Transform Indiana... What's the latest?

Future Meeting Info

2010-08-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

[See the post & link below...]

TransformIndiana.org... the collaborative wiki knowledge-base

2008-02-21T04:21:00.000-08:00

Over time, we've found ourselves tending toward using the Transform Indiana (.org) wiki-page more & more to collaboratively plan & build our goals, our timeline and meeting content.

It's free. It's easy. It's collaborative -- all our driven Christians around the state are welcome to help EDIT information there, to expedite our ability to coordinate/act as a statewide team... comprised of existing city-networks.

So we'll largely be letting this blog-site just sit here as a referral-point... directing active traffic to... TransformIndiana.org.

Next meeting... Nov. 16th... Learning from CCDA

2007-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

We will plan to meet on Friday (not our usual Thursday), November 16 at Brookside Church, 1035 N. Olney St., at 12 noon (til 2:00 pm). Aaron Shelby will be our host.

While we always pray & plan together, the special topic will be feedback & discussion re CCDA St. Louis 2007. And how to translate what we've learned into greater local action in the name of Christ.

And as always, the lunchtime event serves to CONNECT the driven Christian leaders in the city. Come get to know people you'd really like to get to know.

"Connect great hearts & minds... they'll know what to do."

Everyone welcome. But it's 'BYOL'... so stop by McD's on the way.

Aug. 16 -- Faith Hope & Love Week Report

2007-08-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

The 'Transform Indiana' ministry networking strategy is to connect great hearts & hands -- they'll know what to do. Lay a well-connected, Bible-believing set of communications tracks, and any collaborative ministry initiative can then benefit from such a growing network....

..."to change lives & communities".

Well now it's time to see if that truly works. Come hear Merlin Gonzales' presentation following the recent "Faith Hope & Love Week" in Indianapolis.

Merlin Gonzales at FHL Prayer Rally

And also hear from FHL's recent venture in Columbia.

This Transform Indiana noon meeting will rotate to Crossroads Bible College... 601 N. Shortridge Rd (map). Everyone is welcome. No cost. But remember... this is a 'serious lunch bunch' -- it's BYOL. **smile** [Drinks will be provided.]

Come be a part of this collaborative network to expedite the Great Commission in our city & state, on our watch.

No cost. High impact.

******************

Bonus: 'Crime Fighter of the Year'... Professor Walt Willett will be with us on the 16th. Walt was honored recently as 'Crime Fighter of the Year' in Indianapolis Police Dept's Southeast District. [link to news story and related links]. Walt will be available to share a little about his approach to neighborhood-focused ministry. So come join us and bring your questions.... and your brown-bag lunch.

Ft. Wayne Wiki...

2007-04-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today's new collaborative tool for working & learning together.... is a 'wiki'.

It's the Hawaiin term for 'quick'. They're quick, easy and FREE -- a perfect tool for learning about collaborative Christian efforts, city-by-city, neighborhood-by-neighborhood.

Today, Fort Wayne chimes in...

Thanks Jon & Adam for helping grow the Fort Wayne Christian Wiki.

Ft. Wayne... "Look Busy"

2007-04-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

It's always good to hear from some of our Ft. Wayne cityreaching friends. This video comes from perhaps the most innovative Christian in Ft. Wayne (any challengers? LOL)... Jon Swanson.

Upcoming TI meeting at Zion Unity... 4/19...

2007-04-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

The next lunchtime meeting of Transform Indiana ministry networkers will be April 19th... NOON til 2pm.

The hosting pastor this month will be Reverend Fredrick Boyd, Jr., of Zion Unity Missionary Baptist Church... 3859 E 10th Street, directly across from the Dairy Queen.

[So you know where to go, to 'BYOL', right? **smile**]

Pastor Boyd is also leading the Creation Evidence Crusade initiative for the Fall.

Connect with the various Eastside collaborating churches & ministries... and other driven Christians from all over the metro area.

Our TI meetings are always a great opportunity to come get to know people NOT like yourself, pray together and see what God might be leading us all to do as a result. Hear more and ask your questions on the 19th.

See you there.

TI's Lunchtime Meeting... March 15th...

2007-02-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

Pastor Chet Berry

Our next lunchtime meeting of the Transform Indiana ministry networking initiative will be Thursday, March 15th.

