. The news isn’t good news. Words like recession, depression, downturn and uncertainty dominate the discussion.
Perhaps right now you are feeling financial stress, fear of the future or even the pain of uncertain economic times. Or maybe you are like so many and you simply don’t know what to think! You may be asking, “How will this affect me?” “What will this do to my job?” or “How will this impact my parents or friends?”
The truth is, none of us know the future. But I do know that living our lives by the ups and downs of the market is a very stressful (dare I say, hopeless) way to live.
In times of great uncertainty, we have to break away from the 24-hour news cycles that compete for our attention and focus on the unchanging, the eternal and the solid truths of life.
I am not a fortune teller or a prophet, but I am a life-long student of Scripture and here are four TRUTHS that you can hold onto regardless of the economic news:
1- GOD IS IN CHARGE. God is still on the throne and He is not shaken by the economic uncertainties of life (or any other uncertainties for that matter). He still offers hope to those who trust in him.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
2- GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE IF YOU CALL ON HIM.
Turn off the anxiety-producing news reports and open the Good News of God’s Word. Spend some time reading your Bible and praying each day. And remember this promise:
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
3- GOD WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOU NEED IF YOU PUT HIM FIRST. While it’s tempting to ‘take control’ of our finances when the future is uncertain, let me challenge you to do the opposite. Give control of your finances to God and put him first. If you do, he will give you all you need.
“God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” – Matthew 6:33
4- GOD WILL USE YOU MORE IN A TIME OF CRISIS THAN IN CALM. While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to model to the world that our faith is not just a ‘sunny day faith.’ Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that Christianity and God’s people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to model with your life and lips the 3 truths above and put feet to your faith by:
· being a person of generosity while everyone else is hoarding (John 3:16);
· being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);
· showing great love and concern for your for the world be going on a mission trip in 2009.
I trust that these truths will be an encouragement to you!
Be encouraged!
We are stepping out in faith and starting a new work in Playa. I am going to ask you to join us in this step of faith. Please pray and please give.....
If you would like more information about this new work and how you can help please contact me Doug Millar at doug@church-in-playa.com
The economy is on the mind of everyone these days. It dominates the headlines on radio, on television and in the newspaper. People in this part of Mexico are always hurting this time of year because we are a tourist dependent economy and Nov. is normally the end of the low season for tourism. People are worried this year as the Pecos is loosing value each day. The news isn’t good news. Words like recession, depression, downturn and uncertainty dominate the discussion.
Perhaps right now you are feeling financial stress, fear of the future or even the pain of uncertain economic times. Or maybe you are like so many and you simply don’t know what to think! You may be asking, “How will this affect me?” “What will this do to my job?” or “How will this impact my parents or friends?”
The truth is, none of us know the future. But I do know that living our lives by the ups and downs of the market is a very stressful (dare I say, hopeless) way to live.
In times of great uncertainty, we have to break away from the 24-hour news cycles that compete for our attention and focus on the unchanging, the eternal and the solid truths of life.
I am not a fortune teller or a prophet, but I am a life-long student of Scripture and here are four TRUTHS that you can hold onto regardless of the economic news:
1- GOD IS IN CHARGE. God is still on the throne and He is not shaken by the economic uncertainties of life (or any other uncertainties for that matter). He still offers hope to those who trust in him.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
2- GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE IF YOU CALL ON HIM.
Turn off the anxiety-producing news reports and open the Good News of God’s Word. Spend some time reading your Bible and praying each day. And remember this promise:
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
3- GOD WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOU NEED IF YOU PUT HIM FIRST. While it’s tempting to ‘take control’ of our finances when the future is uncertain, let me challenge you to do the opposite. Give control of your finances to God and put him first. If you do, he will give you all you need.
“God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” – Matthew 6:33
4- GOD WILL USE YOU MORE IN A TIME OF CRISIS THAN IN CALM. While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God’s people, to model to the world that our faith is not just a ‘sunny day faith.’ Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that Christianity and God’s people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to model with your life and lips the 3 truths above and put feet to your faith by:
· being a person of generosity while everyone else is hoarding (John 3:16);
· being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);
· showing great love and concern for your for the world be going on a mission trip in 2009.
