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Disciplemaking in a Changing World
"There is nothing as constant as change."
At first thought one is inclined to agree with this popular adage. Change is everywhere and in everything we do these days. One has only to look at the phone revolution that has taken hold of society today to realize the extent of change in the field of communications. So what has this to do with ministry you might ask? Reach's ministry is one of communication, by whatever means, in the reorientation of one's life—it is known as discipleship. And thereis a Divine Constancy (Malachi 3:6) involved regardless of worldly changes. Reach's philosophy grew out of long, prayerful analysis of the Scriptures in interaction with the Philippine context.
The world around us may change but our commitment to disciplemaking will never change.
Reach's Commitment
A Commitment to the Whole Person: The unique importance of the spiritual realm is unquestioned in the Reach ministry. But we were created in the image of God; the whole of us, not just our spirit. Although the needs are obviously beyond Reach, a Third World ministry in particular cannot stop short of a commitment to making men and women whole in Christ.
A Commitment to Indigenous Leadership Patterns: Most Reach ministry staff are self supporting disciplemakers. They are sufficiently dedicated and gifted to produce and lead substantial ministries. An equally important leadership pattern is a strong "family spirit" and mutual support. This is in contrast to the Western sense of individualistic responsibility.
A Commitment to the Poor: God is eternally biased in favor of the weak, the oppressed, and the helpless. The theological terms for this are justice and grace. Ministering among the poor is difficult, costly and frustrating. Reach's commitment to the poor does not curtail our ministry to others, but it helps us to walk as Jesus walked. If He did it and said it, it's right.
A Commitment to Disciplemaking: Only true disciples of Jesus Christ have the resilience, dynamism and selflessness to make a lasting impact in a Third World context. It is His power at work through a community of disciples…each of which is constantly being strngthened by the Word of God, proven by obedience and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Reach is not committed to a program, a project or process but to multiplying and strngthening disciples in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Thank you for allowing me to review what Reach is all about. God's Word never changes, never fails and will always reassure us of His great love for all mankind. Thank you, too, for your constant and faithful support.
Depending upon His grace,
Gene Tabor
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