Nicaragua - There and Back Again

It will be 6 1/2 weeks for me between the two trips to Nicaragua.  I am taking 9 students from Virginia Wesleyan College (VWC), for Spring Break, March 11 - 18!  We will be working with the same groups that my family worked with while in Managua.  Please pray for Devon, Wayne, Kala, Katerina, Clancey, Alan, Amber, Andrea & Brandon.  Pray that their hearts would be receptive to all that God wants to share as they move outside of their comfort zones to serve.  I welcome your prayers as I lead this team.  

Evangelical Methodist Church of Nicaragua Pastors and  Leaders

While we were in Managua in January, I met with Pastors from the Evangelical Methodist Church.  20 years ago a Pastor from Argentina started the Methodist Church in Nicaragua. They have 15 congregations and are eager for partnerships with churches from the USA.  I hope to help them make some of those connections.  

House of Hope - Making Jewelry and Greeting Cards

One of the ministries in Nicaragua that affected Eileen and I deeply is the House of Hope or Casa Esperanza. Mike and April Havelin of Washington, NC started the ministry to prostitutes in 2001.  They thought they would be working with 50 women.  Today they are working with 500, including children who have been forced into the darkness of sex trafficking.  There is a video on the homepage of their website that tells their story and is well worth seeing:  http://www.houseofhopenicaragua.com/ The human trafficking and sex trafficking industries are on the increase and the body of Christ must stand for justice and be available to lift the oppressed.  

We worshiped with the women of this ministry and watched as they transformed the worship space into a jewelry and greeting card factory!  Eileen and I brought back $4,000 worth of jewelry and greeting cards to sell here in the USA for the House of Hope.  The jewelry and cards make great gifts and can open up  fantastic conversations about the problems of the world and the answers found in the person of Jesus along with his people alleviating and confronting the suffering in His Name. 

Evangelism and Discipleship 

On a recent Monday night I went into the Portsmouth Jail with the men from Southeastern Correctional Ministries http://www.secorrmin.org/ including Chaplain Gary Tingwald, a great friend and brother in Christ.  I went to the 5th floor and met with 2 cell blocks over the course of 2 hours.  Some of the guys 'circle up' when they see one of the volunteers and we invite others to join in and some do.  We share along the lines of the intersection of life and the Scriptures.  How do the teachings of Jesus become a reality in our lives?  This night I met with 15 guys total within the 2 cell blocks.  I asked both groups, "How many of you grew up in the Church?"  Can you guess the answer?  100%!  All 15 of these men now behind bars went to church as children and youth.  On my drive home I was troubled; and I still am.  How is it that we the Church are unable to disciple children and youth?  And Men?  And women?  

Something is terribly wrong with our methods and quite possibly the spirit in which we operate!  There are too many places in which evangelism and discipleship are not happening!  So we must go back to the Scriptures and seek God with all our heart and strength, crying out for the wisdom and understanding that we so desperately need; And then pray for the courage and conviction to follow through.  Really, our greatest need is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  For the Spirit gives us the wisdom, power and guidance necessary for life.  And how does this happen?  Jesus says:

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  Luke 11:11-13 

I'm going to be leading some seminars in the near future dealing with all of these realities.  If you would like to attend, let me know.  I am longing that the body of Christ would be revived (including me) and then minister this revival, renewal, re-formation to others!  In short, a movement of God.

Upcoming Seminars
March 5, Saturday ~ "Wanting the World to Know" Seminar - 9am - 4pm Christ UMC, VA Beach, Pastor Dan Abbot 
March 23, 30; April 6, 13 (Wednesday evenings) ~ "The Method of Jesus" Evangelism & Discipleship - Memorial UMC, VA Beach, Pastor John Cole 
April 9, Saturday ~ Rethinking the Theology of the Bible, Ben Witherington III - Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA  This is going to be an excellent seminar given by a scholar and great communicator of the Scriptures and the challenges facing us.  I will be there.  Take a look at this link for all of the information:  http://www.efumcva.org/events.html  
May 21, Saturday ~ "The Method of Jesus" Evangelism & Discipleship Seminar - Monumental Ministries - Portsmouth, Pastor Bob Friend & Pastor Hank Teague (*times and location to be announced)
I am aware of God at work within me and I am grateful.  There are times of great rejoicing simply because God is with us and for us!  I will leave you with this great quote from Oswald Chambers: 

"When a man’s heart is right with God the mysterious utterances of the Bible are spirit and life to him. Spiritual truth is discernible only to a pure heart, not to a keen intellect. It is not a question of profundity of intellect, but of purity of heart."        Bringing Sons Unto Glory, 231 

I am so grateful for the friendships and partnerships in the Gospel that make possible my serving in the role of Evangelist.  Thank you for your support.

"My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen."  1 Corinthians 16:24

Greg West, Evangelist

Opening Prayer in the Senate - February 11, 2011 - Richmond, VA

O God Almighty, we need Your help –

Today we acknowledge and rejoice in Your greatness, Your power and Your love . . . and in the same breath we admit our sins and are sorry for them.  God, please forgive us and change our selfish hearts.  