I trust that these truths will be an encouragement to you!
Be encouraged!
We are stepping out in faith and starting a new work in Playa. I am going to ask you to join us in this step of faith. Please pray and please give.....
If you would like more information about this new work and how you can help please contact me Doug Millar at doug@church-in-playa.com
Saturday, October 25, 2008
BIG NEWS
NOVEMBER 30th is going to be a big day in the life of our church. We do not have the funds to do all I would like to do as we open this new work in Playa but we have enough to do something. We have rented a movie theater in Playa and we are going to launch our first service on November 30th Lord willing.
We need your prayers and your help financially..... God is going to change many lives if we are able to get the word out.
I know the needs are great everywhere and with this economy you don't need any more excuses not to give but I want to give you a few reasons to support this out reach.
1. The fields are ready for the harvest. John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest '? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.
The people are open and needs are great.
2. We have a team of over 30 Christians here on the ground, committed to doing what every it takes to see this new church started.
3. We have a plan to start meeting weekly in the largest new Mall in Playa.
4. We have plans to rent a space in the mall to promote the church.
5. We have a worship leader and a great team of musicians ready and excited about this new work.
6. We have a connection pastor with a great plan to connect the people into small home group bible studies.
7. We have a young dynamic preacher that will be doing much of the speaking in Spanish.
8. We have 3000 people praying for this new work....
We need you and your help!
If you would pray and ask your friends and church members to pray for Nov. 30th.
If you can give that would be a great help. You can send checks to :
Global Community Fellowship
1904 Red Bud Cir.
Greenville, NC 27858
Thanks for your prayers and support.
We need your prayers and your help financially..... God is going to change many lives if we are able to get the word out.
I know the needs are great everywhere and with this economy you don't need any more excuses not to give but I want to give you a few reasons to support this out reach.
1. The fields are ready for the harvest. John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest '? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.
The people are open and needs are great.
2. We have a team of over 30 Christians here on the ground, committed to doing what every it takes to see this new church started.
3. We have a plan to start meeting weekly in the largest new Mall in Playa.
4. We have plans to rent a space in the mall to promote the church.
5. We have a worship leader and a great team of musicians ready and excited about this new work.
6. We have a connection pastor with a great plan to connect the people into small home group bible studies.
7. We have a young dynamic preacher that will be doing much of the speaking in Spanish.
8. We have 3000 people praying for this new work....
We need you and your help!
If you would pray and ask your friends and church members to pray for Nov. 30th.
If you can give that would be a great help. You can send checks to :
Global Community Fellowship
1904 Red Bud Cir.
Greenville, NC 27858
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Rain, Rain and more Rain
We have had over 20 inches of rain in the last week and no end in sight. There is about 2ft of water on the road in front of our house.
Pray needs:
Pray that the rain would stop soon.
Pray for us as we try to get the paper work from the Gov. to start our new church in Playa
Pray for our economy.
Pray for our church planting team
Pray for lost of Playa
Pray for Darla and I as we go to Mexico City Nov.3 -6 for the Fellowship of International Churches in Latin America conference.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Pray this Sunday's meetings
We need your prayers for the services tomorrow. I'm going to be re-casting the vision for the church launch in Playa. We need your prayers and we also need help and wisdom with the finances for the new work in Playa.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Launch team meeting
We had about 20 people come out to our first church launch vision meeting. It was a great meeting we are planing to launch the church in Playa Nov.30th.
THIS TEAM NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pray needed for Church Launch team
Tomorrow night we are going to have a very important meeting and we need God's direction as we plan to launch a new work in Playa. I will give you more details after the meeting but pray that we will be led by His Spirit .
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Buddy is recovering
Some of you were asking about our dog "buddy". Darla was walking him Sunday afternoon and he was attacked by a German shepherd. Darla and I rush him into town to the vet. He was in pretty bad shape but thank the Lord we found a vet open on Sunday. They put the dog on an I.V. and stitched up his wounds. He is doing much better today. 
