Hello,

I wanted to drop you a short note to share the main thing on my heart right now. It comes out of our struggle to be a loving community. We are learning to reach across the barriers that naturally separate us: race, age, gender, poverty/affluence, nationality...

The racial and poverty barriers are the hardest ones for some members of our community to cross over, I know it is a challenge to me. It is easy enough to share the gospel, but to share our homes, our lives, our time and friendship with each other is another matter.

This has led me to reflect on the relationship between humility and community and gospel intentionality. Africa cannot and will not truly experience the love of God without people reaching out across the barriers that divide them, should I say, the barriers that divide us.

Rather than try and write all my thoughts here, I am attaching my teaching notes for this morning's CPx class; CPx is our leadership school for church planters.

I pray for you as you seek to find a loving community to be part of, and I hope it is a community of people who are learning to build deep friendships with each other and those who don't yet know Jesus.

Yours,

Floyd

Read the Notes here.

Hello,

I am burdened for those people in the world who have never heard the name of Jesus one time. They are gathered around the globe in their own language/cultural groups, what we call tribes or peoples.

An unreached people group is different than an unevangelized people group in that:

- an unreached people group does not have a sufficient number of churches and believers to evangelize the remainder of their own people group; they lack the strength of numbers or resources to be able to share Jesus with all the other members of their people group. often it is because of persecution, fear, lack of discipleship and terrain (mountains or jungles or deserts separate them from others of their group).

- an enevangelized PG is one where no one among the people group who speaks their language has heard the gospel. a least evangelized PG means very few individual people have heard the gospel in that people group, usually less than 1%.

In light of the above, imagine this: more than 90% of the churches resources world-wide goes to work with the already reached and already evangelized people groups of the world. That means we are pouring huge amounts of money and effort and people into helping those who have already heard the gospel. We are giving time and energy to help people learn about such good things as inner healing, how to do inductive bible study, good parenting skills, Sunday school, men's ministries, etc., etc., while over one third of the global family, approximately 3.3 billion people, have never heard the name of Jesus one time in their life, and never will unless someone learns their language, and then braces extreme weather and living conditions to go to them with the good news of Jesus.

On top of that, those who are unreached and unevangelized are the poorest of the poor. They die because of lack of water or water borne diseases. In some people groups over 65% of the children die before the age of 5.

So, in my mind their is a place for local churches and ministries and organizations and networks to declare that we must all work energetically to change that 90% to 50% of how our resources are spent. It will take a massive mind-set change, and a new level of courage and suffering. There there are reasons why the unreached are unreached and the poorest of the poor are poor: they are in the hard places. All the easy places have been taken.

There are about 5875 distinct unreached and totally unevangelized tribes and peoples in the world. We know where they are, who they are and what languages they speak; so it is a matter of focus and dedication, not ignorance, to reach them. It will mean tremendous focus, shall I say, passionate focus, or, extreme focus. While local churches continue to be preoccupied with self-preservation and church growth where they are, running bigger and better programs to attract more and more already evangelized people, we will never reach the unreached and respond to the poor of the earth.

Some people want to argue about the best way to do church, the right form of church government, how to run the programs of the church, etc. I have no interest in such discussions. Maybe I did when I was young and argumentative. No more. I want to see one thing while I still have breath: people who have never heard His name hear their is a God who made them and has not forgotten them.

it will take extreme intense severe radical relentless unyielding fierce FOCUS to share the love of Jesus with people who have never heard his name. My plea is for those people.

With gratitude to Jesus,

Floyd McClung

People all over the world are getting liberated to be faithful members of the body of Christ and yet not be bound by institutional forms of church. There is a difference between the wine, the church, and the forms church take, the wine skins. Jesus gave his disciples, and us as his disciples, the wine skin analogy so we would be free from religion and controlling religious leaders, yet know we must have some structure (the wine skin). Minimal biblical structure includes gathering in community, communion/worship, mission, elders/apostolic input, and giving and receiving. Wonderfully, we are given freedom by our Father to follow the leading of Holy Spirit to create and discover new wine skins.

There are two extremes when it comes to wine skins: rigid self-righteousness ("we know how church should be done and if it is not done the way we do it, you are wrong"), and formless freedom. The challenge is to find a balance between enough form to build a healthy community, and sufficient freedom for people to re-discover and re-imagine the wonder of being the friends of God who lives of devotion to Jesus and his purposes in the earth.