O God Almighty, we need Your help here in Virginia –

We need your peace to overcome our anxieties and our violence, Your love to conquer our lusts and our hate, Your truth to free us from our errors and we need a humility that keeps You in first place.

Arise, O God and help us!  Come to our rescue because of your unfailing love.  We know You are able, for nothing is too difficult for You.

Would You give us glimpses of Your desire for planet earth, for this nation and for Virginia, for our cities, towns and our families – even Your will for our lives.  And let Your desire become ours and impart in us the courage to pursue these desires with all our strength so that we, the people of Virginia would act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with You.

O God, we pray for these men and women of our Senate.  Give them wisdom and grace from above to lead us.  Give them health and friendships, vision and conviction.  Please break all divisions and rivalries that hinder real progress; granting them a unity in solutions that transcend all lesser loyalties.

We pray also for their families: for their spouses, children and grandchildren – bless them, O God, to be a blessing.  Protect and bless their marriages with joy and faithfulness that their children and grandchildren will receive and pass on a legacy of love and integrity.

Awake the all of us in these chambers and awake the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia just as You awoke Jacob . . . to the reality of Your Presence and let us say with him: “Surely the LORD is in this place and I knew it not.”  With this awareness, what we do and say will work for and not against the coming of Your blessed Kingdom.

We pray together for the Commonwealth . . . that it would be just that . . . a shared prosperity, a shared blessing and peace; a true equality of opportunity and justice, all flowing from Your goodness and abundance, O God.  Above all let us be a people that love You, and love our neighbors as ourselves.

So LORD, with respect for people of all faiths, I submit this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.  

Amen.

Life in Nicaragua - La Lucha . . . the Struggle

Guardabarranco - Nicaragua's National Bird

It’s closing in on 11pm here in Managua.  From our apartment I can hear an action movie going on below us.  Then there is the occasional sound of a whistle outside . . . long, loud blasts.  Some friends informed us that this is call of the ‘Guardabarranco’ Nicaragua’s national bird!  We've heard the whistles each night about this same time.  I took the picture on the right at the National Zoo, where we came closer to wild animals than in any other zoo! 

The time to reflect on what we have seen and experienced each day is so important . . . Driving through the battered streets of Managua with our taxi driver Johanna, listening to 'A Total Eclipse of the Heart' - each block has something new.  The fruit stands invite with their unique colors and shapes . . . papayas, mangos, bananas, guayaba, jocote and more.  The small children weave through the traffic at stoplights selling trinkets & candies or simply begging for money.  The horse drawn carts are common and mix with the crowded traffic of cars, motorcycles, trucks and more.  The 'Nicas' love to use their horns as they drive, some quick honks to say, 'Here I am' and others more robust that demand, 'Out of the way'.  The trash is like kudzu in Carolina and the people are

The people are super open to speak about Jesus.  I've been surprised with how many openly share their belief in Christ and in the same sentence state that they are not following.  Or better said, they have not yeilded to Christ.  They are still in the driver's seat.  The conversations are great and I've shared more of the Gospel with them trying to help them see the deception they've bought in to.

Worship at Cristo Rey ~ Christ the King Church in Tipitapa

Earlier this evening Eric Ferguson and I drove into a part of Tiptapa, just outside Managua. The wild dirt roads made me grateful for Eric's 4x4. We drove through dozens of blocks of homes, pieced together with tin sheets, cinderblock and scraps of wood. The electric lines were tied to the top of trees that had been cut for this purpose, no thicker than my arm and about 12 feet high. We pulled up to the church building which had 2 walls and a roof and 1 light bulb. The music was blaring, letting people know the worship would soon begin.  The Pastor, Alfredo has been walking with the LORD for 6 years, for 3 of those he has been a pastor!
There were no instruments, just the strong leading voices of the 'alabanzas' ~ praise songs.  The people seemed alive to the Good News and there was a real sense of celebration.  The little children were allowed to roam a little while some were gathered by a woman who was teaching them seated on the dirt.  It's Monday night too!  Pastor Alfredo shared his story with me a few days before.  Alcohol, drugs and a lostness overshadowed his life for years.  It almost cost him his family.  Now he and his wife and children serve Jesus!   They host two 'comedores' ~ feeding centers for children.  The one at Christ the King has more than 100 children coming twice a week for food and the Word of God. 
I was asked to preach a couple days before and was a bit intimidated.  What do I know of these people's lives?  Of their dreams and fears?  Of their struggle and family?  Yet the Holy Spirit can take the little we offer and add to it . . . so with that as my prayer, I preached from 1 Samuel 30.  I've studied the passage, but never preached on it, much less in Español!  I chose this passage because in talking to so many 'Nicas' they talk about life in terms of the 'lucha' ~ the fight.  That life is a struggle and they mean for the basics, to have shelter, to be clothed and to eat and provide for their children.  Here's the essence of the message . . .

