Archive for the ‘Real Stories’ Category

Thank You

By: Jock Ficken

If you read this blog regularly, there’s a high probability you made a financial gift to PLI last month or sometime last year. Whether you did or not, I want to say a simple, heartfelt thank you for caring about other leaders. I thought I’d let four other leaders say “thank you” in their own … Continue reading →

God will Equip Us – An Interview with Bob Newton

By: Jock Ficken

A few weeks ago I sat down with Dr. Robert Newton. Missionary. Seminary Professor. Pastor. Bible scholar. Denominational executive. We laughed and lamented. Bob shared wisdom and biblical insight as it relates to our current environment.  Bob, let’s start with some perspective. What do you see happening in the world right now? What’s going on … Continue reading →

It’s All About Discipleship: An Interview with Kenton Birtell

By: Jock Ficken

I recently sat down with Pastor Kenton Birtell in Holdrege, NE, to talk about life, ministry, COVID-19 and reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus. Kenton and his wife Linda and their team recently completed PLI’s D2MC learning community. You’ll be encouraged, comforted and blessed by his humble spirit and gifted wisdom. Kenton, how are … Continue reading →

10 Nuggets Worth Learning from Mel and Nolan and their Friend John!

By: Jock Ficken

You read last week the story of Mel and Nolan and their friend John. John wasn’t sure God existed. He definitely didn’t believe God cared. John was alone. He didn’t trust the church. Enter 1000YL Mel and Nolan. They notice John. Sense the prompting of God. Genuine in their friendship. They become good news to … Continue reading →

Melissa & Nolan’s Story

By: Jock Ficken

The world has changed. There are 73.4 million millennials. Most are gone from our churches. 1000 Young Leaders seeks to train millennial missionaries to their own generation. A vibrant 2030 church will see the baptized people of God owning the mission of God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus. You’ll like this 1000YL story. Meet … Continue reading →

He Said, She Said

By: Sarah Greiner

As the fall learning community season is coming to a close we wanted to share some of the comments we’ve been receiving about the impact PLI is having in the lives of leaders. I felt alone. On an island. PLI encouraged me, gave me the courage to step up and be the leader our church … Continue reading →

Dennis…You’ll be Blessed by His Story!

By: Jock Ficken

“It was absolutely the work of the Holy Spirit that I came to faith!” Let me introduce you to Dennis, a deacon at our host church in Denver last week. He shared some of his story at a pastors’ lunch at PLI last week. Allow me to try to briefly share it here “First, I’d … Continue reading →

A Christmas Miracle in Indonesia that You Probably Didn’t Hear About and 3 Simple but Profound Actions

By: Jock Ficken

Gail and I would like to wish you a very blessed Christmas and to express our thanks for your partnership in the Gospel.  We thought you might be encouraged by this report. You may remember the deadly tsunami that struck Indonesia the day after Christmas in 2004. You heard that hundreds and hundreds and hundreds … Continue reading →

PLI Is Different. Here are four reasons why.

By: Sarah Greiner

Not So Perfect Family on Mission

By: Sarah Greiner

Hi there. My name is Sarah, and I’ve a missional story for you. It began like this…I was a bit nervous about my kids’ behaviour when I invited her over. This mom and her two kids were new to our area and I wanted to get to know them. As my youngest came up for … Continue reading →