Hi,

The letter below is from one of our team leaders here in Cape Town, South Africa. He is writing to welcome new students for our leadership training program called CPx. I thought you would find his letter insightful about what happens in a CPx.

Blessings,

Floyd
--

Hey everyone!

My name is Gawie Malherbe. I'm part of the All Nations family here in Cape Town and the CPX planning team.

The date for CPX is coming closer and we are so excited about all of you arriving here soon! We are so excited about this year's CPX and we've been talking and planning for months about all we would like to see happen in CPX 2009.

I'm a part of the Red Hill team here in Cape Town and as you might have read in some of the stories, God has done amazing things in this community! We are so excited this year to see God take everything He has done to a new level as we believe him for leaders to be raised up within this community. We believe that we can see our 'little churches' lead by the people in Red Hill. That is the heart of what we are doing. We don't want to catch fish only, we want to see God raise up fishers of men that will impact Africa!

So what do you expect God to do in your life during CPX? I know for me it has been an incredible journey of understanding His heart more. I attended one of the first CPX's in Kansas City in 2002 and it's been an incredible journey ever since. Understanding the part God would like us to play in seeing His glory touch lives, families and nations... Redefining 'church' and coming to a fresh and Biblical understanding of what church is all about... Coming into a new boldness in sharing Jesus with people and seeing God touch and change lives before my eyes...

In All Nations we focus on three core values:
Love God
Love each other
Love those who don't know Jesus

In my own life I have realized that living in the Spirit and making these values a part of every day life leads to incredible adventure!
Are you ready for it?

I just want to close with an encourage from Paul's letter to Philemon. I think the translators battle a little with the translation of this passage because it sounds a little different in different translations, but I just love how the NLT puts it:

Philemon 1:4-7
I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,
because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people.
And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people.

That is my prayer for you for your time in CPX. That you will learn more about all the good things you have in Jesus and that you will learn how to put into action the love that He has placed inside your heart for Him and His people.

Yours,

Gawie
gawiem@gmail.com

All Nations - Cape Town
+27 (0)21 783 5326
www.all-nations.info

P.O. Box 1606
Sun Valley
7985
Cape Town
South Africa

Floyd's new book, You See Bones - I See an Army can be ordered directly from the publisher if you would like to order a copy at a discounted price. The "Bones book" as Floyd calls it, is a best seller in Holland, South Africa and other countries and has recently been released in the United States.

Floyd's book answers questions about new expressions of church on campuses and in the market place, the difference between "horizontal and vertical" leadership, and repenting from church as religion.

Click here to buy it from the publisher!

Matt is my son, a quiet, mild-natured 8 yr old who wouldn't easily be classified as the next 'Billy Graham' evangelist. But last year he became really friendly with a kid in his school and as they chatted about being a christian one day, Matt asked him if he'd given his heart to the Lord, "because just saying you are a Christian isn't enough". Jamie said no, and that he wanted to do that. Mandi, my wife, who'd overheard the conversation as she drove them back from school that day, felt it wise to consult with Jamie's mom and indicate that Jamie was "interested in spiritual things". Also that if they wanted us to meet with them to talk we'd be happy to do that. No one in the family served the Lord but there seemed to be some hunger to learn more and Mandi chatted about starting a spiritual group in their home. To our delight she agreed and said she'd invite some friends.

That was 6 months ago and now God has birthed a thriving house church where several people have been saved, both kids and adults. Tonight as we meet there will be about 30 people who'll be there, hungry to learn more about Jesus. Probably the most rewarding thing of all for us is to watch Jamie and his mom, dad and sister, delighting in the life the Jesus has brought into their home as they now all serve Jesus. Last night Jamie's dad smsed me saying he'd read somewhere the words of a song that said: "'I have decided to follow Jesus. Though none go with me, still I will follow." How powerful and beautiful message is that?" A changed life is such a powerful expression of Christianity, but a completely changed family is the truest expression of the gospel message. Through them many people have and will still come to know Jesus!