David has been anointed King, though he’s not yet on the throne.  King Saul who has been rejected as King by God is running out of time.  David and his little army of 600 are returning to Ziklag, the Philistine city where they had taken up residence.  They find the city empty, their families gone and the city looted and burned! 
When the difficulties in life come, how do we react? 
When the crisis shows up, to whom do we go?

David and his men are in the midst of a crisis . . .
"Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept, until they had no more strength to weep." 1 Samuel 30:4 RSV

The situation is so bleak that David's faithful men are on the edge of turning against him . . .

"David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 NIV 
People in a crisis, filled with fear and pain often look for someone to blame.  David has his own fears and pain and now the possibility of his men taking his life!
"But David found strength in the LORD his God."

Here is an example for us!  Here is someone who turned to the right Source in the time of crisis!  I know you struggle because we all struggle . . . are you finding your strength in the LORD your God, in the times of crisis?

David asks for Abiathar the priest and seeks a word from God. 
"And David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" "Pursue them," he answered. "You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue." 1 Samuel 30:8 NIV
David does the right thing asking God for direction, not trusting in his own understanding or strategies.  The result is the promise of victory and the rescue of their families.  So David and his army are now in pursuit.
Do you know any captives? Not like David’s family and the families of his army, but nonetheless captive?  Jesus defined his mission in Luke 4:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."  Luke 4:18-19 RSV

People are captive to sin, to the enemy of our souls.  I remember my own captivity, the time before Christ was real to me, before he set me free.  Do you remember? 
Do we have compassion on those that are captives still? 
Are we willing to battle for their freedom as David was? 

In the pursuit the little army of 600 stops and 200 of the men can go no further because of exhaustion.  So the 400 press on and find a servant of the Amalekites who had raided their homes.  This man led them to the Amalekite raiders and the battle began.  Scripture says it lasted all day long. 

So here is a lesson . . . the promise of victory does not mean the battle will be easy.  200 couldn't even make it and the others had to battle all day long before their families were safely returned to them.

There is a battle in this life.  David fought with a sword, we fight in a different way . . .
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Another potential crisis arises after the battle . . .
"Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Ravine. They came out to meet David and the people with him. As David and his men approached, he greeted them.  But all the evil men and troublemakers among David's followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go." 1 Samuel 30:21-22
So David has division in the camp.  David has God's wisdom and speaks it with confidence.  David knows who gave the victory.

"David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us.  Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike."  David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this." 1 Samuel 30:23-25

Are you ready for battle?  Do you know Who gives the victory?

Nicaragua

Wow, today marks our ½ way point for our time here in Managua.  It has been a very good and productive trip, so far!  The children have done very well.  It is fascinating hearing them process what they have seen and experienced.  The poverty is common and some of it has troubled the children as well as Eileen and I.  So what we see becomes the launching point for conversations about Jesus’ teachings and the question of ‘How should we live?’  40 years ago Managua was rocked by an earthquake similar in size and devastation to the one that recently hit Haiti.  It was 1972 and a number of Nicaraguans have shared where they were and what they experienced when I’ve asked.  They also remember the war here in the 1980s, yet in spite of all of this, the Nicaraguans are a resilient people.

There is tremendous beauty here with an amazing variety of plants, flowers and trees!  So much green with the palms, the brilliant flowers, seeming to be in every direction.  There is though the trash along the roads and the houses are often put together with so many different materials as they can be found.  In our two bedroom apartment, we cook & eat, play & pray.  It’s simple and comfortable.  We have been tremendously blessed by the Fanjul family who are staying across the street from us.  They are here adopting a little girl.  They have three boys as well, who are ages are close to those of our children!

Evangelical Methodist Church of Nicaragua – I met with most of the pastors from the Evangelical Methodist Church of Nicaragua on Monday.  There are less than 10 pastors shepherding 15 congregations.  It is a young church, only 20 years old.  They have some challenges that make ours look very small – and it is a joy to be with them.  We'll worship with one or two congregations on Sunday.  Then I will meet again with them on Monday morning.  You can see their website at: www.iglesiametodistanicaragua.com

Meeting Our Sponsored Child – Compassion International – With joy we met Christhian on Tuesday at the Compassion Project: “Dios Te Ama” translated “God Loves You”.  Christhian, his mother Arazeles, and his little sister Ruth were dressed up and happy to meet us.  Our children have written him over the years and he has sent letters as well.  This Compassion Project is the largest in Nicaragua with over 400 sponsored children.

Ruth, Christhian (our sponsored child) & Evie, Josiah & Luke

Eileen returned this afternoon from a Bible Study and support group connected with ‘Casa Esperanza’ (House of Hope) a ministry that helps women and children out of prostitution and human trafficking.  www.houseofhopenicaragua.com  It was a powerful experience as she was able to put faces with the women she has heard about.  Thursday and Friday of this week we’ll travel to Tipitapa to help serve in some feeding centers for children.

It's been a joy to share Christ with taxi drivers, people we meet along the way and be in fellowship with the 'Nica' believers here.  I've lined up many of the details for a Spring Break mission trip here with Virginia Wesleyan College and others - March 12 -19. 