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Focusing on a Big Church Launch in Playa
We now have the team ready to Launch Big in Playa and we are in the process of raising the funds the finally make this 3 year dream a reality for the people of Playa Del Carmen.
Those of you who know me well probably think that focusing is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges of my life. Some have suggested medication for ADD. Focusing on a goal is not my problem. My parents say that I was the only baby they ever saw that never crawled. They say I went from rolling around on the floor to walking. That old saying you must crawl before you can run just was not true in my case. I do not lack the dream, the passion nor the desire to plant a great church in Playa Del Carmen. My problem is the day to day process…. I need your prayers that as I cast the vision this time that I will be just as excited about the steps in the journey as I am about the finish line.
We have a vision casting meeting this Friday night we hope to have about 20 to 25 of our member of church launch team at the meeting. THE NEXT STEP IS FUND RAISING. You can help by sending check to :
Global Community Fellowship
1904 Red Bud Cir
Greenville, NC 27858
Twenty years ago Playa del Carmen was a deserted beach where Indian families raised coconut palms to produce copra and the odd foreigner wandered in to get away from it all. In fact, just a couple of years ago, travel guidebooks very briefly mentioned the area as quiet, a good place for the budget-minded, and as also good for a quick stopover while catching the ferry to Cozumel. All that has changed. The town doubled in size in 1993, and is growing so fast it is difficult to track . Less than 50,000 people lived in playa in 2000 today more than 250,000 people live in this city under construction. Spanish speakers and other nationalities alike are flocking to the area, there is energy in the air, and all the utility, phone, and other complications that accompany such a growth explosion are in motion. It had been established that Playa was the fastest growing city in the world. A New York Times article proposed that from a percentage growth vantage point, Playa is perhaps the fastest growing city in the world over the last 10 years. As one guidebook recently and aptly commented: at the rate the town is currently growing, you might come back to Playa in two years and find it unfamiliar. We are seeing changes daily as the city grows. Schools are conducting classes under tents because the city can not keep past with the grow explosion.
Playa needs a great church and you and your church can help us get to that next step.
We have raised only a fraction of the money that we need to launch a church in this growing people.
If you would like to know more about this next step in the vision please Contact: Doug
Doug@church-in-playa.com
Some of you might be thinking doesn’t Doug know that we are in a financial crisis? Isn’t this going to interrupt your next step in the plan? One day Jesus was walking down to go to Jericho and some blind men start yelling at him. And the Bible says this (Matt. 20:30-32): “Two blind men shouted ‘Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’.”
Most of Jesus’ ministry and most of Jesus’ miracles were interruptions. You think about it. All the people he healed – the blind man, the lame man, the sick people, the paralyzed man, the dead child – all of them were interruptions. His first miracle? Interrupted at a wedding. He second miracle? Interrupted on the way to Galilee. This financial crisis might be a great opportunity for you as you help make a miracle possible in Playa Del Carmen.
Please Pray and Please give!
Those of you who know me well probably think that focusing is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges of my life. Some have suggested medication for ADD. Focusing on a goal is not my problem. My parents say that I was the only baby they ever saw that never crawled. They say I went from rolling around on the floor to walking. That old saying you must crawl before you can run just was not true in my case. I do not lack the dream, the passion nor the desire to plant a great church in Playa Del Carmen. My problem is the day to day process…. I need your prayers that as I cast the vision this time that I will be just as excited about the steps in the journey as I am about the finish line.
