Dear Friends and Family:
With hordes of sword-wielding Egyptians approaching before and the Red Sea hemming them in behind, it was “game over” for the people of Israel in Exodus 14. Faced with their inevitable destruction, the Israelites turned upon themselves like wounded animals, attacking Moses for leading them out of Egyptian bondage. What was God’s response at the uttermost end of hope? “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring today…The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still.” As I (Zach) have been traveling around North America, I realize that churches are in a similar position to the people of Israel in Ex 14. Like Israel, we have a mission to enter in to God’s wholeness. But this happens only when the church shares Christ’s love in a hurting world. The headwinds are strong and we feel hemmed in. Yet, God’s message is the same: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm. The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still.”
Please give thanks for:
-A group of 24 neighbors who shared a meal with us in our home recently. Pray that God would show us how to be a light and source of encouragement in our new community. Sharon has been working hard to get to know our neighbors.
-Safe travels. As I (Zach) write this update, I am returning home from visiting with church leaders and donors in California.
-Success in leading an all-day retreat for Resonate’s Leadership Team (six leaders of our departments). One of Zach’s most important tasks is building up our key team of mission leaders to guide the mission efforts of the CRC.
-A great opportunity to participate in a mission-focused conference in New Jersey in November. It was so encouraging to see one hundred mission-leaders come together from Korean, Hispanic, Caucasian, and African American congregations to plead with the Holy Spirit to bring renewal for mission.
Please pray for:
-Wisdom as Zach and other mission leaders put together a strategy to present to the CRC leaders for church planting, evangelism, and congregational renewal by the end of January.
-Continued patience for Sharon as she tries to discern God’s leading in the next ministry to which God is calling her. She has had to give a lot of time to helping our children through the transition.
-Attentiveness to God in shaping an organizational culture at Resonate Global Mission that is aligned with the Holy Spirit’s leading in mission.
-A spiritual retreat that Zach and Sharon will take on the first weekend of December. Pray that God will meet us as we set aside time for him.
Thanks for your prayers and support,
Zachary, Sharon, Hannah, Vivian, Isaiah and Esther Segaar-King
Resonate Global Mission (a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church)