On the edge of Lake Granada

We traveled to Granada on Saturday with Delia Gillikin’s parents.*  Granada was founded by the Spanish in the 1500s and is fascinating.  We went on a small boat to see ‘las isletas’ (the islands, there are 300!) that many believe were formed by the massive eruption of the volcano Mombacho.  Further off was the volcano Concepción, which is almost a perfect triangle in contrast to Mombacho which is distorted from previous eruptions.  Monkeys live on a couple of the islands.  The picture though is a captive monkey.  *Delia and Jason Gillikin were married last summer.  Jason and I went to Nicaragua together twice a few years back.  Once with a larger team from Grace Harbor Church.  On a subsequent trip, Jason met Delia.  I had the privilege of officiating at their wedding in the USA.
To experience the beautiful reality that our LORD transcends all geography, cultures and times is glorious!

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."   Revelation 7:9-10


Rejoicing in the LORD,


Greg, Eileen, Josiah, Evie & Luke

Jail Ministry and Latin America . . .

With Doña Luisa in the Yucatan 1997.
Her family helped to establish Cancún, Mexico.

A Dominican Jail to a Jail in Portsmouth

As Pastor Tony invited the inmates to step forward if they were ready to follow Jesus, I had a message pressing on my heart. A number of men had stepped forward, but many were unmoved. Back then, in 1993, my Spanish was limited, but I could not hold back. I asked Pastor Tony if I could say something to the inmates in this Dominican Jail. He nodded. In broken Spanish I warned them of the pride present in all of us and of the danger of letting pride prevent them from admitting that they need a Savior. It communicated at least to two, as they stepped forward. It was the first time I had ever publicly invited someone to receive Christ. Joy was present as Pastor Tony ministered to them and led them to call on Jesus!

This memory came back to me last Monday night on my way home from the Portsmouth Jail. I work with Chaplain Gary Tingwald of Southeastern Correctional Ministries. It was a very good night in the jail as the groups of men that gathered to pray, hear the Word and fellowship together were bigger than normal. We shared the story of Jesus' humble entry, how his birth announcements went to the lowly shepherds and a conversation about what Savior means from Luke 2. I asked if there were any among them who wanted to welcome Jesus as Savior and live a new life in and through Him. Two men raised their hands. I asked them to come near and through the bars of the jail, I spoke to them more intensely about repentance and faith. After they prayed some of the other guys clapped with joy for them. I will be meeting with them again next week. Please pray for these two and certainly the whole ministry at the Portsmouth Jail.                                                                   



With a Mayan family in front of their home

‘Vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones . . .’
‘Go and make disciples of all nations . . .’ Matthew 28:19a

These early ministry experiences in Latin America were formative for me. Now a big circle is about to be completed! Eileen and I spent the summer of 1997 in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico with Youth with a Mission [YWAM]. It was an incredible summer serving with our Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ. In 2000, our family began growing with children and Eileen was no longer able to travel on mission trips. I continued to go to places like Haiti, Mexico (Chiapas), Jamaica and Nicaragua. I see a tremendous value in cross cultural exchanges and overseas partnerships in the Gospel. Eileen and I are traveling with our children to Nicaragua for 20 days in January. We are very excited about the trip and our children share the excitement. We are more intentional about training them as disciples and teaching Spanish to them. Our trip has a fourfold purpose: 1) To continue our partnerships with our amigos and churches there. 2) To establish new partnerships which include the Evangelical Methodist Church in Nicaragua which is a budding movement: www.iglesiametodistanicaragua.com/ and Casa Esperanza [Hope House] a ministry helping women and children out of prostitution: www.houseofhopenicaragua.com/ 3) To plan and map out a mission trip for Spring Break of 2011 (March 13 – 20) with Virginia Wesleyan College students and others. 4) To immerse our children in Nicaraguan culture and Español.

Eileen and I have talked for a number of years about a mission trip for the whole family. We wanted the children to be old enough to be able to serve and we think we are there. We also want our children to see the two-thirds world (as many of us like to call it). Seeing the poverty in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, will be a powerful experience for our children; especially as they see the joy of the believers who have so little materially compared to us. We have a lot to learn from them. We ask for your prayers as we travel from January 3 – 23.



Church in the Yucatan, Mexico 1997 - Eileen front left

 Partnership in Finances and Prayer

Our financial support continues to grow. We are at 65% of our budget. The Board of Directors approved the budget earlier this year making my compensation equal to what I received in my last year as pastor. This takes into account my part-time Chaplain’s salary at Virginia Wesleyan College. So we only need to raise ½ of my salary and housing. If you would like to be a financial partner with me through Life in His Name click here: Life in His Name Support

In Jesus’ great love,

Greg

 

Understanding the Holy Spirit . . .

E. Stanley Jones was a missionary to India and a gifted communicator of the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The following link is to an audio sermon from 1960 . . . and it is right on target for 2010.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The Birthright of All Christians ~ E. Stanley Jones

Do You Believe in the Resurrection?

