Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thu 9.30 SUMMONED

Thu 9.30 SUMMONED
summon tr.v.=to call in an official matter
to ask/command to come; muster: gather or bring together; mobilize: make ready for action or use

Isaiah 43:1-7 excerpts
But now, this is what the LORD says-He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel (says):
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;...
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Song:Your Love Never Fails

This song has been speaking to me. I got a little ambitious in the middle so it's not perfect, but it's authentic. I really am learning to trust His calling, HIS UNDENIABLE SUMMONING to love and gather HIS children from ALL NATIONS.

FRANCE News: December 3rd!
I will be departing for a short Vision Trip on December 3rd 2010 to meet the two UWM teams on the ground in France. One(the Furrs) is in the North outside Paris in BRIE.
The other(the Kims) is west of Toulouse down south in AUCH.
I'll be experiencing and participating in a taste of their ministries to see where I fit best. I leave December 3rd 2010 and return about a week later (still comparing prices).

If you would like to help with this short-term trip or on a monthly basis to help get me fully-funded before February 9th 2011 then check out the info below:

1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wed 9.29 FOREVER.LOVE

Wed 9.29 FOREVER.LOVE
1 Cor 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude,it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres. Love never fails.

I have been encouraging two young husbands for whom this is NOT true in their marriage when one looks at how they are treated by their wives. Their wives are barely even civil to them.
I have challenged them that it MUST stay true of how they treat their wives.
This is not my experience of love either. I learned recently that in my idealism I didn't plan to receive love that in the end did NOT perservere and DID fail me.

One husband asked me a question today that made me realize I have not given up on love. He asked if it was wrong to stay for the kids since his love for his wife was disappearing.
I had one word for him.
FIGHT. Fight for your marriage and to win your wife's heart all over again. Sprint across the finish line 50 years from now as one of the couples who made it because their love for Christ drew them together and kept them together.

Song:Forever Love Francesca Battistelli
This song matched the weather and my mood. It continues the theme from "Home" yesterday's vlog. It's a little nostalgic, maudlin maybe...but it is the tenor of my worship today as I lingered in First Corinthians 13 and realized that perhaps healing is closer than I thought because I can conceive of risking my heart again...cautiously, lol.

I think that the risk to be intimate with God and others makes up a large part of discipling and being discipled.
For who can spend time, and devote their life to someone and not risk loving them...and

Love sometimes gets hurt,
Stays despite disappointment,
Risks rejection,
Forgives the worst, seventy times seventy times,
And always, always HOPES for the best.

My heart is in His Hands and His LOVE NEVER Fails. And praying for a forever love here someday.

More News: December 3rd!
I will be departing for a short Vision Trip on December 3rd 2010 to meet the two UWM teams on the ground in France. One(the Furrs) is in the North outside Paris in BRIE.
The other(the Kims) is west of Toulouse down south in AUCH.
I'll be experiencing and participating in a taste of their ministries to see where I fit best. I leave December 3rd 2010 and return about a week later (still comparing prices).

If you would like to help with this short-term trip or on a monthly basis to help get me fully-funded before February 9th 2011 then check out the info below:
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Tue 9.28 HOME
1 Cor 7:17 Nevertheless, each of you should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to you, just as God has called you.

Your life MATTERS. You have a divine purpose..and secretly you've always known it. You just couldn't say exactly what IT was..but you knew you were created for ...More.

Well frankly God wants you to be with Him starting now, thru His Son, whose death and resurrection bridged the chasm created by your sin. With HIM.
That's where we belong.
That call is where we will BE most at HOME.

Song: Home by Michael Buble

There is a nostalgia about this song that is made for rainy indoor days like these. That make us think of warm fires inside with friends. The song evokes in me a longing to be with God in the perfection of faith and holiness FACE-TO-FACE because where He is...
IS my HOME.
I know that God has called me to make my HOME among the French in order to love and disciple them into relationship with Him for His glory.
You may prayerfully decide that you would like to help.
Here's the easiest way:
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)

2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),

3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),

4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.

5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Monday, September 27, 2010

Mon 9.27 LEGACY

Mon 9.27 LEGACY
Rm 16:1-7 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me.

Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

Do you see what Paul is doing here at the end of Romans? He is celebrating fruit! Not just folks he has discipled but spiritual fathers, mothers, sisters, and yes children (in the faith)!

