[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
written\u00a0<\/span>by Jimmy Newkirk,<\/strong> Associate Pastor<\/em> (February 5, 2023)<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image title_text=”20230201SendingCelebration0830web” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” src=”https:\/\/coatsbaptist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/20230201SendingCelebration0830web.jpg” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n William Carey is considered by many to be the father of the modern missions movement. As he prepared to devote his life to the mission field in India, he told his friend, Andrew Fuller, “I will go down \u2026 if you will hold the ropes”.<\/span><\/p>\n What does it mean to hold the ropes? It means caring for those on mission and building a missions culture that continues to send.<\/span><\/p>\n We have all been called. Carey’s life exemplified his mantra, “attempt great things for God; expect great things from God”. This philosophy of ministry was taken from Isaiah 54:2-3, anticipating God’s future glory for His people and their work.<\/span><\/p>\n On February 1, Bradley and Ember Wilkie were officially approved by the International Mission Board (IMB) as missionaries to the People of the Americas in Mexico. Fifty people, representing the Coats Baptist family, were present for the celebration. (Read the IMB article HERE!)<\/a> The Wilkies will be serving as logistics coordinators in Puebla following the completion of language school. In this capacity, they will support other missionaries during times of need and transition. As missionaries themselves, they will help hold the ropes for others on mission. But this role may also allow them the opportunity to have a limited, but ongoing engagement with the Nahuatl people of San Isidro\/Canoa to whom our Church has already begun ministering. God continues to work and open doors for these unreached people!<\/span><\/p>\n This is a time of exciting, but difficult transition for the entire Wilkie family. This transition is not just for Bradley and Ember as they vocationally immerse themselves into God’s work. Also in transition – their parents, their children, their extended family, their friends, and their church, Coats Baptist.<\/span><\/p>\n So, what does that mean for us at Coats Baptist? How do we hold the rope?<\/span><\/p>\n At a minimum, holding the rope to support the Wilkies looks like:<\/span><\/p>\n Praying can and should be specific when possible. We will keep you informed of specific prayer requests, but some requests have already been made known: Pray for them to learn the language. Pray for friends and gospel connections, especially for their children. And, pray for the transition especially as they separate from their extended family. Prayer is not preparation for ministry. It is the ministry. Keep prayer for missions as a priority.<\/span><\/p>\n We should certainly pray independently with God, but we must also encourage others to join in prayer. Pray for missions. Pray for missionaries. Pray for hearts to be prepared to receive and be transformed by the gospel.<\/span><\/p>\n The Wilkies will need letters of encouragement. We will provide an address when available. We will also make known any specific needs and prayer requests. Make notes of affirmation and comfort a matter of routine.<\/span><\/p>\n A simple package to demonstrate your love and care will do much to brighten their day and remind them of your support.<\/span><\/p>\n When we are able to receive updates, pay attention to what is being communicated. Hear their heart and as well as their need.<\/span><\/p>\n We will try to coordinate opportunities to be of direct support to the Wilkies. Of course, there will be times and manners in which visits would be best suited to be of support and not a burden. Time will tell how that can best take place.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Holding the rope also means:<\/span><\/p>\n We need to be about the business of discipleship – multiplying and mobilizing those called according to His purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n Your offerings provide funds to support local discipleship efforts preparing the hearts and minds of future missionaries. By giving to CBC<\/a>, you also support the Cooperative Program which in turn supports the IMB, missionaries, seminaries to train missionaries and pastors, and much more.<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/h6>\n
PRAYING<\/span><\/h6>\n
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INVITING OTHERS TO PRAY<\/span><\/h6>\n
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COMMUNICATING OFTEN<\/span><\/h6>\n
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CARE PACKAGES<\/span><\/h6>\n
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LISTENING<\/span><\/h6>\n
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VISITING THE FIELD<\/span><\/h6>\n
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PREPARING AND TRAINING OTHERS<\/span><\/h6>\n
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GIVING FINANCIALLY TO CBC<\/span><\/h6>\n
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GIVING TO THE LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING<\/span><\/h6>\n