Dear Friends & Family,

God continues to bless and confirm our new ministry. I use the word ‘our’ as Eileen and I have always viewed ministry to be a shared calling and privilege. This includes our children as we seek to shepherd them to be faithful followers of Christ today. Thank you for your prayers and support of ‘Life in His Name’, which is now incorporated in the State of Virginia – next step IRS approval as a 501(c)3.

We have reached 60% of our needed financial support! We’re moving along and are thankful. If you are not a financial partner and would like to be, please click here:
Life in His Name Support

If you have questions about this new ministry, please call or email: (757) 289-9555 / gregwest120@gmail.com

We’ll have another update soon with news about an upcoming trip to Nicaragua among other happenings!

In Jesus’ great love,
Greg & Family

Resurrection!
A young woman was struggling in her faith and articulated it to me this way, “You know, the resurrection . . . I just don’t know if it’s true.” She looked afraid, like I might be disappointed by her doubts. “I’m glad you felt comfortable telling me.” I shared with her about the four accounts of the resurrection in the Gospels, encouraging her to read and reread them. Then I walked her through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

We talked about the credibility that Paul has as he appeals to the readers that there were multiple eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection; that more than 500 people that saw Jesus at the same time, risen from the dead. In essence, Paul is saying if you don’t believe me you can ask them! The young woman seemed to have something to hold on to steadying her. When I saw her the next day in a small group setting, she had a big smile and quickly shared with the group of her new confidence . . . that Jesus rose from the dead and so he really can offer us eternal life!

Evangelist! Really?
In October it became official. I am an evangelist within the United Methodist Church. The last person to become an evangelist in the Virginia Conference was my friend, LeRoy Jones. That was 22 years ago. I’m not really big on titles, but when someone asks me what I do, I tell them about my dual role as ‘missionary* evangelist’ and chaplain at Virginia Wesleyan College. I try to break the stereotypical view of evangelist that so many people have. Some have a negative or surprised reaction . . . like really you’re that!?

A good picture of an evangelist in action if found in the amazing story about Philip, in Acts 8. God’s Spirit leads him to an Ethiopian who is reading from the prophet Isaiah, but not understanding. It’s the perfect opportunity to share about Jesus the Christ! As the Ethiopian believes in Jesus, he is baptized by Philip and goes on his way, taking the Good News to Africa! Philip is referred to as an evangelist in Acts 21:8.
*I have added the term missionary to evangelist as God has given me a vision of serving in Latin America as well as in this country.

Small Group Ministry
I have a request in with a group that works with the homeless in downtown Portsmouth. The request is for me to lead a small group among the homeless. The group is bringing the request before their Board this month. They have not given a green light to a ministry like this before. It has been a social ministry providing needed food, shelter and clothing among other needs. I believe in these strongly, but also see that Jesus offered bread to eat and the words of life for the soul. Please pray that there is an opening here and a mutual partnership that results.

Ministry at Virginia Wesleyan College ~ Please Pray . . .
God is opening many doors to share with students. I am working with a couple of small groups and coaching some others. We are working towards gathering all of the different Christian ministries on campus together. In addition to ministries coming out of the Chaplain’s Office, we have: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Inter-Varsity, Young Life, Campus Crusade for Christ and the Newman Center, a Catholic group, which also has a worship gathering led by Jim Parke, a local priest and friend. ‘Generation United’ is going to happen on December 4th. This will be a worship - teaching & fellowship gathering for all of these groups as well as everyone else on campus. The Fuse Band will be playing a lot of Hillsong tunes among others. Their catchphrase is: ‘Created to spark a fire’. Interestingly, Virginia Wesleyan’s catchphrase is: ‘Bring a Spark. Light a Fire.” We are longing to see Jesus’ prayer answered:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21

Our unity as followers of Christ gives great credibility to our message. The opposite is true as well, and too often disunity, competition or just distance makes the Good News less believable.
 
UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
• Sundays at 4pm at Virginia Wesleyan College’s Monumental Chapel – Norfolk, VA

• November 14 – Jolliff UMC, 8:30am & 11am Worship Gatherings - http://www.jolliffumc.org/

• November 18 & 19 – South Hill UMC Revival, Evening Services - www.meckcom.net/~shumc/


WE WELCOME YOUR PRAYERS . . .
. . . that we would all abide in the Vine and produce fruit. John 15:5

. . . that we would be given words and wisdom to share the message of Jesus. Ephesians 6:19; James 1:5

. . . for people to believe and receive Jesus and experience life in His name. John 1:12, 20:31

. . . for the formation of new small groups where conversion and discipleship take place. Matthew 18:3, 28:19-20

. . . that Eileen and our children would have joy and strength in homeschooling. Psalm 28:7

. . . for the students at Virginia Wesleyan College to be disciples who in turn make other disciples. 2 Timothy 2:2

. . . for our churches to return to their first love. Revelation 2:4

. . . that the LORD would send more laborers to the harvest field. Luke 10:2

Life in His Name Update ~ September 17,2010

Pete Kovalcik and I ~ Riverfront Soccer

GOING ON THE OFFENSIVE

We were warming up for the last regular game of our soccer season when Pete Kovalcik* said, “Greg, you’re going to score a goal today.” I was feeling bold even before Pete said this and was planning on going all out. His words though lifted my hope and confidence even higher. All season I had played defense, so I rarely even got to the other half of the field. We were playing more aggressively though. So when we had a corner kick opportunity, I lined up in front of the goal. It was the perfect kick, curving above the first line of defenders. It dropped quickly and I ran to meet the ball. At the point of contact it was too low for a header, so I tightened up and angled the ball off my chest past the goalie and into the goal. It was all lightning fast and the ball was in the back of the net for our first goal!

