Winter seemed colder than usual in middle Tennessee this year. The Timothy Network, on the other hand, is off to a “hot start” in 2011. I’m really encouraged and here’s why:
Eleven New Discipling Triads. We’ve seen over 200 men, women, and teens discipled during the past five years, and eleven new discipling triads have been launched since January. Four new groups are staff-led; seven others are the result of multiplication (people we’ve discipled who are now discipling others). One of these is a fourth generation discipling group. I (first) discipled a person (second) who discipled someone else (third). That individual is discipling yet nother person (fourth). The fourth individual in the chain is a young man with no previous exposure to the Bible. More on his story in an upcoming newsletter. The good news is that multiplication is taking place. Relational discipling ministry works!
A New Partnership With Community Care Nursing Center. I would need to rehearse a fifteen year friendship with a nursing home-bound friend to tell you why I think care home ministry is crucial and effective. A precious soul named Doris Yates showed me the mind and spirit remain open and hungry for spiritual nourishment and growth – even when the voice and body no longer function properly.
With Doris and others like her in mind, I’ve been working to bring spiritual encouragement and teaching to several residents at Community Care nursing home since January. A good brother named Mark King (Administrator at Community Care) opened this door for us. What started as a discipling meeting with four men has morphed into a group of eight women and two men. It’s been different than I’d planned or imagined, but much better!
I usually spend thirty minutes visiting and reading scripture to the group. I listen as humble and insightful comments pour out. I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to bring hope and encouragement to a population of people who are sometimes forgotten. (*If you’re looking for an opportunity involving outreach and service, visit a nursing home. Good friendships await!)
Continued Work at the Greenhouse. We recently celebrated a one year partnership with Greenhouse Ministries. It’s been great to connect with Cliff and Jane Sharpe (and other staff members) in the work they’re doing to bring “hope to ‘the ‘Boro.” Each week I walk into a room with three to five men who have experienced multiple hard knocks, failures, disappointments, and addictions. We spend time reading and discussing scripture and how it applies to our lives. I’ve heard some of the most heart-rending prayers sitting around that table. I love the lack of pretense. I like the raw honesty. I’m challenged by the hard, straight forward questions. I’m convinced Jesus would be smack-dab in the middle of ministry like this! God shows up and works in the lives of people who know they need Him. I’m thankful for the Greenhouse, and I’m grateful they let us have a part in bringing hope to the hurting.
Helping People Overcome Addiction to Pornography. Do a little research and you’ll find multiple studies showing that 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women struggle with an addiction to internet pornography. Compounding the problem, most who have the struggle feel trapped, guilty, and helpless! It’s a very difficult thing for Christians to admit – especially to other Christians. It’s an issue easily hidden or avoided – for a while. Eventually, however, it takes a toll on a person’s heart, soul, and marriage.
Because Timothy Nework builds on a model of discipleship that’s highly relational, pornography addiction regularly surfaces in group meetings. Men, especially, are making it known they need help. I’m convinced we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. I believe it’s one of the greatest challenges facing our churches. We have to do better in addressing the “hidden problem” and in offering support – not condemnation – to those trapped in this pitfall. It starts with fostering an atmosphere of transparency and accountable, Christ-centered relationships. People need a safe place to confess and deal with the struggle. We’re trying to do our part in providing encouragement. If you know of someone needing help, please contact me at: 615-653-6999 / mikestroud@timothynetwork.org
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