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Usher In - The Kingdom of God - May 2012
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Usher International
May 2012 Update |
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Something New - Beyond Our Wildest Imaginations
Some days, we all need a reminder - a word of encouragement to face the trials and difficulties of life that we all face. One of the best ways to keep our joy in the middle of difficulties is to look ahead to what has been promised for all who trust Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
We endure and we overcome because He told us that it will be worth it and to trust Him. "In this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world"
"Let not your heart be troubled - believe in God , believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many dwelling places. I go to prepare a place for you and if I go, I will come again so that where I am - there you may be also"
We have been given the promise that what we experience today is not what will be one day. Just like the caterpillar in the picture above, who I found crawling slowly across the church hallway --- we are limited in these physical bodies. We get sick, experience pain and our bodies eventually wear out -- followed by death. But like the caterpillar -- there is a future that looks much different. God has promised us a 'resurrection body' -- one that will last for eternity -- one that is not bound to the earth -- one that will not wear out and die.
As different as a caterpillar is from a beautiful butterfly - so our lives will be dramatically different. We will be free from all that brings distress and grief here -- set free to serve our Lord forever with gladness.
Jesus said that our trials here are like a woman giving childbirth - experiencing pain and anguish -- yet after she delivers the baby, the joy is so great that the pain is forgotten. It is for that great day ahead that we endure -- we serve with joy -- we hold to the truth -- we watch for His return -- and we overcome by faith.
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Greetings!
I recently had a conversation with two very well respected Christian leaders - one was the President of a Christian organization in India and the other was a senior executive of an International ministry based in the United States. We were discussing the changes in our culture over the past 40 years in regard to fulfilling the Great Commission -- making obedient disciples of all nations.
40 years ago - the focus was on primarily on evangelism and Christians were much more eager to participate and to fund ministries to make that happen. They were less enthusiastic to get involved in social issues because they were typically associated with liberal theology and churches that did not hold to historical biblical truths.
Now the pendulum has shifted and more theologically conservative believers are fully on board in ministering to the social needs in the world -- poverty, injustice, sex trafficking, health, education, care for orphans -- the list goes on. Raising funds and finding volunteers to help with these issues is much easier than it was just a few decades ago and evangelism, more difficult.
What we sometimes fail to understand is that the desire of God is that BOTH should happen. As we Go -- we are to make obedient disciples - followers of Jesus who know His will and obey it glady. That starts with evangelism -- and continues building up believers to do the good works in the world that God has prepared for us to do. (Eph. 2:8-10)
An important part of His will for his followers is to love one another just as we love Him. That means relieving the suffering of others, as we are able. That means visiting the sick, the lonely, feeding the hungry, sharing our home with the needy, comforting those who are grieving. (Gal. 6:10)
The proclamation of God's word - the offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ to the lost - the ministry of teaching new believers - ministry to those in need ---- ushering in the Kingdom of God. The task God has given us includes both sides - proclamation and showing practical expressions of the love of Christ to those in need.
That is why Usher In is committed to Proclaim, Equip and to Serve in the name of Jesus. Balanced and intentional. Won't you consider partnering with us?
Blessings -- Randy
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Usher In The Kingdom of God - On Earth As It Is In Heaven
What Others Are Saying
Over the past 4 years, I have watched Randy as he has led our weekly men’s Bible study. He has helped to ‘usher in’ our group of men into a deeper walk with Jesus through the teaching of God’s Word, prayer and a sincere love and concern for each person. Starting Usher In was clearly an act of faith and obedience to the call of God on his life. I have been blessed to see God working through His servant Randy, and to see the mission that he has fully embraced. Like reading a good book – I can hardly wait until the next chapter is revealed.
Tom Kohl – Circuit Court Judge – Washington County |
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India Mission - Dec.2012 Now is the time to apply for a trip with a purpose to central India. Deadline to apply is July 1st.