We have a vision casting meeting this Friday night we hope to have about 20 to 25 of our member of church launch team at the meeting. THE NEXT STEP IS FUND RAISING. You can help by sending check to :
Global Community Fellowship
1904 Red Bud Cir
Greenville, NC 27858
Twenty years ago Playa del Carmen was a deserted beach where Indian families raised coconut palms to produce copra and the odd foreigner wandered in to get away from it all. In fact, just a couple of years ago, travel guidebooks very briefly mentioned the area as quiet, a good place for the budget-minded, and as also good for a quick stopover while catching the ferry to Cozumel. All that has changed. The town doubled in size in 1993, and is growing so fast it is difficult to track . Less than 50,000 people lived in playa in 2000 today more than 250,000 people live in this city under construction. Spanish speakers and other nationalities alike are flocking to the area, there is energy in the air, and all the utility, phone, and other complications that accompany such a growth explosion are in motion. It had been established that Playa was the fastest growing city in the world. A New York Times article proposed that from a percentage growth vantage point, Playa is perhaps the fastest growing city in the world over the last 10 years. As one guidebook recently and aptly commented: at the rate the town is currently growing, you might come back to Playa in two years and find it unfamiliar. We are seeing changes daily as the city grows. Schools are conducting classes under tents because the city can not keep past with the grow explosion.
Playa needs a great church and you and your church can help us get to that next step.
We have raised only a fraction of the money that we need to launch a church in this growing people.
If you would like to know more about this next step in the vision please Contact: Doug
Doug@church-in-playa.com
Some of you might be thinking doesn’t Doug know that we are in a financial crisis? Isn’t this going to interrupt your next step in the plan? One day Jesus was walking down to go to Jericho and some blind men start yelling at him. And the Bible says this (Matt. 20:30-32): “Two blind men shouted ‘Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’.”
Most of Jesus’ ministry and most of Jesus’ miracles were interruptions. You think about it. All the people he healed – the blind man, the lame man, the sick people, the paralyzed man, the dead child – all of them were interruptions. His first miracle? Interrupted at a wedding. He second miracle? Interrupted on the way to Galilee. This financial crisis might be a great opportunity for you as you help make a miracle possible in Playa Del Carmen.
Please Pray and Please give!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Our mission team returns from Cuba
I will write more later but I knew that many of you were praying for this team in Cuba. The had a life changing experience as both their lives were changed as well as the lives of those they ministered to. The people of Cuba need our prayers!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Faith and courage essentials of success
March 12, 1933
Address of President Roosevelt by radio
"After all there is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work.
It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail."
Erich Bridges writes:
"I’ve got an investment tip that can’t miss. It doesn’t come from a stock trader or a financial insider. It comes from a Gospel singer: George Beverly Shea.If you watched or attended almost any Billy Graham crusade service since 1947, you know “Bev” Shea, now age 99. For some 60 years, he always sang just before Graham began preaching.“When (Shea) finishes singing, I never feel like applauding,” Graham once said. “I feel like bowing my head in prayer.”As a kid, I thought Shea was square when my grandmother made me watch Graham crusade broadcasts. No more. Not after I heard his voice — deep and wide as an ocean — sing these words:I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
This humble, heartfelt declaration inspired me and countless other listeners more than all the thousand-voice choirs and popular Christian bands that shared crusade stages with Shea over the years.I was reminded in church this week that Shea set I’d Rather Have Jesus to music after his mother put the poem on the family piano one day. At 23, in the depths of the Great Depression, Shea was considering a career in popular music — and the money it offered. He was sorely tempted to pursue it, but a persistent inner voice whispered about a greater purpose. The answer to his struggle came when he read the words to the poem.He chose Jesus rather than silver or gold.That’s the most reliable investment advice you will find anywhere, whether the economy is up or down. Markets fluctuate based on confidence, fear, news, rumors and any number of other factors — some rational, some irrational. But Christ is a solid rock.Now is a time to remember why we are here — not just to get and spend on ourselves, but to give ourselves and our possessions to God. That’s more valuable than anything this world affords.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Christ’s “dear cause” is the spreading of His name to every tribe and nation. George Beverly Shea has stayed faithful to the cause for a long and fruitful lifetime, glorifying God in song before millions in scores of countries. Southern Baptists, too, have long been faithful to give their time and money to help accomplish the worldwide missionary task.
How can we stay faithful in a time of deep economic uncertainty? As a season of international mission giving approaches, what would we rather have?"