I cannot sing ENOUGH the praises of Doug and Joan Dorman's YOUR NEXT STEP INSTITUTE. Thanx to just 3 weeks of teaching (in the Fall semester so far) I have the clearest picture of evangelism and how it goes hand in hand with discipleship.
I have this firm conviction that the purpose of our lives is to leave a legacy of spiritual generations: people we have discipled into a relationship with Jesus Christ who have gone on to disciple others who have discipled others.

I will count my life not to have been in vain if I can end it having been part of a team of believers who foster spiritual family and leave a legacy of lives changed like Paul and the early church did. I have had the privilege to do so for almost 12 yrs at CUMC. Here's to a dozen more as we watch God awaken the Dry Bones of France. Can these bones live again? YES!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Thu 9.23-Sun 9.26 CROSS

Thu 9.23-Sun 9.26 CROSS
2Tim 1:6b-9a
"I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace."

SONG:Mighty Is The Power Of The Cross

What can take a dying man and raise him up to life again?
What can heal a wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness?
Brokenness

[Chorus:]
Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the Holy Cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross

What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones
What can save and overcome?
Overcome

I spent the last 4 days hiking with some close friends and some new friends in the North Carolina Mountains.
We hiked and delved into the Father-Son relationship using John Eldredge's Fathered by God.
It should be read by every Father several times WITH his son to guard against wounds only a Father can give and prevent. There are so many things we are meant to learn from our earthly father but Praise God that He Fathers ALL of us and more than makes up any lack!

I have been challenged, healed, armed and equipped in many ways. I also spent precious time with some brothers that I will cherish for decades to come.

I pray you seek the Father and when He finds you that you will let Him Father you, even if it means breaking or pruning before He heals and makes you whole!

More good news! It looks like I'll be taking a short Vision Trip to France at the beginning of November! I'll be meeting the two teams. One near Paris, one near Toulouse in the south to determine where I will fit best. Most of you know where I already have some relationships but I will go where the most fruitfulness can be achieved.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wed 9.22 Sophonie Pt.2

Wed 9.22 Sophonie Pt.2

Sophonie/Zephaniah is the heart and scriptural trampoline for today's song so I had to bring Zephaniah back. I think it's so important to notice that the presence of God changes those over whom He is singing. It's not a lullaby, it a purifying, rebuking, merciful, grace-imparting, righteous-imputing song of FIRE!

In Zephaniah3:11b-17 God Himself says of His love for and vigilance over us:

Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.
But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the LORD. They will do no wrong;they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid."Sing, Daughter Zion;shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart..."

The LORD has taken away your punishment,He has turned back your enemy.
The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;never again will you fear any harm.On that day they will say to Jerusalem,"Do not fear, Zion;do not let your hands hang limp.

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,but will rejoice over you with singing."

I'm praying this with you and for you.

This week continues to be fruitful as support pours in for the vision that truly is for the French to sing to this singing God with all the Nations!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tue 9.21 Sophonie

Tue 9.21 Sophonie
Sophonie is French for Zephaniah.
Isn't that beautiful. Doesn't that sound, well musical?

In worship we have referenced this prophet and passage several times lately. I have some friends who want answers and others who need peace. Peace even that doesn't answer the questions perhaps but does still the hearts so they can trust God completely with no fear or anxiety.

Zephaniah 3:12-13,17
...the meek and humble,
who trust in the name of the LORD...
They will eat and lie down
and no one will make them afraid...

The LORD your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Will you pray that for several unnamed believing couples and their children?
I chose this song because by the end it say to God that that song He sings as He rejoices over us will be the very song of our hearts and will be all we need to feel His deep peace!

Laslty, I have great news to share...
1.I'm at 22% as of 9.20
Already have pledges towards 30% by next week!
More if God continues to work as He has this week!

2-I get to take a Mission Trip to visit both church plants to see where I fit best.
This FALL! Dates TBD. Will be either 1st week of Nov or Dec!

3-I'm aiming at departing Myrtle Beach February 9th, 2011 and I'm really and starting to trust AND believe God WILL make it happen in that time frame!!!

Thank you for praying with me and giving yourself and your resources to help God love the people of France into His Kingdom!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Mon 9.20 On & On

Mon 9.20 On & On
Rms 15:9-14"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;I will sing hymns to your name...
Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people...Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to Him all you peoples...The Root of Jesse will spring up,one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Band Chasen "On and On"
Some say we need a miracle
Some say there’s no hope at all
But I know that Your love is strong,
it goes on and on and on and on
Rise up when it gets us down
It’ll be the voice in the blaring crowd
Because we know Your love will lead us home
It goes on and on and on and on

This song today is just to Him for Him because...
well the lyrics say it all
and despite what life throws at us
I trust Him...

