Tim Liston

Great CoMission Update #5: Digging Trenches in a Dry Land...

 

Pastor Caleb from Haiti posted this on Facebook today: "If you think your house is too small to asking people come to stay with you its ok. But Heaven is Large! Ask theme to come with you!!!"

 

How right he is!! Heaven is big - and what God wants to do for us and through us is usually bigger than we're thinking as well! That's why our church hires, builds, expands, starts new campuses, and why we DREAM BIG!!! If you've been around our church lately, you know God is up to something. Even at this moment, I hear the sound of construction going on at the 288 Campus. Our East Campus recently smashed all previous records with an event held for our Krush students. There is an excitement in Alvin like I've never seen before as we move toward the renovation of our building/campus there. And our efforts in Haiti may have had a breakthrough recently!! (I'll let you know. Keep praying.) WE ARE GETTING READY! Here's an excerpt from a Charles Spurgeon sermon from the 1850's. It reminds us to be ready for what the Lord wants to do. Enjoy...

 

"And he said, Thus saith the Lord, Make this valley full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye and your cattle, and your beasts." -2 Kings 3:16-17

 

"The armies of the three kings were famishing for want of water: God was about to send it, and in these words the prophet announced the coming blessing. Here was a case of human helplessness: not a drop of water could all the valiant men procure from the skies or find in the wells of earth. Thus often the people of the Lord are at their wits' end; they see the vanity of the creature, and learn experimentally where their help is to be found. Still the people were to make a believing preparation for the divine blessing; they were to dig the trenches in which the precious liquid would be held. The church must by her varied agencies, efforts, and prayers, make herself ready to be blessed; she must make the pools, and the Lord will fill them. This must be done in faith, in the full assurance that the blessing is about to descend. By-and-by there was a singular bestowal of the needed boon. Not as in Elijah's case did the shower pour from the clouds, but in a silent and mysterious manner the pools were filled. The Lord has his own sovereign modes of action: he is not tied to manner and time as we are, but doeth as he pleases among the sons of men. It is ours thankfully to receive from him, and not to dictate to him. We must also notice the remarkable abundance of the supply--there was enough for the need of all. And so it is in the gospel blessing; all the wants of the congregation and of the entire church shall be met by the divine power in answer to prayer; and above all this, victory shall be speedily given to the armies of the Lord. What am I doing for Jesus? What trenches am I digging? O Lord, make me ready to receive the blessing which thou art so willing to bestow."

 

Charles Spurgeon

 

 

 

Great CoMission Update #4: Walls on the ground, on paper, and in dreams...

 

288 Campus: The walls of the 288 Campus expansion have been poured! There will be a week or two wait now as the walls cure and the steel is shipped. Then the walls will be lifted into position.

 

Alvin Campus: Last week we had a meeting about the Alvin Campus and I was  very encouraged! Yes, we have a building. But all of the needed changes are still being worked out on paper. But it's fun watching a dream becoming a reality!

East Campus: We are about to begin the design of the East Campus build out! We've been told this shouldn't be a difficult process because the area is already under roof and everything has been removed.

Haiti Campus: As you heard in the service two weeks ago from Marc Davis, Haiti is a challenge! We knew it would be. We've got our eyes on a piece of land, but are moving forward with caution. It's risky, but the potential for making an impact for Jesus Christ is so great, we are going to keep pressing ahead in faith. Prayers please!!

Thanks again to every faith filled, fully devoted, commited and crazy New Hoper who is giving toward these projects! You are the GREATEST! Much love!!!

 

 

 

 

Great CoMission Update #1: Amazing!

Street view in Jacmel, Haiti where New Hope is planting a Campus.

 

We are now at $2.1 million for the 1½ year giving period with commitments still coming in! Thank you, Lord!! And thank you crazy people of New Hope Church!

 

Here’s what we should be able to do with your generous giving *if the Lord wills it…

• Add square footage to our New Hope Church 288 Campus building for the kids.
• Build out square footage at our New Hope Church East Campus so that the kids can have more room and create some additional parking.
• Put the down payment on a building in Alvin and renovate it for our brand new New Hope Church Alvin Campus! (Launch Date: TBD.)
• Start our first international campus: New Hope Church Haiti Campus.

 

BTW – Caleb from Haiti texted to tell us they were holding their first worship service TODAY! (I’ll post pictures when/if I get some.)

* “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” -James 4:13-15 (NIV)

 

New Hope Church: What's next...

This weekend we introduced The Great CoMission stewardship emphasis at New Hope Church. What follows is brochure #1 which gives an overview of the projects. It also gives some info about "your mission" in the Co-Mission effort. Here's a hint: Jesus said, "Go!"

 

Haiti building dedication... pure joy!

