Would you join so many others in the PLI family in making a gift…small gift, large gift, any type of gift…before December 31 that will be matched up to $50,000? We’re urgently trying to fully fund this matching gift.
Here are 6 things we learned in the incredible D.C. learning community of Ethiopians, Eritreans and Liberians.
GOD’S MISSION MATTERS
People are coming to faith in Africa. They’re planting churches oftentimes in the midst of great hardship. Our immigrant friends can’t comprehend that 4000 churches a year close in the U.S. Or…why every church wouldn’t center its life and priorities around the Mission of God.
BACK HOME MATTERS
…but not to their 1 ½ and 2nd generation immigrant children who quickly assimilate into the American culture. They find it difficult to accept that their kids have no interest in their mother language or heritage. They’re confronted with conflicting values…wanting their children to embrace their heritage and language or create environments where their Americanized children can worship and be discipled.
MIRACLES MATTER
They expect miracles. They’ve seen miracles in their own lives. They pray for miracles.
BIG VISIONS MATTER
They’ve seen God-sized movements in Africa. Yet, they tend to overestimate what might happen in one year and underestimate what God might do in five years.
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
But, tend to be poorly developed with their Anglo brother and sister leaders. The learnings, insights, wisdom, challenge on both sides remain mostly undelivered due to underdeveloped relationships.
ENCOURAGEMENT MATTERS
Scattered and isolated in a foreign land robs them of the courage to be bold and get beyond their boundaries. Encouragement affirms and reminds and inspires them to follow God on uncertain paths.
It’s leaders like these and leaders like you that create fruitful futures for congregations. Thank you!
And a thank you to all of you who’ve already generously given to PLI or to the DC learning community to build stronger, better leaders to guide congregations in taking on their biggest challenges!
Here are 3 requests:
- Make a gift. Help us fully reach our $50,000 match.
- Try Christmas shopping online. Request information at “Create Your Mall” and help fund your next mission trip or youth gathering.
- Complete the Bible engagement survey and help create the solution.
Rev. Dr. Jock Ficken
