A Holy Spirit Movement

MLK made the ultimate sacrifice and became a martyr for the Kingdom of God. This preacher of non-violence was killed because of his message of equal rights for African Americans. 

These words of MLK parallel so closely the practice of the early church which joyfully suffered for the Gospel.

The church where MLK grew up in would also become the church he co-pastored with his father. It was in this church that MLK delivered some of his most inspired speeches. Ironically, it would also be the church where his mother was gunned down while playing the organ.

I imagine young MLK staring at this cross above the pulpit. MLK's willingness to suffer for a Gospel vision of equal rights for all races makes his message extremely powerful and compelling.

One of the most powerful movements of the twentieth century, the Civil Rights movement, owes much to the Spirit-inspired vision of Martin Luther King. Sharon and I had the privilege of spending a day in June at Martin Luther King Historical Park in Atlanta. MLK was a inspiring speaker, preacher and visionary. Most importantly, MLK was a modern day missionary whose Gospel message called people to spiritual and social repentance.

Engaging Young People

Zach had an opportunity to participate in the CRC Campus Ministry Conference held at Loyola University in Chicago. Attending this conference were around forty campus pastors and young leaders from university campuses around the US and Canada.

A pressing concern on the heart of today’s church is how to engage young people in the faith. This was a subject often on our minds throughout our ministry in Haiti because the vast majority of Haitians were less than twenty-five-years-old. The same reality is present throughout the developing world where high birth rates and high unemployment mean that cities are full of young people looking for ways to improve their lives. In such countries, the church is young and leaders must focus on training and discipling young people for mission. In the United States and Canada, the situation is very different, but the need to engage young people in their faith is equally pressing. Many churches in the US are “greying,” because of low birthrates and lack of interest among young people toward organized religion. Throughout history, it has been Christian youth who catalyzed and propelled mission. Resonate Global Mission contributes to the development of young Christian leaders for mission through its campus ministry.  Resonate supports 37 CRC campus ministries throughout North America (and several internationally). The ministry is diverse—some engage undergraduates and others postgraduates, some include worship communities, some focus on discipleship and evangelism, some minister to faculty and even a few are active church plants!

Segaar-King July Update

Dear Friends and Family:

One of the stories that has resonated with us over the last year is the story of Moses’ discussion with God as the people of Israel were leaving Mt. Sinai (Ex 33). At issue was whether the Lord would accompany the people after they had just provoked him by worshipping an idol. Moses implores, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me.” After Moses’ heart-felt pleas, the Lord responds, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” There is nothing we need more in the work of mission than the presence of God and God’s rest. Please pray that we will experience God’s presence and rest as we move forward in faith!

Please pray for:

1.       Implementation of recommendations coming out of all our evaluations. We passionately want to be a nimble mission organization that can respond to the changing context of ministry.

2.       Spiritual resilience for missionaries, church planters, campus ministers and community chaplains that partner with Resonate.  This continues to be a time of trail and testing for many of our Gospel workers.

3.       Planning for this fall’s ministry activities. Pray that we would be receptive to the Spirit’s direction.

4.       Resonate continues in its season of evaluation and reflection.  Pray for courage to speak the truth lovingly and move into the future confidently.

Please give thanks for:

1.       A good conclusion to our ministry year. Zach participated in the CRC Campus Ministers’ Conference at Loyola University of Chicago in May (see attached newsletter). It was amazing to see the mission work happening among our young people!

2.       Four nights of spiritual retreat near Atlanta in June. This was a great opportunity for Zach and Sharon to focus on their relationship with each other and God.

3.       Progress made on Resonate’s evaluation process for its church planting, advancement and two-year review.

Thanks for your prayers and support,

Zachary, Sharon, Hannah, Vivian, Isaiah and Esther Segaar-King

Serving with Resonate Global Mission