Faces of 2011
Since 2005 The Timothy Network has built reproducible discipling relationships with people from all walks of life. Many of you have either been directly involved in the process or supported our work with your gifts and prayers. As another year comes to a close, we want to thank you for sticking with us and introduce you to a few of the men and women whose lives are being impacted by intentional disciple making.
People matter to God. They must matter to us, too!
To fully appreciate the value of individuals, we have to slow down and savor them one relationship at a time. People come from different socio-economic backgrounds. Some enjoy good health; others are chronically ill. They represent the sound of mind and the mentally challenged, the imprisoned and the free, the young and old, red and yellow, black, brown, and white – “the least of these brothers of mine,” Jesus called them.
Each God-seeker is unique. They range from young professional women like Katie, Kim, and Nicole to “street-hardened” men like Percy, Mike, and Willie. Some – like Joel – have successful careers in business. Others – Jim, for example – have seen their jobs and lives implode as a result of unfortunate circumstances.
The faces in the left column are a few of the men and women with whom we’ve built relationships over the past several months. Their experiences and circumstances vary widely, but they have a lot in common, too: they’re human beings on an intentional journey to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Many with whom we work fit the category of “culturally Christian but undiscipled.” Some are on the right path, but they need focus plus a few other sojourners to help them stay the course. Others have been reared as believers but wandered away from faith and have fallen hard. Some, on the other hand, are men and women who are searching for God, but don’t know where to turn. In whatever situation we meet people, we try to provide very focused support, nurturing, and teaching.
Following Jesus is a process that requires help and encouragement. Lone-rangers don’t flourish well as disciples. Whether business owner, church deacon, recovering cocaine addict, school teacher, young mother, or a homeless guy trying to get back on track, life giving relationships are the hothouses in which disciples are made. By God’s grace we are building those hothouses one day at a time.
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