Life FOCUS XVI (Foundation Opportunities Centered Upon Scripture) begins tomorrow evening at 6:00pm. Eleven young The Indianapolis Trainings Centermen will be descending upon IBLP’s Indianapolis Training Center for 7 weeks of intense training (physical & spiritual). The program is “for dedicated young men who have a desire to deepen their relationship with Christ, while learning to be successful in life and ministry.”

For the last 6 days, our super team of leaders under the direction of PatrickPatrick & Ben reviewing the first aid kit Ritchie have been preparing in body, soul, and spirit for the work God has called us unto. From basic medical training (CPR, Trauma Care, Heimlich Maneuver, etc) to exercising, learning our way around the training center, preparing binders, laminating name tags, reviewing logistics, One of the Leadership Roomsand discussing rules there has been much info to process.

A meaningful part of the week have been the times of prayer we’ve had together and the dynamic messages from Godly men who are passionate about encouraging others.

Roger Magnuson’s message on “The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength” was a timely reminder as we look ahead to the strenuous months before us. In Scripture, joy is a command regardless of the circumstances. The world seeks to contort this joy by promoting joy in circumstances, foolishness, and humor. The joy of the Lord is strength that, as a gyroscope, is consistent in all situations and circumstances. There is never an excuse not to be joyful. However, the “joy” of mirth leads to heaviness (Prov. 14:13). So make a choice to rejoice!

� Working away at a drainage ditch� Done for the day! Good work men!

Our week came to a close with a memorable work project at the home of a dear family here in Indianapolis followed by a refreshing day with the Lord. Evangelist Tom Farrell delivered two powerful messages at Colonial Hills Baptist Church . We were exhorted to be involved in the “Biggest Business in the World” which according to Acts 1:6-8 is witnessing to the lost world. “Let us not be,” exhorted Dr. Farrell, “self centered but rather Christ centered and others’ conscience.” We have authority from Christ, ability in Christ, and accountability to Christ to witness. The evening message was centered on the subject of how to “Make the rest of your life the best of your A Birthday party for one of the leaders! life (Phil. 3:13-14).” How is this done? Cancel all the past (Heb. 10:17; 2Cor. 5:17; 1John 1:9), Concentrate on one purpose: Christ-likeness, and Contest for the prize through competing enduringly, enthusiastically, & expectantly. Praise the Lord!

It has indeed been a week of physical and spiritual preparation. Two specific prayer requests would be:

- Wisdom for the leaders (Patrick Ritchie, Michael Staddon, Ben Freeman, Daniel Westfahl, Adam McClary, Matthew Wilkes, & Joshua Wilkes) on how to meet the needs of the students.

- Openness & humility on the part of the students for dealing with sin & spiritual weakness so true growth can occur.

Thank you so much! Be on the lookout for updates along the way!

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at 11:36 pm and is filed under Ministry Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.