On my June 11 blog, I wrote about the body of Christ seeming to always be on defense. Too often we are known for what we are against rather than what or rather Who we are for! Few people recognize the betrayal of Christ’s teachings whenever ‘Christians’ speak some foolishness or participate in harmful behavior! So once again we are up against the ropes. As I was thrilled to go on the offensive when playing soccer, I’m more excited about going on the offensive for Christ. We have opportunities everyday in making Christ known as we serve, care, heal and announce the love of God in Jesus! This is our privilege as followers of Christ. Sometimes we don’t see it as a privilege though. I find that when I am abiding in Christ, walking closely and listening for the whispers of the Spirit, it is then that the joy of the LORD comes and compels me to be bold.  All the while a sense of wonder is present with the conviction that we have the greatest privilege on the planet! Let’s lovingly remind each other that Jesus’ teachings are not options to be considered, they are commands to be obeyed!

1 John 5:3-4 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. (New Living Translation)

 *In addition to being a talented soccer player, Pete is the president of the Board of Directors of Life in His Name.

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
Wednesday mornings at Dennis’ Restaurant in Churchland continue to bear fruit. There is a deep fellowship among those who gather. We have new men coming in, as schedules allow. Les Litchfield’s leadership is a great blessing in this group. Our vision comes from a snapshot of the early church:

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

We are working our way through Luke’s Gospel and are talking about adding new groups in the area. This coming Wednesday, a good friend and partner Don Davis will be sharing with us. Don and I are looking to start another group towards downtown Portsmouth. Our aim is that these groups be ‘trans-denominational’ – or ecumenical. Our unity is found in Jesus’ teachings and Presence. John Wesley had a great saying: “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” Charity in Wesley’s day was a synonym for love. Here is 'charity' used for love in the well known last verse of the ‘love chapter’ from the King James version of the Scriptures, published in 1611:

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

You are welcome to come to the Men's Group. Dennis’ Restaurant 6:30 am every Wednesday morning. Dennis’ is located in Churchland: 3356 Western Branch Blvd, Chesapeake.

PRISON MINISTRY
I was deeply moved by what God is doing in the Portsmouth Jail. I met a volunteer named Collin who is a retired chiropractor. For four years Collin has come to the jail to lift up Jesus among the inmates and staff. Collin has a walker and drags one foot as he plods along his purposeful way. His speech is slightly impaired, but the inmates were asking for him, eager to know that Collin would be making his rounds! I also caught a glimpse of Samuel’s well worn Bible as he taught the inmates. The pages were frayed and discolored from where he had turned them again and again over his 15 years of ministry in the Portsmouth Jail. I got involved through my good friend Gary Tingwald, who is the Senior Chaplain with Southeastern Prison Ministry. Gary and I have been in the Churchland men’s group together for almost 3 years. Gary guided me through his usual routine as we interacted with a lot inmates and staff. We had some solid conversations about Jesus . . . his love, his power and his ways. We prayed with many inmates and encouraged them in the faith. Gary had told me of the need for more chaplains and of the need for a Spanish speaker to minister to the Hispanic inmates. Please lift Gary and the other volunteers up along with the inmates.

Hebrews 13:1-3 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PARTNERSHIPS
• Sundays at 4pm at Virginia Wesleyan College’s Monumental Chapel – Norfolk, VA
• October 27th, 7pm, Wednesday at Discovery UMC in Richmond, VA
• October 31st, 10:45am at The Bridge – Portsmouth, VA
• November 7th, 10:45am at The Bridge – Portsmouth, VA

I am working with 4 churches in somewhat different roles, but all essentially focusing on evangelism and small group development. These churches are all in the Hampton Roads area and I’m praying about a partnership in another part of the state.

GOD’S WORK AT VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
“I’m already happy, why do I need God.” It was an honest question given in a group setting by a student who grew up outside of the influence of the Church. The discussion after the question was great. I’ll be seeking this student out for another conversation. I’ve been on board at VWC for 6 weeks and have had a great time getting to know students, faculty and staff. We’re working hard to create gatherings where we can discuss Life, God, Humanity and how it all fits together!  Please pray for the 1,300 students as we work together with groups like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, Young Life, the Catholic ministry and Campus Crusade for Christ.