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sun 9.19 GO

Sun 9.19 GO
Gen 12:1-4
The LORD had said to Abram "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

So Abram went,
as the LORD had told him...Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.
He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran,
and they set out for the land of Canaan,
and they arrived there.

I really feel a kinship with Abram. Because of his advanced age. To modern eyes his life was almost over yet God had so much more in store for him.
When he heard the call his response seems to be acceptance and obedience.
He didn't ask "WHY?" or come up with excuses for delaying his departures he packed his family and went.

To be a blessing...thereby being blessed.

My whole goal is summed up in that attitude. I really want to see God bless the people of France with Himself and I very selfishly : ) want to be a part of it. My advanced years and imperfections make it obvious any success will be his doing but I want to be available to Him and to them.

In addition to the target date of February 2nd 2011 to attend training I have been cleared to take a Vision Trip. To visit the work in progress in France, to document it some and to see how and where exactly I will fit in it! The trip has been approved for sometime before Thanksgiving!
Even though it will be sort I think it will provide such a clear vision of what the goal that it will help me better raise support.

Will you begin to pray for maximum effectiveness, fruitfulness in lived impacted and a clear picture of how I fit into the work God is already doing there?

And as always...you can help...starting even now...
Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

The video is a repost explaining the Mission to France!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Sat 9.18 WEARY

Sat 9.18 WEARY
Heb 12:1-4
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow WEARY and lose heart.

I leaned very hard on this verse today and sense some more leaning to come in the next few months as I continue to raise support in some unconventional ways. Just looking at my weekly schedule makes me WEARY. And how many "asks" it takes to get a "yes." That's making me weary.
The only remedy for me to be re-energized and to get past doubt and disappointment is to fix my eyes on Jesus.

So this song is about Him, for Him,...TO Him.
Holy and Anointed One.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fri 9.17 VISION

Fri 9.17 VISION
Rm 15:4-7 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Isn't this a glorious VISION of the FUTURE of the church that makes you want to be a part of it? UWM is taking that VISION to France.
Here's how to help me join the new church they have planted in a community outside Paris with no church.
Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348


Thursday, September 16, 2010

THU 9.16 BELIEF

THU 9.16 BELIEF
Ps 27:4,13
The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.

A friend sent me this verse because she knew I needed to remember it. And I did,need it that is.

This song by Gavin DeGraw sort of expresses the way Jesus reinforces my belief by being present and reminding me/us who He is to and for us.

I had the opportunity to share about France and made so many potential connections to one on one supporters, a fundraising show, some French exchange students and ... my head is still spinning.

I believe!
February 9th. That's the date we plan to leave to attend training, followed by the move to France when training ends.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

WED 9.15 WITH

WED 9.15 WITH
Mark 3:13-15
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him.
He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might BE WITH Him
and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Before the mission. Before evangelism. Before the teaching and healing. Before casting out demons
Jesus wanted the disciples to be WITH HIM. And He wants me to be WITH HIM. And He wants YOU to be WITH HIM. And your neighbor. And the mailman. And that guy at work who gets on your nerves. And YES, even the bully in your son's class.

My challenge to you is that all of those people have YOU. They can hear about Jesus through YOU. Same for my neighbors and coworkers and students.

Who will invite people where there are no believers? (to be WITH HIM so HE can train them and send them out)

Is there any work of the church more important than that?
I ask you to just consider what it must be like to live where the sunset stirs your soul, to wonder about how Creation points to a Creator and then to ask yourself
"Who can I talk to about this?"
And to not be able to think of anyone or anywhere to go to ask.
That is Europe right now for the majority of it's inhabitants.
Darkness APPEARS to reign.
But it only takes a few small flames to Light up a whole room, right?
So it is with Missions.
Would you help United World Mission and me take that Light to the darkness that reigns over 90% of France?

If so
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW (bottom middle block (Donate Online Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Tues 9.14 LaunchDate-2/9/11

Tues 9.14 LaunchDate-2/9/11
That's the day my training will begin in order to leave for the Mission Field.

I started a discipleship class this week and have been unable to focus on anything else. I have been endlessly thinking of how all other scriptures in the New Testament about discipleship are founded upon Jesus' discipleship model.

He called and invited 12 people He had chemistry with to follow Him.
He was WITH them for three years. He was with the three, Peter, James and John more than the other 9. Some infer that the special three each also discipled three. That would be an interesting model, huh.
Then he sent them out to do the same.

