Mission Houston Newsletter

From Our Executive Director, Steve Capper

Friends,

Maybe you’ve heard it, too. Frequently we’ve been told something like this: "We hear (or, the Lord has told us …) that God is doing something wonderful in Houston – that transformation is happening more in Houston than in any other U.S. city - and that we need to come to bless Him for what is happening and learn about it from you." This summer alone we’ve heard that from folks in India, Canada, Brazil, Germany, and Africa; in Michigan and California and Florida and Tennessee and North Carolina; and from a group of naturalized American citizens who are leaders of ministries in various parts of our nation.

I’ve found that both hopeful and confusing. Just what do we do with this kind of message … especially when we who live here are aware of how much brokenness remains and how far we have to go in order for greater Houston to be considered "transformed?"

I don’t have the definitive answer, but I’ll share with you what I’ve found helpful:

First, I think we need to thank God for encouragement regarding what we don’t yet see!! Many have been praying for God’s presence and power to be released in tangible ways throughout greater Houston. Why be surprised if He tells us He’s heard us, and He wants to act? Getting a word from God about work He is and will be doing is not unusual! Isaiah heard the Lord ask Israel, probably before there was much evidence, "Behold I’m doing a new thing: do you not perceive it?" And Elijah, after praying for rain in the midst of a prolonged drought, was so convinced God would provide it that he kept sending out his servant to look for clouds as proof even when not one was visible in the sky.

Second, I think we need to thank God for what we can see is happening!! The first sign of activity in the sky that Elijah’s servant saw was one tiny cloud a long way off in the distance. We’ve got much more evidence that transformation is coming to greater Houston than that! How about the response of the Body of Christ after hurricanes Katrina and Rita? How about last summer’s 26 collaborative school projects? Or the 7 communities that have chosen to do collaborative school or community center projects this summer, and all the congregations and ministries choosing to participate in back-to-school supply-raisers in August? We had 1200 sign up to serve children and the city through "Love You Lots" in May. We have 8 separate ministries choosing unity in jointly co-sponsoring a Discipleship seminar on September 13. We see the influence of the Holy Spirit in multiplying the numbers of those living out Isaiah 58, combining united prayer and united good works.

Third, I think we need to be honest about what isn’t happening, and pray to persevere!! In chapter 2 of Informed Intercession, George Otis warns against too much celebrating of the breakthroughs that are appearing. He urges, instead, to keep praying for 3 things. First, pray for the deep changes needed in us as individuals and in the Church in the city collectively in light of the evidence that disunity and forces that destroy lives still exist. Second, pray for clear guidance about what we are still to do to show His love. Third, pray for Him to exercise His influence in ways that no one else could ever take credit for.

Will you join me in giving thanks, and in not being satisfied until His Kingdom fully comes and His will is clearly done in every life and area of greater Houston just like it is in Heaven?!