"Your very lives are a letter . . . Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:3 The Message

MEN'S MINISTRY:
On April 30, a group of men from Virginia Beach UMC gathered, not for a Retreat, but an 'Advance' as Dave Lundquist, the 'Head of Men's Adventures' named it!  Dave and Pastor Ed Johnson Jr. gave leadership to the 'Advance'.  I presented 3 sessions on "the Method of Jesus and the Method of the Methodists."  You could say the focus was "Evangelism and Discipleship'.  However, all the while we were trying to grasp the marvel of God clothing Himself in human flesh, His life among us, the coming of God's Holy Spirit and the overarching strategy to bring the Kingdom of God to earth!  We covered some territory!
Pastor Ed, Dave and the other leaders in the group had been working hard to cultivate a deep commitment to discipleship.  Dave and I thought these presentations could help move the Men's Ministry to the next phase - so I was thrilled when Dave reported that 3 new men's groups have been launched with participation growing from 7 to 27 men!  He said, "At this stage we are in 'boot camp' as we learn and practice the skills of ministry and gain comfort in really looking at ourselves and being ministered to.  We pray that soon we will be reaching out to lost and hurting men outside our usual congregational contacts."  There was a hunger among the men to be who Jesus called them to be, and to do the things He's 

Above and below are two of the slides I use to illustrate the
tremendous growth of the Methodist movement when
the class meetings (small groups) were required.

called them to do!  When that is present it's hard to go wrong!

More than 1/3 of the population!  What I am interested in
here is the recovery of a method, the method of Jesus.  

Pastor Ed shared, "The 'Advance' was a tremendous success as men were reintroduced to the power of the Holy Spirit available to all followers of Christ!  In addition, the concepts that Greg taught have equipped us to empower laity to ministry to laity following the example of the original Wesleyan class model."  
This is a major goal of my calling as an evangelist . . . to assist the church in the formation of Jesus centered groups that shape people in Christ-likeness and send us out as ambassadors of the Kingdom.  These groups welcome all and are able to articulate and demonstrate the Supremacy of Jesus in every way!  They cannot help but to have a redemptive effect, not only in the lives of the participants, but also all those with whom they come into contact!
Most people do not think of evangelists in an equipping capacity.  However, this role is clear in Scripture.  This is Ephesians 4:11-14:


¹¹ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹² to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."


If you would like to experience one of these groups, I am a part of a weekly group that meets on Wednesday's at 6:30 at Dennis' restaurant in Churchland.  Acts 2:42 summarizes our meetings: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."  I am also in a pastor's covenant group meeting in north Suffolk with the same focus.  You're invited!


GATHERING WITH THE LATINOS AND JAIL MINISTRY:
About 15 Latinos among other friends gathered at our home on Memorial Day.  Jason and Delia Gillikin along with Ali Alvarez, Jose Gonzales, Eileen and I are desiring to connect with and minister to this community.  We are asking God what our next step is while continuing the friendships and encouraging them in the faith. 
My orientation at Western Tidewater Regional Jail was eye opening.  This jail holds close to 800 people including Federal prisoners.  My role there will primarily with Latinos, though I will have opportunity for ministry with others.  As I am traveling much of June for ministry, "I'll be in jail" on July 7, with a team from Southeastern Correctional Ministry.

  

STUDIES:

A fascinating account of John Wesley's
understanding of the Holy Spirit, healing,
deliverance, dreams and visions.

I am digging deep into the Scriptures and other books to better understand and be led by the Holy Spirit.  Imagine being one of Jesus' disciples and hearing him say, "It is for your good that I am going away."  
Stunning words, but then the explanation: "Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come  to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:7)  I am quite convinced that we followers of Jesus in the 21st century have a ton to learn, experience and live out concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.  
The book to the right has been quite an eye opener in terms of John Wesley's ministry and his understanding of the Holy Spirit.
   
SEMINARY ROAD TRIP:

Keith Abraham, Wayne Credle Jr. and Brian Boettcher
hanging out with John Wesley at Asbury Seminary.

Five Virginia Wesleyan College students and I traveled to Duke Divinity School for a tour.  Then three of the students and I traveled on to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  Eileen and I were there from 1995-9, with me studying and Eileen paying the bills!  A road trip with college students who are listening to God's call in their lives is an exciting experience!  We learned together, prayed together, shared meals and lots of laughter!  It looks like Keith will be going to Asbury.  The others still have another year of under-graduate work.


It was good for my soul to visit ATS.  For Eileen and me it was a wonderful immersion into Christian community.  We were enriched, challenged, equipped and then sent from Asbury in 1999.


NICARAGUA IN JUNE:

Bishop Francis Asbury is one of my heroes.  He gave
himself fully to the LORD, preaching along circuits
through this country from 1771 - 1816.  The movement
grew from 1,200 persons to 214,000 under his leadership.
Tears came to my eyes as I learned that he was homeless
in order to be more effective in making disciples of Jesus. 

While in Wilmore, I visited 'Go International' a missions organization that partners with local churches to help fulfill the Great Commission.  I will be traveling with 'Go Int.' and Newtown UMC in a couple weeks to the city of Siuna in Nicaragua.  We'll be serving a church there with building, evangelism and any other way we can.  I will also be bringing books and teaching resources for the pastors of the Evangelical Methodist Church.  We welcome your prayers as overseas travel always has some challenges.  
On Sunday I had the opportunity to speak at Charity UMC in Virginia Beach.  One of the Sunday School classes is using Francis Chan's new book, Crazy Love.  I read the chapter entitled "Giving Our Leftovers to God."    Chan says that if 100 people represented the world's population, then 53 live on less than $2 a day.  And if you make $4,000 a month then you make more than 100 times what the average person on the planet makes!  This is part of the tug on my heart that keeps me returning to Nicaragua, 3 times so far this year.  The great joy is that each time there are people seeing the poverty of the country for the first time; and at the same time they see a church that is vibrant, doing so much with so little.  We would all do well to go down bringing material resources to help, while they give us spiritual resources unknowingly.


SUPPORT UPDATE:
We have made significant progress towards our new financial goals.  We will continue on as  God keeps opening doors and providing in marvelous ways through the body of Christ.  if you would like any information about my ministry please contact me and check out: www.lifeinhisname.net

I will be sending a new address and information for giving purposes later this month.  We are grateful for your prayers and support! 


In Jesus' great love,


Greg West