In Ministry: As we write this we are preparing to make an online (secure) connection with one of our staff members in a closed country. This young woman grew up in a remote village, got a temporary work permit for the U.S., ended up with a Christian family who encouraged her to develop her faith and even go to seminary. She has now returned to her homeland because of the huge need to train church leaders there. We are currently arranging partnerships to allow us to have maximum impact in this needy area.
Our national staff are some of the bravest people I know, whether it is staring down ISIS or waking up every morning to a loudspeaker that proclaims anti-Christian messages in the most oppressed cultures. I admire their courage and dedication to spread the Good News fearlessly to people who all their lives have heard Christianity linked to the very worst aspects of Western culture.
Nancy continues her work with Entrust’s “state of the art” women’s leadership training. She loves the way this ministry equips women to use their gifting as leaders within their churches and communities and to multiply passionately as disciple makers around the globe.
In our April prayer letter, we announced a new staff couple, Mark and Kim Huffman (pictured above with other training graduates giving David a hard time). David is grateful to mentor Mark, who is confidently assuming his responsibilities as COO. Mark and Kim are a tremendous gift to us. We thank the Lord for their enthusiasm and many contributions these first months. Kim serves with Nancy on the Women to Women Ministry leadership team.
Thank you for praying for the requests we sent in April—we saw God work in so many ways at the All-Staff Conference, energizing and inspiring us to strategize on how to “set the table.” “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27) As we wrote then, we introduced 20 new Entrust staff and we continue to see God growing our staff to accomplish the ministry expansion of Entrust.
Some exciting things are happening. At this moment, some of our staff are beginning a series of workshops with seminary professors (also in a country unnamed for security purposes). Our staff is training them how to bring the “ivory tower” of seminary training down to the “street level.” In that country, the clear majority of church leaders do not even have the equivalent of a high school education. In a country with virtually no middle class, some argue that a seminary education actually makes pastors less able to communicate and relate to their congregations. Really, we need all levels of training, but sometimes the greatest needs are in the practical training for the evangelists and church planters who comprise most of the church leaders in some countries. One of Entrust’s values is making our training accessible so leaders can immediately put it into practice.
For those of you in the Chicago area, we want to let you know we are coming to town for the Global Leadership Summit at the Willow Creek North Shore location and will be in town almost two weeks, August 9-23. We know you are busy, the school year is launching and you may be taking some vacation time about then, but we will be available to get together with you. Perhaps some informal gatherings, grab some coffee, whatever works for you! We look forward to seeing you! We want to hear how God is working in your lives, share updates from our ministry, and pray together … please call, text or email us to set up a time to get together!
Our gratitude and love to you for your friendship… we look forward to seeing you soon!
David and Nancy
P.S. - Infinity . . . that is the accurate measure of life, not the proverbial three score and ten we commonly think of. We've just returned from two unexpected trips – two deaths in our families within a week’s time. First to D.C., to celebrate the life of Nancy’s older brother and then to Dallas to honor the life of our 35 year old niece, daughter of David’s younger brother. Both lived their lives for Jesus, sharing the hope of the gospel. We are reminded life is about forever and the real meaning of our time walking this earth is to prepare us for that. Time is short and the Good News is infinitely important for the lives you help us reach all around the world . . . as well as for you and your friends and family.
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Entrust
PO Box 25520
Colorado Springs, CO 80936-5520
Enclose a note: "For David & Nancy Goodman, M125"