A few learnings I want to share with you:

1. Children are to be overestimated in the spread of the gospel

We have found, over and over, how kids have a far greater ability to open the hard hearts of unbelieving families. They are not hindered by cultural boundaries, acceptable 'polite' behavior and are much more honest than adults are. You'll find that Jesus displayed the same characteristics, so it's no surprise He said, "unless you become like this child…"

2. Be shrewd and wise in how you 'show' the gospel

Make christianese a thing of the past. Use language that is simple, even normal. Show love in the same way Jesus instructed the disciples in Luke 10, "And heal the sick that are in it, and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near you!" . People have had too much of religious talk and not seen enough love in action. Sick people need the healing that Jesus brings through you and me, rather than words that lack action.

3. Trust Jesus to build His church

We are surprised and amazed that we did so little to make this happen. We just prayed "Lord build your church and show us how to get involved". And He did. All glory belongs to Him.

Matt and Jamie are best of friends, I gave them both a Mohawk hairstyle yesterday and they are running around having fun like kids do. I'm keen to see what the Lord will do through their lives this year.

Neil Hart



Managing Director, Boomtown

He began simply as my patient – 42 years old battling a male version of breast cancer that had metastasized throughout his entire body. But, after two years, Danny became my friend. A truly close friend – we mutually valued each other. When I was down, I usually headed his way for a visit.

Dan was a fighter – the powers that be in the medical world had told him he had six months to live – that was three years ago. But we knew something was wrong in mid-December – suddenly he lost his vision. The brain tumor was growing – it was pressing against his optic nerve. Right after the holidays he would need some palliative radiation to shrink the tumor. He had crashed before, but he always came back – Danny was the comeback kid…

Last weekend, he continued to worsen and wound up in the SCC HH 24. I just happened to be covering the HH for the last three days of 2008 since Bob was on vacation. Dan was the first person on my Monday morning list. I was shocked! Danny’s decline was remarkable! Suddenly the truth hit me like a ton of bricks – there wasn’t going to be a comeback this time. I was blessed to spend a lot of time with Danny and his family throughout the day as he slipped into an unconscious stupor.

I went directly to Cranberry #10 on Tuesday morning. A bunch of Dan’s family from Indiana had arrived and were sitting with him. He was gurgling as he fought for each breath – the death rattle. I sat with him until about 11 a.m. and then I went to visit other patients. I had a sinking feeling when the nurse came and got me – a crisis in #10. Danny died at 11.40 a.m. His family was gathered around – we hung out together until the body was picked up at 3 p.m. We told stories, we laughed and we cried together. Our hearts were broken – Danny was too young to die. And then, the family began to thank me! Danny talked about you all the time – he was a different person after he met you! We had given up on him – we had no contact – and you helped to bring him back into our lives. THANK YOU! I found it impossible to fight back the tears throughout the rest of the day…

So why did Danny get to me so deeply?

There were many reasons, but one stood out from all the others…

Danny really did change!

As recently as one year ago, he was scheduled to come to our house for Christmas dinner because he was so estranged from his family – no one wanted him around! When he wound up homeless last year, no one opened a door for him. What a difference a year makes! This year, Danny shared both Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family. His sister invited him to move into her house. And he died on December 30 surrounded by family and friends…

What brought about the change?

I trace it back to a kairos moment at the end of 2007 when I looked at Danny and took a chance: Danny, do you want to die alone? He got very quiet and finally said NO! Several factors coalesced to make his transformation a reality…

Danny faced his terminal condition – he realized time was getting shorter. Suddenly, he was more motivated to deal with unfinished business more than ever before – especially the trail of his self-centered life that was strewn with shattered relationships! We decided to start with his family… Guess there is nothing like harsh reality and bitter suffering to give a prodigal a wakeup call!

Danny’s faith moved to front and center – his walk with God deepened. Our prayer times took on a deeper meaning. We read the Word together. We went to worship together. Danny began to act on his faith – joining me to feed the hungry at The Banquet in the inner city and collecting clothes for the homeless. Danny began to reach out to his family – he made amends at almost every point where he could. He discovered life in his spiritual journey with God…

Danny committed to a relationship – we invested in each other – we pursued a spiritual friendship. In the good times and bad, we told each other the truth – we were honest. We encouraged each other. We yelled at each other. We were thrilled with each other. Sometimes we never wanted to see each other again. We shared our lives with each other – we chose to walk our spiritual journeys TOGETHER! And, it made all the difference in BOTH of our lives…

In the end, Danny did not have to live alone or die alone – he was surrounded by family and friends – what a difference reconciliation makes…

One more afterword I would like to share. The bottom line message of Christian faith is life-change and transformation – the good news is that Christ followers become new creations. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5.17: What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A brand new life has begun! [NLT]. I have heard this all my life. I have preached this my entire ministry career. I have wished for it over and over – both in others and yes in myself as well. But, I have seldom actually experienced it. Sometimes I even wonder if it is true – I doubt whether or not it is even a possibility! Can people really change? Is the transformation of a human person even possible? Is the message really so?