FINANCIAL REPORT
We are very close to 50% of our monthly needs via pledges and gifts. We are actively seeking partnerships with churches and individuals who believe in this new ministry. I am available to speak at churches or other gatherings. The salary that I receive through Life in His Name is a part-time salary, as I am also receiving a part-time salary as Chaplain of Virginia Wesleyan College.

To contribute on a monthly basis or with a special gift, simply send a check made out to the: Portsmouth District UMC
3400 Cedar Lane
Portsmouth, VA 23703
Write either Life in His Name or Greg West in the memo line. All gifts are tax deductible. We will send an end of year statement in January. We are grateful for every gift and every giver!

NEW MEMBERS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of LIHN met on September 1st with our newest members, Pastor Brian Sixby, Darlene Ammon and Laura Houck. They joined myself, Pete Kovalcik and Pastor Bob Weeks who have been on board since May. These are all gifted people with a great love for the LORD. I’m grateful that they are on the team!

May His Kingdom come . . .

Greg West

The Leap Happened!

The Leap happened!  And we’ve landed on our feet, by God’s grace!

After serving as the pastor of Grace Harbor for 8 years, that role is now in the hands and heart of Pastor Marc Rickabaugh.  He’s a great brother in the LORD. Being co-laborers with God to bring a church into being was a deep experience of growth, joy and sacrifice for myself, Eileen and the whole congregation.  We are very thankful to the body of Christ at Grace Harbor.

My first Sunday as an evangelist was quite possibly, my busiest Sunday ever! It was a ‘good busy’ though. I preached at The Bridge www.cometothebridge.org which is a church plant in downtown Portsmouth in the morning.  In the afternoon, I spoke to the youth at Virginia Korean UMC in Suffolk on the subject of “The Purest Mind in the Universe Thought Up Sex”.  I am grateful for the leadership of Pastor Chul Ki and Pastor Ho Hyun who know that the church must teach on this topic.  I then met with the New Creation Youth leaders working on plans for “Youth Week”, which runs from July 18 -25.  I am the speaker for the week, which is filled with teaching, small group sessions, mission work and fun!

I have been with students at Virginia Wesleyan College this week during Orientation for the new students and their parents.  God has already led me into meaningful dialogue with some students about Jesus, life and salvation.  I love those conversations!  I've met with a number of staff, faculty and students as the chaplain (part-time) at VWC.


I'm just finishing up an amazing book: "Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret."   Taylor was born in Yorkshire, England in 1832 and went on to his reward from Hunan, China in 1905.  The book was written in 1932.  "Taylor was a pioneer missionary who spent the last half of the nineteenth century serving in China.  More than a century before Richard Nixon reopened Communist China to the Western world, this young British missionary traveled to China.  He left for China at age 20 with no university degree and sent by no government.  He arrived unexpected and unannounced.  But, by the time he died, 50 years later, he had founded the China Inland Mission which consisted of 205 mission stations with over 800 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christian converts."

Quote from: http://www.pettengillmissionaries.org/archive/title/book_review%3a_hudson_taylor%27s_spiritual_secret

I am transfixed by Taylor’s description of his deeper experience with Christ, from which the title: “Spiritual Secret” comes.  The experience is described in a chapter called "The Exchanged Life."  Here is a quote from an Episcopal priest who hosted Hudson Taylor in Melbourne, Australia:

"He was an object lesson in quietness. He drew from the bank of heaven every farthing of his daily income – “My peace I give unto you.” Whatever did not agitate the Savior or ruffle his spirit, was not to agitate him. The serenity of the Lord Jesus concerning any matter, and at its most critical moment, was his ideal and practical possession. He knew nothing of rush or hurry, or quivering nerves or vexation of spirit. He knew that there is a peace passing all understanding, and that he could not do without it . . .

“I am in the study, you are in the big spareroom,’ I said to Mr. Taylor at length. ‘You are occupied with millions, I with tens. Your letters are pressingly important, min of comapritely little moment. Yet I am worried and distressed, while you are always calm. Do tell me what makes the difference.’

‘My dear Macartney,’ Taylor replied, ‘the peace you speak of is, in my case, more than a delightful privilege, it is a necessity. I could not possibly get through the work I have to do without the peace of God ‘which passeth all understanding’ keeping my heart and mind.”

 

That was my chief experience of Mr. Taylor. . . Dwelling in Christ, he drew upon His very being and resources, in the midst of and concerning the matters in question. And this he did by an attitude of faith as simple as it was continuous.”  pages 226-7

Taylor's story draws me because I am convinced so many of us (me included) settle for far too little of what Christ offers; or lives to the standard Christ sets.  The old saints called it ‘full salvation’ and ‘the deeper life’ among other descriptions.  I believe this settling for less come mainly from two sources: 1) ignorance – that is we just don’t know. Do you remember these word from Jesus to the Saducees?

“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).

Couldn’t it be the same for us today? We are in error, that is, we think incorrectly and therefore live lives that miss God’s highest, because we haven’t read and understood our Bibles. This as well as our error of underestimating God’s power – that is, God’s ability and willingness to act on our behalf.

