I’m so excited to share the news that Dave Proehl has joining the Italy Mission Team that will be serving God in Naples this Fall.
The critical thing is that there are still positions at the festival (fun, exciting opportunities to interact with the people of Naples), and that there is a list of people with an interest to go that have yet to commit to the trip. Now, to me that seems like a perfect match: An opportunity to serve… and people interested in serving.
Did you know, before you got this email, we’ve been praying for YOU? That’s right – we’ve been asking God to bring together the right group of people for this outreach. The time has come, however – that we obviously need to move from the team “brainstorming” stage to the “team building” stage. This involves making a commitment, and moving forward by faith.
Some of you really wanted to go on this trip and felt God’s call on your heart to go…but perhaps you’ve allowed doubt, or fear, or whatever snuff out that dream of going. When Dave and Jen Proehl came into ministry at Abundant Life Church they felt a nudge from God to go into ministry. A call to walk away from an executive level position with a national organization, and follow Him back to Oregon to work as a youth pastor. However, in the midst of that very prayerful time of decision, they were trying to figure it all out: “Where would we live?” “How can we sell our house?” “Can we live on half the income?” “What would my friends think?” All very real questions, that they were trying to figure out BEFORE saying “yes” to God.
Dave's wife, being so wise when Dave was being so analytical, said these words, “Dave – if you think you’re going to figure all of this out and THEN say 'Yes' – then you’re moving in YOUR power, not in God’s power.” WOW! She was right! They were trying to figure out how they could do it, not saying, “yes” and allowing God to move in the circumstances of their life to take care of the details.
To make a long story a tad longer…they prayed over the choice and said “YES!” to God. Then with hearts fully committed to this new chapter in our lives, they worked hard and allowed HIM to take care of the details. Well, He did – and now they are here at ALC – and their lives continue on an amazing path.
So – with that being said – I want to encourage any of you that are still on the fence and maybe even re-encourage a few of you who may have said, “No.”
Would you prayerfully consider (or re-consider) your involvement with the 2009 Abundant Life Church mission to Naples, Italy?
If your answer is “No” – that’s cool. Please give us that firm decision by May 31st (our new deadline) so we can remove you from the rest of the correspondence for the 2009 trip.
If your answer is “Yes” – that’s cool, too. WE MUST HAVE YOUR ANSWER BY MAY 31st! Please review the details below, and carefully note some of the critical things that need to be completed, such as paperwork, etc. Also, it’s CRITICAL that as part of your commitment you make it to the required activities.
Thanks for reading this far! If you have any questions, please contact any of us and we’ll do our best to help!
AlC is recruiting to fill the following ministries that we as a church are responsible for:
- 5-6 people for Security
- 2-3 people for face painting
- 2-3 people for English as a Second Language
- 2-3 people for Medical
- 2-3 people for Photo Booth
As you consider joining the Italy mission, here are some highlights you need to know:
- Actual Ministry dates: September 2 - 16, 2009
- Location: Near Naples, Italy
- Missionaries: Doug and Dee Venezuela
Required dates for your calendar:
- Portland Area Italy Training is July 25th at 9 am at the Happy Valley Campus
- Scheduled fund raiser is August 23rd (more info to come)
For more information, contact:
Dennis Quick: dennis@coolchurch.com
Bruce Neidert: bjneidert@msn.com
Brian Heerwagen: brianh@deltaministries.com
