What a week!

Dear Friends!

"What a week!"

I tend to not spend too much time looking backwards! But today, for just a moment, I must! Last week was simply over the top. I had the incredible privilege of spending three days with about 3,500 global church planters in Orlando, FL. These men and women are burning with desire to see the Kingdom of God move forward...with clarity, with intentionality, with power and all in the Name of Jesus Christ! I watched as this next generation took front and center stage and spoke with intelligence and conviction. It was an awesome sight to behold! I wish every follower of Jesus Christ could have been there to witness this new generation of leaders. You would have felt and sensed, encouragement. In spite of very current dire news, frightening forecasts, wars and "rumors of wars," you would have caught what I caught: In the Body of Christ there is a fresh wind blowing and it is all about Jesus Christ! There is a new leadership "arising!" I was able to see it and share in it this past week in Orlando.

Coming out of that week I have discovered that our hands are full of work to be accomplished. This new structure of ministry, STADIA INTERNATIONAL-JONATHAN PROJECT is poised for "such a time as this!" Church planting in the USA and church planting globally is becoming the heartbeat of this generation. You cannot miss it. It is right there in front of your eyes.

Here is my simple prayer: "Lord, give us eyes to see what You want us to see. Unplug our ears so we hear what You want us to hear. May we have Your heartbeat for the world...not our heartbeat but YOURS! And Lord when we "see" and "hear" and possess your "heartbeat," may we move forward with purpose and power. Lord, keep us from inaction. Keep us from just sitting around and talking about Your power. With conviction, with a sense of urgency and with great love for YOU and humanity, may we be and do what YOU want us to BE and DO!"

What a profound prayer...a prayer that could change hearts and redirect personal agendas; a prayer that would set churches ablaze; a prayer that would send and support "global missionaries" across the street as well as to the far corners of the earth.

With Jesus Christ, we are in for a great ride even in the deep midst of unsettledness, instability, the changing of the political guard around the world, the rise of stringent opposition, and the rejection of a world essentially set on secular humanism. This is NOT a time for the church to be fearful. This is NOT a time for believers to hide in a cave. This is the time for the Body of Jesus Christ to be at the forefront of the charge carrying the message of redemption and transformation to a world seeking something and someone who supercedes position, politics and power. And just who is that "someone?" JESUS CHRIST! It really is all about HIM!

Prayers for the current AND the new generation,

Graydon Jessup

P.S. Preaching dates:
May 10, 2009 Mother's Day
Christian Church of Carson, Conrado Montefalcon, Pastor.
356 E 220th Street, Carson, CA
Sunday Morning: 10 AM. This will be followed by a lunch after which Judy
Jessup will speak on the theme of "Mothers!"

May 24, 2009 New Day Church with Ed Moreno, Pastor, Norco, CA (Worship times and
address in next blog!