We are looking for a team of 8-10 for a life-changing mission where we will minister to those living in the slums, orphans, small rural village churches, and help share the Good News to those who have not heard.
Remember: God is not looking for ability, but availabilty. Won't you join us?For Application - Click Here |
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Please forward this newsletter to friends and family that might be interested in the work of Usher In.
Help us to expand our impact and raise awareness of the great need to reach Africa, India and other parts of the world with the love of Christ. |
Gospel Tools - Evangecubes - $4.00 each Can you provide 1, 10, 100 to help Christians in Africa and India share the Gospel? |
Usher In is a member of the Luis Palau Next Generation Alliance
We are committed to working with like-minded organizations to do more together than we can do on our own for the Kingdom of God
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Pastor James Okori - wife Esther - their children and Gil Harder - Usher In Board Member | |
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Prayer Requests
* Our September Uganda Mission team. Pray for them as they raise their financial support and a team of prayer supporters.
* Pastor Chakravarthy Praveen in Kakinada, India. One of the four orphanges his family runs was advised they will need to vacate their rental home in 30 days. Pray for a new facility and a permanent solution that can house 240 orphans in one home and the finances to purchase it.
* For a team of 8-10 for the India trip in December. We are planning on 2 weeks ministering to the least, the lost and the hurting in Jesus name. Application deadline is July 15th.
* Preparations underway in Rukungiri and Kihihi Uganda for our mission --- Pray for Pastor Elisha, Sam and others involved as they investigate the possibility of launching a brand new Church in Kihihi. A building would need to be contructed prior to us coming in September and funds would be needed.
* Pray for the financial needs of Usher In's ministry and monthly support needed for Randy and Sandy to start receiving a salary.
* Bud Jones who is returning to Thailand in June to work with Remember Nhu - ministry to at risk girls rescued from sex trafficking business.
* Pastor James and Esther Okori, Apollo and Jackie, Moses - graduates of Africa Hope Bible Institute in Lira Uganda which was launched in 2009. They are beginning mission/church planting work in Southern Sudan. Pray for safety, provision and a move of the Holy Spirit in power to reach thousands with the Gospel.
* Pastor James Okori and the new prison ministry in Lira Uganda. See the wonderful praise report and detailed prayer requests below.
* Pastor Armando and Rosie Juarez as they lead a new ministry to the Hispanic population near Sherwood, Oregon. Pray for Esperanza de Iglesia as they meet each week, that many will come to Jesus and be built up in the faith. |
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
Jesus - Son of God
John 15:5-8 (NIV)
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Because You Prayed ...
an update from Pastor James Okori in Lira Uganda, recently released from debtor's prison.
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Uganda Mission September 2012 In 4 months, our team will be heading to East Africa to serve with our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you want to join us - Contact us quickly at info@usherin.org for more information.
We are also requesting donations to help purchase ministry supplies such as Bibles, Evangecubes, hygiene kits, malaria nets and more.
Please consider how you might help -- even small donations are a blessing to those in need.
Donation instructions are available at www.usherin.org/donate.php |
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world who love and sacrifice for their children.
Your God given role is one of honor and there is no greater task given to you than to raise them in the nuture and admonition of the Lord.
May you be blessed by Him on this day and every day. |
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Projects You Can Help Fund
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Bibles in local language - Africa and India $8.00 each
Evangecubes -Visual Gospel Tools - Africa and India $4.00 each in lots of 100
Pastor's training conferences - Africa and India $3,500 each for 2 days and 500 leaders
Basic supplies, school items, soap, salt, milk, sugar, mosquito nets, etc for Africa and India mission teams - $3,000 per mission
Usher In staff salary, travel expense, etc. - Target $7500 per month
Pastor training materials - $50 for Study Bible and other tools
Other Ways to Help
Donate soccer balls, tee-shirts, shoes, sandals, gospel bracelets, or similar items for schools and orphanages.
Why not start a campaign to collect these items through your youth group, school or other social network? | |
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