Friday, August 28, 2020

GREETINGS FROM THE DESK OF JOY PEDERSEN -

Amidst the uncertainty of things in the last six months, my hope is that you are doing well. In praying, my desire is for you to be whole and thriving above the COVID. It is time to keep our light burning bright so that the world will know the King of Love and light and receiving Him.

It has been some time since a communication from Clear Hope. In order to reignite our relationship, this letter is key. We are still here!! How I appreciate all the support and kindnesses from you as I reflect on past events and communications. Here things have been progressing slowly, actively connecting with lives to bring richness through Christ. Our intention continues to be to assist people in growing in relationship to The Lord Jesus Christ. So that you know what has been happening, this is an attempt to let you know the activity over the last four years, the current direction of the ministry, and the future dreams.

In 2016 a remaining team was prepared to continue ministry here in California and I moved to Texas. The small team of women overseeing ministry here was led by Lisa Flanagan who shouldered the workload. A special thankyou to her and the women on the team who dedicated themselves to serving and reaching individuals using “A Longing to be Cherished” and providing personal ministry. 

Each of these women were offered hope and help to many individuals. One of the women from the team grew in leadership developing an effective outreach to women numbering about 40 on Balboa Island. Other discipleship relationships were formed using the knowledge given through study and encouragement as a group. Such exciting deposits in the Kingdom of God!

The move to Texas in 2016 proved to be enriching and brought understanding for our future. There an outreach in our resident neighborhood opened the door to a group of women where weekly home Bible studies were held. There was personal ministry to heart broken individuals, Biblical counsel, and deep fellowship. Training using “A Longing to be Cherished” took place as well. Miracles were evident in the lives of women, several who had not been attending church. One came to the Lord, all experienced deepened or restored relationships with the Lord, and each grew bonds and developed deeper relationships.

Attending church in Texas, exposed personal growth, personal ministry, and fellowship. There was opportunity to conduct a study in our home on ‘The Kingdom of God’. The result was women moving into ministry of others whose hearts are broken, applying God’s Word personally, and God’s love coming alive in greater ways.

The Lord’s leading caused a return to California this last October. The Holy Spirit helped me process the purpose of going and returning. He has caused me to understand a deeper need for helping Christ followers disciple others. The command in Matthew 28:18-20 speaks of baptizing – which in truth I have not done. However, the second part of discipling calls us to teach others to faithfully follow Jesus. Most feel inadequate to do this, but we are all called as believers to teach. With this is mind, God has called me to write a series that anyone can use – no training to teach required – to walk alongside those we want to see grow in the Lord.   

The first book has been written and has entered the publication stage. The series of five booklets (each under 100 pages) are on ‘The Most Important Commandment’ from Mark 12:30-31. They are about learning to love God with our all – heart, soul, mind, strength and reflecting it to others. There is a small group testing the study and finding it to be a great tool for fellowship and growth. This is our present activity with a small team of women here in California – meeting with small groups for spiritual growth, teaching, editing, developing outreach, and - I am writing.

The future is more writing to get the other four books completed. There is a need for promotion to stimulate growth in the Body of Christ through the use of these booklets. That seems to be the direction we are going consistently. It will take a couple years or so to complete the works, I believe.

As friends in the ministry we long for your reengagement in communication, a walking alongside each other, networking where we can, and opportunity to encourage you as you disciple others. Please pass on information to those who could benefit from our work. 

It is so good to reconnect and let you in on what God has been doing here. 

Blessings and peace be with you. 

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