Yesterday we celebrated Independence Day, and it stirred a lot of thoughts in my mind about freedom. I’m grateful to have a US passport. I’ve seen many other nations and count it a blessing that the Lord chose to plant me here, on this soil, in this time. I recognize that being born here grants me rights and privileges that many do not enjoy.
But if you’re a Christian, your greatest freedom is in Christ. Period. And that’s a big part of what motivates our family’s ministry; bringing the Good News to unreached people invites them into that freedom for eternity!
I’ve been ruminating on this largely because of some changes that have been brewing. After a decade and a half with TGM, we have decided to join the staff at Global Training Network. We have been in prayer for some time that the Lord would provide a wider variety of resources for our work both domestically and internationally. Over the past 18 months, we have seen a surge in the call for trainings in unreached areas, as well as for discipleship materials and information in areas where the Christian faith has taken root and is growing. GTN offers us that larger resource base, wider reach in terms of training, and continued administrative support.
If you’ve read this blog for very long, you know that we feel strongly about a missions model that keeps new believers continually multiplying in their own areas and preaching in their own tongue. We come alongside Christians in persecuted countries and assist as their evangelize their own people. You also know that we shy away from most of the large traditional agencies because of the overhead admin fees, set support levels, and cumbersome structure. GTN is a front runner in training, equipping, and discipling pastors, church planters, and believers with a heart for evangelism within a low-cost, high impact model. We are humbled to be part of their work, and feel blessed to roll our projects under their umbrella.
How can you be a part of this work? Easy! First and foremost, please pray for the trainings and outreaches that GTN will be a part of thought 2019 and into 2020. If you aren’t already following our page, Schwarzen Family, pop over and hit like to stay informed of what’s coming up for our family’s ministry focus specifically.
Second, I invite you to please pray about partnering with us financially. So many people feel they must commit to $100 or $50 per month. Breathe. Consider $15— and watch the Lord use that money to bless men and women held captive by the bonds of belief systems that trap them in a circle of futile appeasement and fruitless worship be set free! There is no amount that’s too small or too insignificant. Remember those loaves and fishes, friends!
As many are quick to point out, freedom isn’t free. Someone paid the price for the rights and privileges we enjoy as American citizens. As much as I wish it weren’t so, preaching the Gospel to all nations isn’t free, either. We depend on fellow believers responding to the call of the Holy Spirit to partner with us in reaching the unreached. My family is excited to step into a new era of our ministry with Global Training Network. If you feel led to join us in bringing the freedom of Christ to those around the globe held captive by false religion, we would love to hear from you.