Matthew 28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We see a pattern of multiplication throughout the 1st Century Church that we also see in God’s modern day movement today. In the International Christian Churches around the world, we understand that the evangelization of the world is not only possible, but is our obligation as disciples!
Romans 10:14-15: How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Disciples multiply disciples!
Bible Talks multiply Bible Talks!
Regions multiply Regions!
Churches multiply Churches!
Sadly, we have seen our former fellowship view the evangelization of the world as an unrealistic goal and an ideal, rather than a faithful reality! Orlando International Christian Church has not only stood strong in their faithful goal to evangelize Orlando by doubling in number over the last year, but we are sacrificially supporting world missions as well.
Recently, we have seen 5th generation fruit baptized into Christ in Orlando ICC! Two examples are especially encouraging: Elizabeth Eckels restored Lisa Robilliard to Christ, Lisa baptized her boss’ wife, Melanie Coyle. Melanie encouraged her husband to study the Bible with Anthony Eckels, baptizing Steve a few months later. Then Steve, a store manager, baptized his assistant manager Michael Smoot just last month! Smoot, a very talented musician, has a degree in music theory and has begun performing with Agape, playing the saxophone and the bongos! Smoot is studying the Bible with several friends and expects to be fruitful very soon!
Another awesome example of multiplying disciples is the following 5 generation fruit chain: Elizabeth Eckels restored Lisa Robilliard to Christ. Then, Lisa began to reach out to June Fisher, who was living in Georgia. June had fallen away 18 years earlier in Charlotte, NC. Through Lisa’s love and constant encouragement, June gave up her job and home, and moved to Orlando to be with the body of Christ. Lisa lovingly moved June into her home, and soon restored her to Christ. June, who we’ve nicknamed June the Baptist, met Yanna over the summer on the bus and shared her faith with her. June studied the Bible with Yanna, and helped her to make Godly decisions to change her life. Yanna, who was pregnant at the time, radically changed her life, which meant leaving the father of her unborn child, switching jobs and moving! June lovingly moved Yanna into her home, and baptized her into Christ. Then, Yanna shared her faith with a young woman named Jessie at her new job. Jessie began to study the Bible, and repent of her sins. Yanna gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, naming him Nehemiah, sharing that God had rebuilt her life in Christ! She returned home on Friday with her baby boy and baptized Jessie on the following Sunday!
In our efforts to evangelize the world, we are faithfully working hard raising money for our Thanksgiving Missions Contribution! On November 27th, 2011, we will be collecting 4 times our regular contribution for world missions. Let us rejoice in gratitude that we are in partnership with disciples around the world, who are likeminded in purpose and truth!
Philippians 1:3-6: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with jo because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.