Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20
Dear friends,
I have recently made the exciting decision to become a Post-Christian Missionary to Canton, Ohio. I will become a consultant to Church of the Savior UMC (www.mysaviorrocks.com). I will engage the church members and the nonchurched people in the Canton area in discussion about Jesus, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how to serve in the name of Jesus.
In the sixteen years that I have done ministry in Minnesota, Kentucky, England and Ohio, I have come to realize that we live in a post-Christian world, i.e., Christianity is no longer the dominant religion of our society, nor is any religion. In this postmodern world it is being taught that there is no ultimate truth. But I truly believe that God pursues us to have a relationship with each of us, despite what is being taught in media, school, etc. What we need is to learn how to help others recognize God in their midst. I believe what Dan Kimball says in his book, They Love Jesus But Not the Church, that most non-church attenders really do like the concept of Jesus Christ, but they do not understand or appreciate what goes on in Church. In addition, I believe that many church members do not know how to explain why they love Jesus or why they do what they do at church.
So here is what I feel what God has called me to do: my goal will be to work outside of the building of Church of the Savior, by going to environments that people consider comfortable, e.g., coffee shops, college organizations, etc. The age group I will be focusing on meeting is 18- to 35-year-olds. I hope to create and develop deep relationships that will lead to a stronger relationship with Jesus, then to connect them with the church at large. In addition, I will take with me people from the church to teach them how to connect with people and share their faith through genuine listening and love.
In order to do this I need to raise my salary and upfront costs, such as computer and mobile phone use. I cannot accomplish this task alone, so please join me with your prayers. I am praying specifically that I will have boldness in sharing my testimony, that I will raise all funds needed, that I will meet people prepared to hear the Gospel, and for safety for me and the people with whom I minister.
I am asking you to be a part of this mission by investing in my life and in the lives of the people I reach in Canton, Ohio. During the next several months, I will be working very hard to raise the finances to accomplish this mission. Any amount you give will be greatly appreciated. If you would like to pay with a credit or debit card, please go to this link, Donation Page, and towards the bottom there is a spot entitled Post Christian Missions with my name below it.
If you would like to pay with a check, please make all checks payable to Church of the Savior. All donations to Church of the Savior are tax-deductible. In order for you to receive a tax deduction for your donation, please do not write my name on the check. Instead, include a note with my name or Post Christian Missions. You can send all donations to Church of the Savior, 120 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton, OH, 44702. Donations are non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of any cancellation circumstances.
If you have any questions or comments, you can get a hold of me at 330-705-2119 or kick4jc@gmail.com You can also call Rev. Ed Fashbaugh at Church of the Savior at 330-455-0153 or rev_ed_fashbaugh@sbcglobal.net
Thank you so much for your consideration. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated!
God Bless You,
Lee J. Nicholson
Don’t tell my doctor but I stole his copy of Newsweek from February 16th, 2009 (the link is in this sentence). I have come to terms that I am having information overload/ anxiety. I am a total addict to post its, pads of paper, My Palm Centro, Gmail, Blogging, RSS Reader, Facebook…the list is endless. So much that I think I have forgotten how to breath. I mean literally and figuratively. I catch myself saying “doh, I need to write that down!” or “I need to do that.” I actually catch myself sucking in air like I am about to get punched. Figuratively, I forget to be in constant prayer, connecting with God, in everything I do. I forget!!!! I hate that!!!!
