Sharing Some Thoughts

We have been observing much of our ‘American’ culture of late.  As we have observed, especially those in our circle who have made the claim to follow Christ, we have come to a conclusion – that many today live according to the culture (the ‘world’ as Scripture would say) and are trying to figure out what parts of Christianity they can fit into their lives and still be acceptable by the world.  Scripture clearly shows that God calls us out of the world, to be different, to be a peculiar people, to be God-focused.  So just what does this verse of Scripture tell us about the world: “the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”  Open a new window to read the entire reference here.

Ministry News

Our director, Rob, along with a board member, another staff member and several others recently traveled to our New Orleans Ministry Field.  The purpose of their visit was to further develop the partnerships we have in this field in preparation for the 2009 schedule.  As we previously shared, we have a considerable financial concern resulting from our 2008 year in New Orleans.  Part of our ongoing efforts to be faithful and responsible for the ministry involves ensuring that our partnerships are solid towards ongoing activity.  We are delighted to report that the goals of the trip were received and that we are moving forward with ministry plans for New Orleans.  We are still praying for the enablement of staff to head this field.  In particular we are praying for the support raising efforts of Bruce and Deborah Dale. Once their support goal is met they will be ready to relocate to New Orleans to begin hands-on ministry!

Our Inner-City Ministry Field, which was implemented early in 2008, is now on hold as we seek the Lord for a Field Director and a Field Coordinator.

Weather News

Our big news this month is the Great Louisville Winter Storm of 2009.  Do you recall the big storm that came across the nation the week of January 26th? That storm resulted in covering Louisville with ice, then snow, then ice.  By the time it was done we had about six inches of this cold winter sandwich on the ground.  We awoke Wednesday morning to the sound of tree limbs snapping and hitting the ground.  It was an amazing sound to hear this all around us for about 12 hours.  We completely lost one tree in our backyard that literally split down the middle from the weight of the ice.  In addition, the larger tree in our front yard lost about 1/3 of it’s limbs across the driveway, in the yard and on the roof.  Both trees are scheduled to be completely cut down.  At this moment we are not sure of any damage as the roof is still covered with ice and snow.   You can see pictures by visiting www.jimnull.com/gallery/.  Shoveling six inch deep snow/ice, pushing Phyllis’ car stuck in the snow and helping our neighbor cut the tree limb up that had fallen on our driveway was certainly not part of the days plan (thank you Lord for neighbors).  More than 200,000 people in the Louisville area lost power and thousands of trees lost limbs causing considerable damage throughout the county.

Power of Praying Together

We are blessed to know the power of God’s people praying.  To that end we ask that you join us in praying for the following items we currently have on our personal prayer card…

• Please pray for a young mother and wife who is working through breast cancer and the resulting surgery, reconstruction and follow-up.
• A very good friend of ours is in the process of being diagnosed for an ailment that they believe may be Parkinson’s disease.
• Continue to pray with us for the reconciliation of the marriage relationship of one of our mission’s staff members.
• With the closing of our mission’s Inner-City Ministry Field we have begun to personally pray about additional involvement for Phyllis and are seeking guidance from the Lord to this end.

Grand Children

One of Jim’s personal favorite praise songs is “As the Deer Panteth”. If you’re a grandparent you know why we’re sharing this video of our grandson Isaac singing. If you’re not a grandparent — please just enjoy it along with us.  “You o’ Lord are my hearts desire”!

Lord bless … Jim and Phyllis

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jim and Phyllis are faith-based independent missionaries commissioned by Faith Bible Church, Cincinnati, OH serving with CrossRoads Missions, 3231 Ruckriegel Parkway, Suite 111, Louisville, Kentucky, 40299.  CrossRoads Missions is an IRS 501(c)3 organization, as such donations may be tax deductible.  Donations to help underwrite Jim and Phyllis’ ministry may be sent to CrossRoads Missions at the above address.