Address of President Roosevelt by radio
"After all there is an element in the readjustment of our financial system more important than currency, more important than gold, and that is the confidence of the people. Confidence and courage are the essentials of success in carrying out our plan. You people must have faith; you must not be stampeded by rumors or guesses. Let us unite in banishing fear. We have provided the machinery to restore our financial system; it is up to you to support and make it work.
It is your problem no less than it is mine. Together we cannot fail."
Erich Bridges writes:
"I’ve got an investment tip that can’t miss. It doesn’t come from a stock trader or a financial insider. It comes from a Gospel singer: George Beverly Shea.If you watched or attended almost any Billy Graham crusade service since 1947, you know “Bev” Shea, now age 99. For some 60 years, he always sang just before Graham began preaching.“When (Shea) finishes singing, I never feel like applauding,” Graham once said. “I feel like bowing my head in prayer.”As a kid, I thought Shea was square when my grandmother made me watch Graham crusade broadcasts. No more. Not after I heard his voice — deep and wide as an ocean — sing these words:I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain,
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
This humble, heartfelt declaration inspired me and countless other listeners more than all the thousand-voice choirs and popular Christian bands that shared crusade stages with Shea over the years.I was reminded in church this week that Shea set I’d Rather Have Jesus to music after his mother put the poem on the family piano one day. At 23, in the depths of the Great Depression, Shea was considering a career in popular music — and the money it offered. He was sorely tempted to pursue it, but a persistent inner voice whispered about a greater purpose. The answer to his struggle came when he read the words to the poem.He chose Jesus rather than silver or gold.That’s the most reliable investment advice you will find anywhere, whether the economy is up or down. Markets fluctuate based on confidence, fear, news, rumors and any number of other factors — some rational, some irrational. But Christ is a solid rock.Now is a time to remember why we are here — not just to get and spend on ourselves, but to give ourselves and our possessions to God. That’s more valuable than anything this world affords.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Christ’s “dear cause” is the spreading of His name to every tribe and nation. George Beverly Shea has stayed faithful to the cause for a long and fruitful lifetime, glorifying God in song before millions in scores of countries. Southern Baptists, too, have long been faithful to give their time and money to help accomplish the worldwide missionary task.
How can we stay faithful in a time of deep economic uncertainty? As a season of international mission giving approaches, what would we rather have?"
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Mission team heads to the Island tomorrow
We are sending a team of four from our Church here in Playa to Cuba tomorrow to bring needed supplies and encouragement to people working to recover from two very storm hurricanes. Please pray for the safety of this team.
We started the student ministry at the church today. We had a great first meeting. We had 10 Students and three leaders at this meeting. Pray for these Students and leaders.
Andrea
Isabel
Monse
Mamarma
Sera
Daniel
Eric
Brian
Loren
Alfonso
Abi
We started the student ministry at the church today. We had a great first meeting. We had 10 Students and three leaders at this meeting. Pray for these Students and leaders.
Andrea
Isabel
Monse
Mamarma
Sera
Daniel
Eric
Brian
Loren
Alfonso
Abi
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Getting back to basics
In economic hard times we are all forced to get back to basics. We once again ask the questions that we should be asking everyday even in good times. “Why are we here?” “What is the mission?” and “What do I need to fulfill the mission?”
John 20:21, Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Now, what are we being sent to do? What is our mission? Well, Paul is real specific. He tell us in Acts 20, He says, "the most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work the Lord Jesus gave me to tell people the good news about God's grace.”
Acts 1:8 “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth”
The mission is clear we are to share the good news!
Please continue to pray for the people living in this part of Mexico. The needs are great! We need your help and prayers!
John 20:21, Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." Now, what are we being sent to do? What is our mission? Well, Paul is real specific. He tell us in Acts 20, He says, "the most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work the Lord Jesus gave me to tell people the good news about God's grace.”
Acts 1:8 “You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth”
The mission is clear we are to share the good news!
Please continue to pray for the people living in this part of Mexico. The needs are great! We need your help and prayers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)