Many of you are aware of our involvement with a young man in Haiti named Caleb. Caleb feeds almost 200 kids  twice a week and teaches them songs about Jesus and Bible stories. He also teaches them leadership lessons based on Bible principles. All this took place under a tarp/tent until the last few days. Now they have something more weather proof. Our church, New Hope Church, recently funded the building of a "shelter" where he can run his ministry. Here are some pics of the final clean of the building and the finished product. (That's Caleb front right in the above picture.) Pray for Caleb and the children of Haiti. And rejoice with them in their new shelter.

 

 

 

 

 

100% of the offering leaves our church...

 Nicaragua: Two little girls cautiously approach the group of New Hopers in the background. Our team was there to serve the people who live in the dump.

 

The weekend of June 11-12 we will be giving away 100% of our offering to missions away from home. If your heart is for overseas missions, then be sure and put some money in the offering bag or give it online. People need Jesus. We want to help our missions partners who are making Christ known in far away places. Please give generously!

 

 

New Hope on the other side of the world, literally...

 
  
The dedication service of a building in 1ndia where young men who are studying to be pastors stay. Major funding for this building came from our church, which is why they chose the name, New Hope Center.

 

 
  
New Hope Church Operations Leader, Marc Davis, presenting six pastors with motorcycles that will expand the reach of their ministries. C1CM has found that pastors with transportation can reach 3 times as many people for Christ. New Hope Church paid for these motorcycles.

 

 
  
A church of Burmese refugees in the heart of the major city of De1hi in the moments after they received Bibles in their own language. These Bibles were purchased for this church by people of New Hope Church.

 

 
  
Ajai, the director of the Central 1ndia Christian Mission and one of the most amazing people I've ever met, "bringing it" at a youth conference.

 

This weekend, May 28-29, we will be hearing from our 1ndia Missions Partner, Ajai. 1ndia is in a "red zone" for Christianity, meaning, it's dangerous for Christians. (I hesitated to post this blog on the internet, because I don't want him to get in trouble at home. That's why I've purposely left off his last name, and spelled 1ndia with a "1" instead of an "I.") But right in the heart of 1ndia where danger for Christ-follwers abounds, we are seeing the Good News of Jesus spread and change lives. It's soooo exciting for our church to be involved in this move of God! 

 

I know this weekend is a holiday weekend, but I'm going to encourage you to be in church as we get inspired by a modern day hero of the faith! (BTW- June 11-12 is our "MISSIONS OFFERING WEEKEND." 100% of what is given on that weekend goes to support God's work away from our home turf. So please, give generously on that weekend!)

 

PS- This weekend, May 28-29, I'll also be passing out and explaining the "Bring A Bible You Can Write In" Series Addendum. 

You've got to read this! A note from Haiti... #haiti

  
Kids in the mountains near Jacmel, Haiti.

 

  
Birth of a great church? The foundation of the shelter where the kids in Caleb's ministry will be fed and taught about Jesus. This project is being funded by New Hope Church.

 

  
Caleb Midi (left) is our Haiti Missions Partner, along with some of the kids he feeds and teaches about Jesus. Below is a note from Caleb, unedited. Enjoy!

 

Hey everyone at New Hope Church!

How are you all doing? It's a pleasure today to write you this letter and to tell you God loves you and I love you as well. Thanks to God for His Kingdom and all of the people a part of it, especially you guys :) I am so thankful for your freindship. You allow me to see the love of Jesus in all of your hearts and you are always teaching me and encouraging me in so many ways. I would love to tell you, you are all awesome and I love you. Keep doing what your doing for God. He is so proud of all of you and all that you do for His kingdom. I would also love to tell you it is an honor for me to be a servant for the kingdom of God. I would like to let you know the impact you are having here in Haiti. First of all, the childrens program that you support and also me myself. I keep praying for the ministry in America and especially new hope church. I keep praying for all leaders, especailly brother Tim Liston and Pastor John the Hero because I know they are doing amazing things for the Kingdom and especially for new hope church. Thank you for your support and for your prayers and all you do for us. I pray you guys can keep supporting our prject here because we have so much pain here and so many lives to save for the Kingdom of God. I love you! And Im praying for you! And I hope I can see you  in November.

God Bless you!

Brother Caleb Midi the servent.   

 

 

 

Baptism Weekend 2011

 

I’m just amazed. This past weekend 304 people were baptized at New Hope Church. I loved cheering for the people who were going to be baptized who stood at the end of the service. Someone from the East Campus said there was a moment when tears were flowing as people stood to be baptized! Many people didn’t plan to do it, but made the decision on the spot and followed through a few minutes later. How awesome to see so many take this step. One man told me, right before he went under the water, “My detour away from God ends here.” I about lost it.

 

When Jesus was baptized, God the Father said, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” I called that statement, a heavenly high five! I’m sure there were lots of high fives in heaven this past weekend.