As one of my professors used to say: “Go and sell your possessions and buy this book at any cost.”  The Scriptures first and Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret next. 

I'll leave you with a question that raised from the book.  I urge you and I to answer it honestly while asking the Holy Spirit to search our hearts: 

Are the promises of God less true for us today than they were to the faithful who have gone on before us?

Thank you for your prayers for us and for your partnership in the Gospel. 

Greg West, Evangelist~Chaplain

Transition, Soccer and the Goal

The shift from pastoral ministry into the new roles of missionary-evangelist and chaplain is happening fast! In the transition I joined a soccer team with a number of men from Grace Harbor and some Latinos who have also been a part of our church . . . Puerto de Gracia. We had our first game on Sunday and it was a excellent! There was this great moment in the game when the opposing team had a penalty kick against us. I ran in to help form ‘the wall’ to block the kick. At that moment, as we covered critical parts of our body, the realization came, “I could really get hurt here.” It was thrilling! We were willing to risk bodily injury for a greater cause! The good news is that we blocked it and nobody was hurt. Even more exciting than blocking a penalty kick was the opportunity to score a goal. I personally didn’t even get a shot on goal, but the excitement was there as I got close.
My longing as a follower of Christ is that we go on the offensive. Yes, there are things we must stand for and ‘block’, but we must be moving towards the other goal. The goal of Christ-likeness, the goal of loving God, loving neighbor, not merely with words, but with action; and the goal of seeking the lost and making disciples of all nations! The world knows what the church is against much more than they know what we are for. This should not be. They cannot understand what we’re against unless and until they know . . . Who we are for and what we are for!
Let’s not allow people to think we’re about this cause or that cause. Let them see a people who are compelled by the love of God in Christ to serve and proclaim. Paul shares with the church in Philippi about the value of all of his former accomplishments, titles and status. We must learn from his example:

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ . . .” (Philippians 3:8)

I ask for your prayers and support as we move forward to make this new ministry a reality. I have been meeting with a few churches, families and individuals and am very encouraged by a willingness to partner with me. We’re at about 20% of our monthly pledges, but have also received some special gifts that will help us get going. July will be a month of transition, support raising, evangelism and discipleship!

If you have not checked out the new website, take a look: http://www.lifeinhisname.net/

In Jesus' great love,

Greg West

More Good News . . . Leap Year Update #5

Friends in Jesus,

I accepted the offer to be the chaplain at Virginia Wesleyan College, beginning this August!  There are some wonderful students there that I have already met. I’m looking forward to encouraging them in their growth in Christ there on campus.

This is one piece of the puzzle that God has for me. We are moving ahead with “Life in His Name”; Pete and Pastor Bob and I are meeting in the morning.

I have begun meeting with churches who may be interested in partnership with us in this new ministry. I’m hopeful and encouraged that we can raise the needed financial support. I am open to coming to your church if invited!

The website is up! We will be making additions and changes.  Check it out:
www.lifeinhisname.net

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."  Hebrews 10:23-24

Greg

Pastor to Missionary~Evangelist . . . Leap Year Update #4

Friends,
The transition from pastoral ministry to the work of an evangelist is ongoing! I am blessed to have so many people who keep encouraging me along the way!

Name Chosen . . .

I have decided on the name of this new ministry: Life in His Name. You’ll recognize the phrase from John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John, after bragging about how he was faster than Peter, gives us the motive behind his letter and this is it! It is the appeal of an evangelist. This is what we long for everyone on the planet to experience . . . life in Jesus name! The name takes a bit of explaining to those not familiar with Scripture, which creates a beautiful opportunity to share Christ! I have been playing with some logo ideas, the latest you can see above to the right.

Great News!

• The Portsmouth District Board of Missions voted yesterday to pay for our health insurance for 1 year! Wow . . . big answer to prayer!
• The Website is almost ready to launch! A gigantic thank you to Cathy Stevens for setting up the website! She shared with me that: “Old secretaries never really go away :) We bother you FOREVER.” She is wonderful! Next email I will share the web link

Waiting and Setting Up Appointments with Churches for Partnership & Support . . .

• We are hoping to hear this week if I will be the next chaplain at Virginia Wesleyan College. The link to the Chaplain’s office is: http://www.vwc.edu/student_life/chaplain/index.php My interview last week went well, I especially enjoyed interacting with two different groups of student leaders on campus.
• I have 3 appointments on the calendar with churches who are considering supporting this new ministry and have started calling some individuals as well.

Prayer requests . . .

• Would you lift up our dear friends Bob and Jill Riggles? They are both serving at Christ Church in Fairfax, VA. Pastor Bob is also transitioning out of pastoral ministry after 11 or so years like me. Jill is the director of Christ Church Kids. We’re praying for God to clearly show the next step for them.
• Eileen and I are grateful for your prayers for us and our 3 children: Josiah, Evie and Luke. We are hoping to stay in the same house (that’s Plan A and there is a Plan B). It’s a big transition.

In Jesus’ unfailing love,

Greg West, Pastor
http://www.graceharborva.org/