Things to be Hopeful about ~ November Newsletter

 

Things to be Hopeful about When we follow Jesus, we have a solid foundation that is not dependent upon the affairs of men, or the times we find ourselves in. The "Most High" Rules no matter what happens on November 3rd. We've met so many neighbors since Kimberly put these lawn signs up! The mother of one kid, dressed as a pastor for Halloween, took his picture next to the sign! So funny! We love this article from John Piper about what the most repeated commands of God are. "Be happy" and "Do not fear" are at the top of the list.  Don't get derailed as we watch election returns! "Fix your eyes on Jesus."(Hebrews 12:2). A mantra for me (Kimberly) the last few months has been “confound evil intentions." Absentee ballot fraud, hi-jinks at voting locations, "fake news." None of this is a problem for the Lord Most High. In a prayer from the Bible, Daniel 2: "Wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seaons. He sets up kings and deposes them." The purpose of the Lord WILL stand. Our hope is in him and not in a temporal government system.  Regardless of the election outcome, we believe that it is in our local arena that we can be a force for good. We pray for you too, that you will locally have the most impact for the good news of the gospel, in Word, deed and power. Prayer for the Creasmans... Since 1997 our financial supporters have partnered with us because we were living in Asia. Since 2015, Jim has been traveling there 4 months a year until covid hit. What are we doing in Chattanooga now? We're figuring this out! And it looks like we still get to come alongside other leaders who are also figuring out next steps... For instance: Last week we had a happy reunion with friends from international partnerships for China. I mean, really, what are the chances that an amazing Mainland Ch___ leader (whom Jim has partnered with for more than a decade) would be stuck in Chattanooga? Because of covid travel restrictions back to Ch__, "Mark" received a work permit from a foundation in Chattanooga. It looks like he will stay put for a couple of years and partner with believers in the US who are part of the Chinese diaspora. His focus will be "inspiring generosity and guidance to Chinese Churches." Pray and Invest Global, Act Local We find that our hearts are steadfast for the Gospel: That all people will have the opportunity for salvation through Jesus. Their lives will improve and they'll have purpose through him. Our hearts are still mostly for the underresourced world beyond the USA. Even with this eternal focus, we are also drawn to the issues of better education opportunities for the economically disadvantaged, ministry to prisoners, and effective recovery from addiction and trauma. While our hearts are still for God's Kingdom growth and strength globally (especially for SE Asia), we seek God's direction for where to invest and build his Kingdom locally. In the last 2 weeks, we've met with staff from The MaClellan Foundation, The Generosity Trust, Tennessee Charter Schools, and a few local outreaches.  You've walked with us through thick and thin... Family News: In September Tyler flew Cameron out to Columbia, South Carolina for the weekend. We crashed their party for Sunday night through Tuesday when Cameron flew back to Austin. This was the first time in a year that we were all together. Expect a happy Christmas card photo! As a family we are separated, but in the Lord our hearts are close.  Tyler is investigating graduate schools in the US and abroad. Post grad school he mostly wants to work internationally for a government agency or an NGO. Lord we pray for Tyler and Keara's future together and what your plans for them are to bring your justice and hope to the nations. After layoffs in Austin, TX, Cameron found work with California Pizza Kitchen in Cedar Park, TX. As a young man finding his way in the world, he is gaining maturity and confidence. He is a positive and encouraging young man with many strengths. These recent years of "adulting" are bringing maturity and discipline. With so much gratitude and fondness for your friendship and partnership, Jim & Kimberly Creasman Bi-Partisan Prayer for the Elections: Lord Please grant... 1.  that ALL Christians would pray, and continue to pray, for our leaders, regardless of who is elected. 2. us to lead quiet, peaceable lives, 3. us a government that rewards the good and punishes the evil, 4. this nation a fair and uncontested election, 5. we would vote, and be given moral clarity in our choices when we cast our ballots, 6. that "We the People" would have a "more perfect union" by your grace and our obedience to you, 7. that your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. AMEN. We really would love to know: Where has God been guiding you to "be the change you wish to see in the world?"  Reply and let us know how he has led despite the challenges of this crazy COVID-19 year!   We CAN change our local communites. I love to hear how you are doing that in your circles of influence. Kimberly continues to dig into learning about Criminal Justice. She's devouring Outrageous Justice, the free ebook and a 6 week small group curriculum from Prison Fellowship. She's still writing for Chattanooga Endeavors, supporting prisoners in their hope for a successful "second chance." (Here's another inmate letter I have permission to share). Last month, Covenant College students joined Kimberly in signing encouraging Halloween cards to those serving time in prison who call Chattanooga home. Another 50 Thanksgiving cards have arrived and Kimberly's been invited to some groups to get them signed by neighbors of these prisoners who call Chattanooga home. October 29th at 11am...  This was the view from our backyard! Not even photoshopped!