 

 I love this church!

 

“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” –Acts 22:16

 

(BTW- We baptize people every weekend at New Hope Church. If you haven’t done it, but would like to do so, email the church at mail@newhopechurch.tv.)  

Please RT: Help Japan @MSChurchNagoya

 
I’ve been shocked and overwhelmed as I see pictures and video coming out of Japan. So much devastation. And it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. If you’re like me, when you see images like that you want to help. And if you’re like me, you want to make sure that your money actually goes to an organization that will use it for those purposes. Pastor John Davis has found an organization that is right there on the ground. It’s a church planting organization called, Mustard Seed Global Fellowship. It's a bunch of young people (see their website here: http://www.msgf.com/#/home) trying to make an impact for Jesus in Japan. They're now going to help in the relief efforts via a fund they have set up.

You can give directly to their relief effort, or you can give through our church and we'll get your gift to them. (NOTE: Your donations through our church will show up on your 2011 New Hope Church Giving Statement.) Either way, make a donation and your money will make a difference. Any size donation will help. It’s that simple.

If you give through New Hope Church by check, please write "Japan" on your check.

To give online through our church: http://www.newhopechurch.tv/giving.html. Please choose the fund, "Extraordinary."

 

 

East Campus Breaks 1000!

 
Our East Campus had over 1,000 people in church this past weekend. We’ve done it before (Grand Opening & Christmas Eve) but this was the first time on a “normal” weekend that East crossed that threshold. No guest speaker. No prize giveaways. Just church. And the thing that makes it even more impressive was the downright ugly weather we had Sunday: Constant downpours on a cold, dank day. But even the weather couldn’t keep people away from church.

 If you’re wondering why I’m telling you this, let me put it in perspective: It took 10 years to reach 1,000 people in attendance in our church (total). Our East Campus has done it 4 months after getting into their new building.  [Insert your own, “Wow! Praise God!” here.] 

Thanks to everyone who believed in this vision. Thanks to all the amazing volunteers and staff at East. And thanks to all of you who are giving to the “.Beyond” campaign!

Tell someone in that part of the world about our East Campus! (FM2351 & FM518 in Friendswood.)

 

For further study: Acts 1:15; 2:41; 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1; 6:7; 9:31; 9:42; 11:21; 11:24; 11:26; 12:24; 13:44; 14:1; 14:21; 16:5; 17:12; 18:8; 21:20

How could this happen?

 
This question kept me up last night. My heart ached when I received the news that Josh, the young man everyone was praying for, was no longer with us. How could this happen?

This morning I read from the Old Testament book of Laments or “Lamentations” as it’s commonly called. However, the original Hebrew name of this book was, ‘ekah, or “how?” A great question then, a fitting question now. But the very fact that this question has been asked repeatedly for thousands of years reveals to us again that the human condition is painfully sick without God. Even within the first family on the planet there was murder. “While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel…” –Genesis  4:8

It’s not new to the world. Just new to our world. And it shows us that our church still has a lot of work to do in the community. For those of us who love God, let’s make sure that we do our best to spread the love of Jesus. Evil is in our world, but “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” -1 John 4:4

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21

Pray for Josh's family.

I Told Them Not to Go...

 
What does an earthquake, flooding, tent cities, mosquitoes, a recent hurricane, a cholera outbreak, and New Hope Church all have in common? Answer: All of them are making an impact in Haiti. That’s because we have a group there right now.

Here’s the funny thing: I told them not to go. Last week, Pastor John asked me if I thought the group should postpone the trip because of the cholera outbreak. I said, “Yes. Let’s play it safe and postpone.” Then a few days later he texted me and said, “We’re going.” To which I boldly replied, “…ok.” And now they are making a difference for Jesus. (Oh me of little faith.)

When I heard from John in Miami before their plane ride over to Haiti I told him, “It takes crazy people to change the world.” Be proud, New Hope Church: You’ve got some crazy people in your midst. (Jeremiah 20:9; Acts 4:18-21) Pictured: New Hopers, Lisa, Christie, and Chris teaching Haitian children about Jesus.

 

Be Warm and Well Fed

 

I'm amazed by our church family. Our people gave tons of groceries, coats, jackets, and blankets. And early today, seven buses filled with volunteers and seven Uhaul trucks filled with donations left our church campuses and went to areas of need around us. Everything was given away. It was overwhelming to see the need and it was heartwarming to see our people respond. We based this mission on a passage of Scripture from James chapter 2... 

"14) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save them? 15) Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16) If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17) In the same way, faith by itself, it it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18) But someone will say, 'You have faith, I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.'"

Thank you, God, for allowing me to be part of a church family that puts faith into action through love. We are blessed. I am blessed. 

(Video by Pastor Chris Hughes)