The meeting rotates to Hope Church (CMA), 2500 E. 98th Street, Carmel (map-link), where Pastor Chet Berry is connecting pastors together for the sake of reaching 'every man, woman and child' in the community... with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

It's BYOL as normal. So stop by McD's/Arby's, etc.... and come listen in. Meet pastors, leaders and other driven Christians who are collaborating to accelerate the Great Commission here in the metro area in 2007.

Questions? Email Eldon Kibbey, statewide moderator.

TI Pix at the Cafe

2007-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here are just some pix from the annual Timeline Planning Meeting for 2007, sponsored by Transform Indiana ministry networking initiative, hosted at the Unleavened Bread Cafe.

[Visit Flickr.com to see the ongoing set of 'ubcafe' photos]

Stay up with the latest... Visit UBcafe.com.

Meet, Greet and Eat... in Muncie.

2007-01-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

Appx 20 pastors/leaders gathered in Muncie from around (the northern half of) Indiana, to meet/greet/eat, to pray together, and to consider a statewide 'prayer summit' for Fall 2007. Steve Freeman and Chris Batz served as the key conveners.

Further details (and get to know many of these folks better) 'inside' CrossroadsConnection.com.

If you're a pastor, leader or other driven Christian here in the Hoosier state and would like to be involved in the statewide movement to 'change lives & communities'... drop us a line -- we'd like to stay in touch.

Transform Indiana joins RSI for lunch.. Jan. 16th

2007-01-08T05:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our recent "2007 Timeline Planning Meeting", we've worked out some great ways to avoid 'meeting collisions'. In fact, we're specifically joining a couple of meetings together ... on Tuesday, January 16th.

Our normal Transforn Indiana ministry-networking meeting will join the RSI (Reformation Society of Indiana) luncheon... as it rotates to Shepherd Community this month.

[Click here for more luncheon-meeting details.]

Btw, take note... Shepherd Community Center has now moved to their new facilities at 4107 E. Washington (map). [Notice now at this wikimapia.org link, you can geographically LABEL & WRITE-ABOUT your ministry... connect 'em to your website, etc -- cool ! For instance, click on the Shepherd Center item on the map -- not Shepherd Church located on the same property. In this case it's handy because you can see how to navigate to where we're meeting.]

For those who come early, we'll enjoy a brief tour of the new facility at Shepherd before the scheduled noon start.

Annual Timeline Planning Meeting... Dec. 19th

2006-11-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Bible-believing ministry leaders around the city (& state)...

Tuesday, December 19th... (Noon) will be the Annual Timeline Planning Meeting, sponsored by the Transform Indiana ministry network of networks.

We'll be providing a luncheon at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central Ave, map-link). RSVP required... ekibbey@cbmc.com . [Donation at the door, $10.00] ... [It's a great cause -- all proceeds will go to the inner-city cafe ministry.]

The purpose is to intentionally pray together, and then plan/pursue a well-coordinated timeline of key events involved in the Great Commission here in our city/cities... for the upcoming year(s) ahead.

This calls for increasing commitment to our common mission and to its accomplishment TOGETHER in some practical ways.

Prerequisites getting your ministry's key events onto the timeline...

Bring a handout -- a calendar detailing key events (2007 and beyond)
Preferably... email it to Eldon Kibbey in advance -- we'd like to prepare a tentative draft of a consolidated timeline, in time for our meeting that day.

Also... we're anxious for this annual planning session to help take us to a new level. To do that, we recognize a need for greater commitment to organizing and coordinating our efforts of faith. So please also...

Bring a list of your primary goals for 2007 (personal or ministry)
Mention any particular city/state goal you'd like to see accomplished TOGETHER.
Be prepared to say what your level of collaborative commitment will be for 2007.

Example: "I will actively participate in our 12 monthly networking events. And I will specifically help with my area's "Faith Hope & Love" events."

Or: "I will commit 10% of my ministry time to collaborative city ministry together. That will include attending 12 monthly planning meetings and 12 monthly networking events. I specifically will help network prayer warriors throughout the city."

Please RSVP asap to Eldon Kibbey... ekibbey@cbmc.com

And as you prepare the above handout(s), you would be very welcome to send them to Eldon in advance.

TI meeting... at Pastors Seminary... Oct 17th

2006-09-29T14:17:00.000-07:00

The October 17th lunchtime meeting for ministry networking will rotate to the 'Pastors Seminary'... on the campus of Heartland Church in Fishers. [map link]

As always it's 'BYOL' (stop by a nearby fast-food location and Bring Your Own Lunch).

Come join us -- meet other driven, Bible-believing Christians who are anxious to accelerate the Great Commission, by connecting ministries & individuals together, to collaborate in the one name of Christ.

