One Focus Network

Pastors,

Undoubtedly you have heard about and are following the conflict in Ukraine. Beyond politics and national government, this conflict is impacting the people of Russia and Ukraine. More specifically it is impacting the local church in both of those nations. It is a moment that has had a life-altering impact on those leading the charge to bring the gospel to both the countries in Ukraine and Russia.

As a local church network that is a part of the global Church, we felt it appropriate for us to engage this moment with what’s going on in Ukraine; specifically how it is impacting the Ukrainian Church.

This past week through a personal connection from Pastor Steve Paulus (Staunton Grace) we were able to connect with two national leaders in the Ukrainian church: Ivan Rusyn president of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary and Fedir Raychynets, the dean of the Department of Theology there. In addition to their work with seminary students, they are active pastors who are in the throughs of ministering to their members and soldiers in this time of chaos.

Pastor Merle and Pastor Steve chatted with these leaders to see how they are doing, to hear some of the gospel stories that aren’t going to be heard on mainstream media, and how we as a network can be engaged with them in prayer and support.

Below is a link to the recorded zoom call, I hope it can bring some insight into the situation there. Furthermore, there is a link to give to their ministry there if you feel led to. We are administrating all financial gifts through Staunton Grace; they will process every financial gift and send to the ministry in Ukraine on the network’s behalf.

Consider taking a moment to listen and I pray that it moves you to pray and support.

Spera in Deo,

Joel

Link to zoom call | https://www.dropbox.com/s/g4ziy63k1b7qomt/Ukraine%20Zoom%20Call.mp4?dl=0

Link to Give | https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/ad15c21f-86eb-41cf-917e-f29546bd2ddf

Pastors/leaders,

We are just a few days away from the conference; we hope you are excited and have a heart of expectation! This conference will be full of the word and a time of fellowship, filled with opportunities to meet other leaders, make connections, and develop new relationships. By the way, the food will be delicious!

As a reminder, breakfast, lunch & dinner will be served on-site.

Check out the speaker highlight: Pastor Chris Stup.

Chris walked away from God and the Church as a late teen and didn’t return until his mid-30s. As a prodigal, he worked in the music industry for several major labels, in marketing and artist development, and concert promotion. After completing his masters in music, he then became administrative and adjunct faculty at James Madison University and, later, the University of Colorado at Denver.

After fifteen years as a prodigal, Chris found himself in crisis. He had built an impressive professional life, but his personal life was in a downward spiral. That’s when he met Nikki. She reintroduced Chris to Jesus and Chris came back to His Father’s house, recommitting his life to Christ.

Chris and Nikki then married in 2007. In 2010, after a 14-year career in higher education, Chris entered full-time ministry. He was installed as lead pastor of Grace Covenant Church of Roanoke in 2016.

Nikki, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Chris now raise two children they thought they’d never have. Years of infertility and loss ended when Greyson was born in 2014 and then Langley in 2017.

Pastors/leaders,

We are only twelve days away from the conference, it is not too late to register. https://app.clovergive.com/App/Form/fa517916-aea3-48ba-a92e-fe6f97a8a4cf

Speaker highlight: Pastor Andrew Cromwell

Lead Pastor of Koinonia Church an interdenominational church located in the Central Valley of California. Andrew pastors in the same church he grew up in and over two decades has served in a variety of roles including executive pastor and worship leader. He stays connected with the needs of his local community in his role as co-chair of Christian Leaders Network of Kings County and board member of local non-profits. He holds an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot Theological Seminary. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Kerry, and father of 4 teenagers.

We may not know who won the election, but this we do know ... Perspective Week 5 is coming up. Mark your calendar for next Wednesday for our final session from the Perspective Series.

Yesterday's week 2 discussion of was deep. What was a nugget you pulled away from it?

If you missed it you can catch it 👇🏽 or 👉🏽

One Focus Network - Perspective Online Event Speaker Series Glean insight on today’s world from from prophetic thinkers and apostolic builders at Perspective, One Focus Network's 2020 Event Series.

Tomorrow ... Perspective part 2. Pastor Dan and Pastor Chris Johnson. Biblical Justice and Racial Reconciliation and the Church. 12 pm. EST

One Focus Network - Perspective Online Event Speaker Series Glean insight on today’s world from from prophetic thinkers and apostolic builders at Perspective, One Focus Network's 2020 Event Series.