I have spent the last few days thinking about which students I taught professionally but mentored above and beyond that. There are some, I wish there were more.

My work with children in After school programs and Youth Groups and Young adult Ministry has been more fruitful. I think the hardest part for me is the sending out. We don't really have to plan this part with young people because they go away to school, they marry, they move, they have kids, they move, they get a new job, they move again.

Most of the folk I have had the pleasure of either discipling (intentionally), some as they discipled me in return, have moved to other parts of the state, country and world.
The "WITH" part is my favorite, my forte. I love the word and engaging Bible Study but being WITH people as we work out our salvation together with joy, pain , fear and trembling is fulfilling in a way I cannot measure.

Most of the folk I've been "WITH" for the last few years are newlyweds with young children and growing careers. They are "WITH" other families in small groups or ministries making their own mark and impacting the livs of another generation. I don't see them often enough but I pray for their strength. And I miss them. That has been the hard truth that is sinking in this week after that first amazing class with YNSI.
As I work on support-raising and plan my departure I don't feel I'n "with" anyone. I am having to rlly lean on Jesus thru this time. My loneliness tells me that some part of me hasn't surrendered to the simple truth that He is more than enough.
I am grateful for the new partners gained over the last week.
Every single one is someone I made disciples WITH over the last decade. They are family and friend all wrapped in one.
Pray we would be fully funded and that more people would catch this dream of disciplemaking abroad.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Fri-Mon 9.10-9.13 WHEW!

Fri-Mon 9.10-9.13 WHEW!
In just four short day I took the funniest car ride this decade and developed Stockholm syndrome from the girl who kidnapped me to get me to a free viewing of kings of Leon in Charlotte. I came back to immediately head at 4 am to a dog-sitting engagement. I had already been up late the nite before hangin with my buddy AC. I tried to rest Saturday but ended up workin on fundraising calls and emails as well as hangin a bit with some adopted family Saturday nite. I finished 8 hrs or work reports over the weekend and read 2.5 books.
Sermon #2 yesterday in the EXPEDITION left me maudlin. I see the Bride of Christ becoming more what she should be HERE and I want to be a part of it but I am convinced to my core that my future in in France helping birth generations of young and mature spiritual followers of Christ who can do the same.

Then before Sunrise:30 I was at YOUR NEXT STEPS INSTITUTE 6-8 am, yes A.M.!
And I have been wrecked the rest of the day. Wrecked because I know my purpose is clearly to disciple here and abroad. I was a little sad because I wish I had more spiritual fathers referred to in class today. I have lots of Brothers and Sisters and children whom I have labored with or taught but not many who have decisively built into me.
Doug Dorman calls us spiritual orphans who have kinda reached young adulthood or maturity by piecing together Sunday teaching and books and podcasts and some life-to-life journeying, but not enough. BUT he says people disciple those who are like them or in whom they see a hunger. So I'm prayin to be hungry and then filled in an endlessly growing cycle.
There's a passage in Acts where two disciples are discussing the Scriptures, a man appears and begins to unfold for them the Truth of the Word so clearly from Genesis onward, so clearly that after He reveals that "He" is Jesus they are say something like...well, duh!
What they said was "Did NOT our hearts BURN within us..."
In essence I hear..."we should have known because of the intense burning spiritual agreement His clear teaching caused IN US."


Now I'm not calling Doug Dorman Jesus...BUT..today He unfolded the clearest and most compelling summary of the Mission of the church and what Jesus called us to do in Making DiscipleMAKERS!

I'll post a video here tonite but just pray that the stirring in me would result in much more FRUIT that lasts! The fruit people who can disciple other people!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Thu 9.9 SORROWS

Thu 9.9 SORROWS Rm 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Today is simple and it's not about me. It is directed mainly at my CUMC family. Kelly Treadaway is mourning the loss of her 34 year old husband Ben. The funeral is tomorrow at Union UMC at 4 PM. Let's surround this family not only with our prayers but with out presence and meals, cards and some thoughtful offerings like a playdate with peers his age for their son Joey, Gift of a 4hrs of housework for Kelly, yard work or things for the baby due in January. Let's be the church in action. Jesus with skin on.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Wed 9.8 THANX

Wed 9.8 THANX
Rm 14:11-12
It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
If we don't go to the people who haven't heard we will be held responsible. Held accountable. I'm glad someone loved Jesus and me enough to tell me about Him! I think the where is less important than just resolving to share and then taking action.
For me tho the call is to a forgotten and somewhat surprising mission field. A distressingly small number of the world's missionaries go to Europe whose flame is burning low. The gospel is relatively unknown. And so are Christ-followers. Thanx Flint Ridge Baptist Church for sharing Christ with me!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Tue 9.7 France!