Yes, I believe it is!

And I know this because I shared my life with Daniel Dailey #176957…

How would Jesus respond to Muslims? We know how. He would treat them like he treated the Samaritan woman at the well, the Roman centurion who came to Him for help, and the tax collectors and prostitutes. Jesus would treat Muslims like he treated Simon the Zealot – the Zealots were urban terrorists of the day – he would invite him to follow Him! Jesus would treat Muslims like he treats you and me. With love, respect, and huge compassion and amazing grace.

One of the greatest challenges we face as followers of Jesus in today’s world is how to respond to Muslims and violence in the Middle East. Some believers are fearful that Muslims are our enemy and are “out to destroy our way of life.”

Should we circle the wagons in alarm and fear? Should we warn everyone how bad Muslims are and alert people of their plots to “destroy our nation,” as one American believer said to me?

No fear! No hatred! No, none for us who follow Jesus. We have a calling from God to love Muslims. They are not our enemy. The real enemy wants us to see people as our enemy. We should respond in the following ways:

1. Pray with love – ask God for that love if you don’t have it


2. Believe God with faith – believe God to reveal Jesus to every sincere seeker and to those who don’t seek!


3. Give sacrificially – give your life to go and give your finances to help others go

Let’s up the ante, shall we? Let’s call the enemies bluff. He has not power except that which people give him. Let’s meet fear with faith, hatred with love, and cowardice with compassion. Let’s be like Jesus!

A close friend, Carl Medearis, has written one of the best books you will ever read about Islam. It is titled Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships If you want to give, please send a contribution to All Nations. Please partner with us to prepare workers for the Muslim world. Thank you! To send your gift, make out a check to All Nations and send it to:

All Nations Support
c/o Walsh and Washburn
Attn: Mark Smith
5360 College Boulevard
Suite 100
Overland Park Kansas 66211

Please attach a note saying it is for All Nations in Cape Town, South Africa. Thank you!!

Hey,

A few things from my heart to yours about the training center we are trusting the Lord to buy. The Lord spoke to me this morning through Luke 18:1-8. It's the parable of the Woman Who Would Not Give Up. She was unrelenting in her pursuit of an answer to her plea. God spoke to me to adopt the same attitude of faith. I want to be known as a man of faith who will not give up.

Jesus asks his disciples, "When I come, will I find faith in the earth?" As I meditated on this verse two things spoke to me:

"Will I find faith?" Jesus asked His disciples, "When I come...will I find faith?" When we have asked for something over and over again, and there is no answer, we are tempted to give up, to give in to unbelief. Jesus, knowing the weakness of His disciples both then and now, taught this parable about faith through unrelenting, persevering prayer. A widown who would not give up. She persisted, she would not give up. With that in mind, I encouraged my own heart this morning to lay hold of faith by faith.

"When I come..." We don't know when Jesus will come to visit us with answer to our prayers, but when He comes I want to have faith in my heart. By His grace, I will have faith.

The most recent news about the training center:

- About R200,000 has been given toward the property in the last couple weeks - we now have R2.2 million toward purchase (the Rand is going up and down a lot right now but that is about US $230,000). We need another R1.65 million (about about $170,000).

- We have been given an extension in the purchase contract until January 7th to raise the money.

Next CPx leadership school:

- Our next leadership school (CPx) begins February 6th. Of the 45 students coming, more than half of them are young leaders from around Africa. We are coming down to the wire for housing and classroom space for the six month CPx. We have considered every other option for housing for the students coming for the school - so we are motivated to pray hard for the property Please join us!

Red Hill Baptism:

We baptized three young men from Red Hill last Sunday. One of the guys was Sibu. Sibu came to Christ a few months ago, then joined one of the simple churches in Red Hill, and within a short time gathered some of his friends and started another little church to study the Bible and pray. He will be attending CPx for further training.

Blessings,

Floyd

We are trusting God to buy a new training center for All Nations in Cape Town. Follow this link to see some pictures of class times conducted at the center and the property itself taken early in 2008.