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Solid Rock

Climbers Reaching Climbers for Christ
Email Update/Message – Volume 4, Number 2c (Issue 67)

January 29th, 2003

From Calvin Landrus, National Director

 

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Contents:

·        Solid Rock’s Purpose: Empowered to Reach Climbers

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Solid Rock’s Purpose is to encourage, equip, and empower climbers to reach climbers for Christ through personal witness and group outreach.  I would like to deal with empowerment.

 

Where are some of the most empowering words found?  That’s right. . . in the Bible.  The most empowering statements came from our Savior on the theme of evangelism.

 

After his resurrection, Jesus gave this commandment in Matthew 28:19 & 20, “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.”  To whom did Jesus give the responsibility of sharing the gospel?  You and me!

 

Shortly before ascension to heaven, Jesus gave us the one who can empower us to accomplish this most awesome responsibility.  He says in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  The power of the Holy Spirit isn’t in us to help fulfill some selfish dream (like getting up a side of a rock), but is to give us the strength, the courage and the guts to be His witness.  WOW!

 

I envision thousands of climbers encouraged and equipped by Solid Rock spreading the gospel to their fellow climber.  That vision begins with you and me doing whatever it takes to make that happen in our local area of influence. 

 

You are free to pray and to dream, to be creative and find your way of reaching climbers in your area.  Studies of creativity suggest the biggest single variable of whether or not employees will be creative is whether they perceive they have permission. (David Hills) Solid Rock is not a top down organization.  You are authorized to make the mission of Solid Rock happen as the Spirit of God leads. 

 

John Maxwell, Christian leadership expert, has often said, “Everything rises or falls on leadership.” For us to be empowered to reach climbers, leadership must happen at three levels: 

 

#1. Everything needs to flow from God! Psalms 143:10 says, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” The Holy Spirit’s leading is required.

 

#2. Personal life leadership is needed.  We are empowered when we have holiness and courage in our lives. As we strive to live a pure life and make ourselves available, we will be given the privilege of sharing our faith.

 

#3. Area leadership is needed.  Every climbing area (rock or alpine) across the U.S. and Canada needs at least one person to step up and lead Solid Rock’s mission!  That person is called an Area Contact.  Their main responsibilities are connecting and organizing members in their area for Bible Studies/Trainings, Prayer Meetings, Gatherings and/or Outreaches.  “What distinguishes a leader from others? The capacity to do something with an idea." (Unknown)  Solid Rock will be empowered to accomplish its mission as leaders step-up!

 

We need revival! I close with Ray Ortland’s comments on God’s role in revival.  “Let us complete the thought – “to seek the Lord." By this we do not mean His omnipresence, for God is everywhere all the time.  What we are speaking of is the unusual manifest presence of God that ushers in His grace to empower the efforts of His people and His intervention in their struggles.  It is the blessing of blessings in life; God is for us.  This nearness of God is one of the primary marks of revival.”  Let’s pray for God to empower all who are involved in the ministry of Solid Rock!

 

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