News and Updates
August 1, 2009
David Copeland · July 31, 2009
Newsletter · Volume: 9 Issue: 8
Recently I was reading the book of Acts and came to chapter 11 when something jumped off the page at me:
Act 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Act 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Act 11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (emphasis mine)
Who are these they people? Who were these men who were flying under the radar? Who are these unknown soldiers of the Lord?
Most everywhere we go, Pam and I encounter men and women who know they are called to ministry; they know God has selected them to some kind of Kingdom work, but they are struggling with an identity crisis. They know they are called by God, but have no where they feel they can serve. Many ministers in our country are facing an identity crisis because they have sought their validation and affirmation in a religious system instead of a spiritual father.
These people (in Acts) were ordained, if you please, by a persecution that arose about Stephen and his message he preached to the Jews back in Chapter 7. This persecution busted up the church in Jerusalem. How would you like that to happen at your church?
But the persecution didn’t stop people from living for Jesus nor did it stop them from preaching His Word! Everywhere they went, they went preaching the Gospel! And verse 21 reveals “…the hand of the Lord was with them…”! Some of you reading this newsletter are searching for your place in God; where do I go? What do I do? Where do I start? Start with seeking for God’s hand to be on you! When God’s hand is on your life two things happen:
First, people will come to Jesus. Verse 21 continues by saying “…and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” We are here to bring people to Jesus. And to bring Jesus to people! Revival broke out and it couldn’t stop people from coming to Jesus.
A famous preacher in his study Bible’s introduction says “…the things God gives a man to teach and preach…were not given to make him special or to make him famous; they were given to meet the needs of the people. Take advantage of what I have learned. There is no use in your having to go through what I have gone through to learn it. Take what I have learned and go from there; then the next generation behind you will have what you have learned, plus what I have learned before you. This is the Bible way…this is Jesus’ ministry…
Are you trying to be developed or are you trying to be discovered? And this question comes from a person that must be “discovered” to a certain extent if he is going to keep preaching. May God’s hand be on us all to re-focus our attention to bring people to Jesus and to bring Jesus to people!
Second, Word will get out! Verse 22 says “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.”
We will never know the names of these unknown men. Your name may never be mentioned in a major Christian publication, or have your own TV program. If you know God’s hand is on your life, be faithful where you are! Bloom where you are planted! Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men (Prov. 18:16) Word will get out when you are being used by God. And word will get out on you when you are not being used by God! News travels when you do things right; news travels faster when you do something wrong! Be faithful to God and His call on your life first and foremost; and leave the promotion to Him! After all, this is HIS MINISTRY, not yours!
Ministry News
Pam and I are very excited about our First Couple’s Retreat Friday-Sunday September 25-27, 2009 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Cost for your room is $200.00. Meals are extra. Space is very limited, so if you are interested please sign up quickly. Call us at 706-773-1546 or send me an email letting me know you are interested. Deadlines for registration has already passed, but if you live in the US (this newsletter goes all over the world) call us before August 4th and we will see if a spot is available.
On August 5th we will be traveling back to Kenya to take part in three different ministry opportunities. August 7-9 we will be ministering in Kitengelia, a suburb of Nairobi, where we will be taking part in the ordination of 35 pastors of Christ Victory Ministries of Kenya. Pastor David Matipei and his organization is also a part of Revival International, our world-wide fellowship of Ministries. We will also take part in Pastor’s Seminars and crusades this year in Kilgoris and Kisii, in the Western Province. Thank you to all our partners and churches that sowed a special offering to help us defray the expenses of these meetings; you can still give toward this project by marking your seed “Kenya”. It will be greatly appreciated.
I stated this last month and want to say this again: I realize times are very hard for many of our partners. Some have had to cease supporting us financially, but continue to do so with their prayers. Whether you pray for us, support us monthly or as the Lord leads, or both; please know Pam and I appreciate everything you do for this ministry! Without you we cannot do what God has called us to do! WE ARE YOUR MISSIONARIES TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD!
Many Blessings!
David & Pam