Dear friends,
At key times in my life the Lord has used the book of Joshua to encourage me to keep going in what I feel He’s called me to do with the ministry of LCI. The past couple of months I have been reading over Joshua 1.
In this chapter, Moses has just passed away and Joshua is called to take the leadership role for the Israelites. He was ordered by God to lead them into the Promised Land. Putting myself in Joshua’s shoes, I can see how his call could have been pretty overwhelming: first, he’s having to follow in the footsteps of Moses, one of Israel’s greatest leaders up to this point in their history; second, he begins receiving direct orders from God telling him exactly what to do.
Being human, I am sure Joshua had a lot of fears and doubts that he could actually step into this role for Israel. God was faithful to encourage Joshua though; in this one chapter the Lord told Joshua to not be terrified and discouraged once, and the Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous three times. How could Joshua possibly do this? Because God made him a promise – “the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Then, the Israelites confirmed his calling and said to Joshua, “Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.” (Joshua 1:17) Joshua 1 ends with the Israelites encouraging Joshua in a similar way God had, with a statement telling Joshua be strong and courageous.
I know we all need to know that God is with us at all times and that He is directing our steps and looking out for us. As Christians, we can stand on the promises in the Bible that tell us He is with us and that He will never leave us our forsake us! Sometimes, though, we also need our peers to speak life into us and confirm and encourage us in our calling. I go through different emotions at times walking out this ministry. Sometimes I am afraid and do not feel strong, and I become easily discouraged. Other times, when I stand by faith on God’s promises, or when I look around and see that I have people like you that speak life into me and pray for me and Christy and the LCI team, I feel bolstered in the things I feel God has called us to and I become encouraged and feel at peace.
All that to say I want to thank you for your prayers, financial support and your encouraging words this year, as these are the things that have kept us going. I know many people are experiencing tough times and are unsure of their future, but I want to encourage you that God is bigger than the stock market our any of our problems. I want to challenge you to not shrink back into fear and worry, but to love more, pray more and give more… seek to daily make your life count in God’s economy. Lets go forth, be strong and courageous, and go and Bring Life to the Nations!
Grace and peace,
Tyler Lennon
President
Life Connections International
Scotland
Our last trip of 2008 was in September when we went to Alva, Scotland. We asked for your prayers for a God-ordained time, as we visited and ministered to the Fraser family and their church there. It turned out to be a great trip, and we truly enjoyed being able to come alongside our friends, Dave and Elizabeth, as they continue to pour themselves out in their community. Our team helped them with their after school kids club program; did outreach in the town of Stirling with the Jesus Booth; were a part of prayer events with Clackmannanshire United Prayer group; and I was also able to teach Sunday morning at Alva Baptist Church. All in all, the trip did much to encourage each team member, but also offered much-needed encouragement and support to the work the Fraser’s are doing for God’s Kingdom in Scotland.