Tue 9.7 France!
After His resurrection Jesus gave a commandment that is the road map for evangelism, literally. We evangelize because we want God to be loved and glorified. Where we do this is a result of this commandment. Were it not for this commandment I wonder if any churches would reach to the "uttermost ends of the Earth" to make Him known?

Mt 28:18-20 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."
When Jesus got my attention about making disciples in nations where He is not well known I immediately knew He was calling me to France because of my love for the people and desire for them to be saved.
1 Th 2:8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
2 Tim 2:1-2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
I knew God was calling me to stay long term because of these verses. You can build a whole house in a Third World country or make even hundreds of converts, all in JUST A Week but you can't build a disciple in just a week. That takes time and nurture.

My target departure date for training and then the field is February 2nd 2011. I am aiming at being fully funded by the end of the year so that I can focus on preparing for the training but I will work right up to that date if necessary.

This is one of many opportunities to get involved.
I suggest signing up to let the gift be deducted automatically by EFT(electronic funds transfer)
If you'd rather do snail mail let me know and I'll get you a reply device.
Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Sun 9.5 TODAY!

Sun 9.5 TODAY!
Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster
Rm 13:8-14 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," & whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Sounds like today is the day huh? I have had an exciting weekend. New partners and a sermon that could be a road map for how to get to France. It's like Jeff was reading my journal and the deepest desires of my heart that have never been expressed aloud. It is so exciting and yet bittersweet to see our church going some places that I will not be here to see and participate in but I know that what He has in store for France will be just as exciting. So TODAY I am just grateful for my CUMC family, really I can just say my family because by action there are so many in our particular body of Christ who show me Christ every day by their love and care for me.

As always I'll close with how you can help me and the team from UWM create an experience like our CUMC family for French people who don't even know yet what they're missing!

No matter how small....don't worry, every dollar per MONTH gets me closer!
I suggest signing up to let the gift be deducted automatically by EFT(electronic funds transfer)
If you'd rather do snail mail let me know and I'll get you a reply device.
Here's the easiest way.
1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW
(bottom middle block (Donate Online / Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Sat 9.4 TOGETHER

Sat 9.4 TOGETHER
Rm 12:9-16
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.

A dear friend I admire, trust and respect has made this TOGETHERness the foundation for her work in ministry and it's already bearing fruit.

Best Friends-Dog & Elephant CBS Evening News. 2009-01-02)
This video shows the loyalty, faithfulness, devotion, friendship and care that it requires to really show we are His disciples, not just by loving each other but by loving all in His name.
I'm praying my heart and actions , and yours, reflect His love as deeply as this testimony does!

1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW (bottom middle block (Donate Online Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Friday, September 3, 2010

Fri 9.3 SAY

Fri 9.3 SAY
Mt 16:13-18 Jesus...asked his disciples,“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others,
Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,
for this was not revealed to you by man,
but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

This song by Jason Estridge perfectly positions us to answer the same question.
Who is Jesus to you?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Thu 9.2 EVERYONE

Thu 9.2 EveryONE
Rm 10:13-15
For "Everyone who calls on the name of the L ord will be saved." But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"
Today I am just moved to ask u to pray for some folks who are already in the field bringing reality to the dream that everyone hear the Gospel.
Jason&Rachel Capp-Japan
Keri&Joel-Czech Republic
Patrick&Kelly-Turkey
The Furrs+The Kims-France
I'm also Humbly askin u to pray and help THIS man join them. Here's how:
1-Go to www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW (bottom middle block (Donate Online Invest Globally),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Wed 9.1 RISE

Wed 9.1 RISE
I Will RISE
Romans 5:5-9
Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands.
But faith's way of getting right with God says...,
"The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart."
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God RAISED Him from the dead,
you will be saved.
(and will Rise/be raised with Him!)
Prayin for the many who haven't heard to hear and have the opportunity to KNOW Jesus and rise with Him at the beginning of Life-After-Death-Eternity!

1-Go To www.uwm.org (United World Mission)
2-Click DONATE NOW (bottom middle block (Donate Online Invest Globally)),
3-Click NEW DONORS (unless you've given before),
4-You'll be asked to create an account where you can make a one-time OR recurring donation.
5-In comments section put Ricardo L. Walker 31348