Noon til 2pm -- Everyone welcome!

[Visit PastorsSeminary.com]

Indiana 'BlewsWire'

2006-09-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

The 50-state Blews.Network has now developed a 'BlewWire' feed available for Christian sites.

According to the site, "BlewsWire is being built to help accelerate the Great Commission, by expediting communications among the well-connected, driven Christians who are anxious to reach our communities for Christ."

[The Indiana BlewsWire feed can be seen here in our RH column.]

Get involved in this initiative?

Serve as an 'embedded reporter' in your city, state or community...

Get your stories, articles, blog-posts, photos and videos seen via the BlewsWire !

[continued]

Fort Wayne to be featured in upcoming call... Sept. 26th

2006-09-12T05:24:00.000-07:00

Mission America Coalition's upcoming "Featured Cities" national conference call (Sept. 26th) will be specially targeting Fort Wayne, Indiana.

National call-hosts Phil Miglioratti (National Pastors Prayer Network) and Dennis Fuqua (Prayer Summits) welcome pastors & other driven Christians from across the country to listen-in, ask questions and learn what they can to benefit their city-reaching movement.

[Call details at PrayerSummits.net]

For more information regarding Mission America Coalition's City-Reaching initiatives across the country, visit CityReaching.com.

For more information regarding the state's network of city-reaching networks... visit TransformIndiana.com.

Special Thanks...

2006-09-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

[Also see related article at Ft. Wayne Christians site.]

We wanted to specially acknowledge and thank Pastor Otha Aden (Southern Heights Baptist Church, Ft. Wayne) for bringing his friend, Dr. John Perkins and sharing him with the Ft. Wayne community this weekend.

Dr. Perkins, founder of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA), and honorary co-chairman of Mission America Coalition, spoke to college students during a chapel time at Taylor FW, before speaking at the luncheon for pastors & leaders hosted on the campus. Afterward, he participated in a special a dialog time with the Indianapolis pastors, professors, & other leaders who traveled to Ft. Wayne as a part of the Transform Indiana ministry networking initiative. Their trip was sponsored by Crossroads Bible College, in Indianapolis.

Also we're greatly appreciative of Dean Ron Sloan, Academic Dean at Taylor University Ft. Wayne for expediting and hosting today's events.

[Subsequent note of thanks... to Love In Deed blog for journaling some notes from the luncheon. And visit LoveInDeed's main site.]

Eat lunch with Dr. Perkins in Ft. Wayne... Sept.8th

2006-08-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

[per Bott Radio Network announcements]

Dr. John Perkins, Founder, CCDA

Guest Lecture Series Luncheon 2006-07

[continued at Ft. Wayne Christians networking site]

[Wanna catch a ride from Indy or along the way? Email us.]

Welcome aboard... Louisville !

2006-08-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest online-addition to our neighboring Kentucky connecting site.

August 22nd Meeting... at WGNR

2006-08-15T06:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings...

Transform Indiana will meet in Anderson, IN, for our August meeting, on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006. Our hosts will be WGNR Radio, and Man for Man Ministries. We will have a salad lunch for a cost of "~$6.00."

We will continue our "Breaking out of the Jail Cycle" theme with a presentation by:

Bob Blume, leader of Man for Man Ministries, on the topic, "From Incarceration to Re-entry."

Ray Hashley, Station Manager, WGNR 97.9 FM / AM 1470, well welcome us to his Moody Broadcasting Networkfacility at 1920 W. 53rd Street, Anderson IN 46013 (map-link) (765 642-2750)

*******************

Subsequent Note: We'll also have reps from the Muncie Citywide Church network as well ! So there'll be a whole lot of connectin' going on. Join us.

Special TI Meeting Monday, July 10th...

2006-07-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

[received via email...]

"Greetings... I know this is short notice, but we have a rare privilege to hear from an ardent servant of God, ministering in the field of prison ministry.

Lacides Hernandez is currently the president of Prison Fellowship, Colombia, and he serves as regional coordinator of the Every Community for Christ church planting teams in a variety of prisons in Colombia. See [below] for more info.

We will meet with him at OMS International, 941 Fry Rd Greenwood (map) Monday, July 10, 12noon - 2:00pm. As is our practice, it will be BYOL (Bring your own Lunch).

Hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Eldon

*********************************

"Recently, Lácides Hernandez, board chairperson of PF Colombia, participated in a meeting between representatives of the Colombian government and the guerrilla group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) in Havana, Cuba. The purpose of this meeting was to develop an agenda for a peace process..."

Read: "Working for Peace in Columbia"

***** per bio received via email *****

Lacides Hernandez is currently the president of Prison Fellowship, Colombia, and he serves as regional coordinator of the Every Community for Christ church planting teams in a variety of prisons in Colombia. He is a graduate in Theology from the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, and has currently completed all residency requirements for a Masters of Business Administration at the Bolivarian Pontificial University in Medellin. His thesis for the Masters is “Restorative Justice: Its Systematization, Theorization, Implementation, and Application in the Colombian Context.”

Lacides is married to Libia, and together they have three children. He is a member and elder of the Villaflora Christian Fellowship Church of Colombia. He has received training in leadership from Prison Fellowship, and has studied and taught both the Sycamore Project and Restorative Justice modules in several countries in Latin America. He frequently travels for Prison Fellowship to both teach and motivate other Prison Fellowships in Latin America.

The vision that Lacides has for Prison Fellowship, Colombia is to plant a church in every cell block in every prison in Colombia. These 2,800 “cell churches” will have an average of 30 persons each. He further envisions each cell church planting one other “house church” outside of prison each year. The serious study of God’s word, leadership training, worship, fellowship, celebration of the Lord’s Supper, evangelism, discipleship, baptism, pastoral care, and multiplication of other house churches will characterize all of these churches. Already, churches are multiplying in some 20 of Colombia’s 149 prisons.

Lacides has been involved in leading seminars on Restorative Justice for several years. In this capacity, he directs small groups consisting of victims and perpetrators of non-related crimes. The perpetrators share those elements that drove them to commit the crimes. The victims share the results and impact of the crimes. The group is lead through Bible studies and interactive discussions on forgiveness, restitution, and reconciliation. God has used these small groups to break the cycle of violence among its participants.

Gov. Daniels: "Faith, Hope & Love" Day

2006-06-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis, IN. – June 14, 2006 – Faith, Hope and Love, an organization building communities, today announced that it has received a proclamation from Governor Mitch Daniels declaring July 29, 2006 as Faith, Hope and Love Day throughout the entire state of Indiana.

“This is indeed a great honor,” said Merlin Gonzales, Founder and Director of FHL. “Last year we were honored to have July 30 declared Faith, Hope and Love Day by Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson. It has been our prayer that FHL would grow beyond the borders of Indianapolis, Indiana, and the United States of America. Knowing the Governor has seen the importance of FHL Week, and because of his declaration for the entire state of Indiana, we are well on our way to changing the world… in our own community.”

The proclamation declares that “the vision is to build communities of faith, hope and love through active participation in improving neighborhoods and by helping those in need.” It also notes that the event brings together churches, government entities and other organizations in the State of Indiana to “bridge the social, economic and spiritual gaps in our community.”

FHL Week will provide daily events such as serving public servants, providing for community restoration, and youth driven outreach as well as opportunities for visitation of the elderly and orphaned. The week-long event will culminate in a party at Conseco Fieldhouse prior to the WNBA Indiana Fever basketball game on July 29 with the FHL Festival. Everyone will enjoy carnival games, food, free t-shirts, music, and can help once again by contributing to the Toiletry Drive, an effort to provide for basic necessities for the children of Indianapolis.

To schedule an interview or to learn more details about Faith, Hope and Love Week or the FHL Festival, please contact Theresia Whitfield at 317-847-3659. More details are available at http://www.fhlcommunity.org/. Together, we can change the world in your own community.

###

Contact:
Theresia Whitfield
Fletcher Communications
317-847-3659
twhitfield@fletchercomm.com
http://www.fletchercomm.com/

Amy Sherman: "Partners in Transformation"

2006-05-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Event Date: June 22nd

Sagamore Institute Senior Fellow Amy Sherman leads an Ideas in Indiana luncheon focused on faith-based and community initiatives. The program is co-sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Considerable attention has been given to the role faith-based organizations (FBOs) are playing in providing social services to America’s needy families. Little known and little publicized, though, are the creative collaborations FBOs are making with public actors—schools, police departments, juvenile courts, local government officials, secular philanthropies—and how these collaborations are transforming the social sector’s landscape.

Sherman has been investigating these innovative “multi-sector” collaborations for the past three years through her work with the Faith and Service Technical Education Network. Since 2004, she has also overseen the Partners in Transformation Awards Program, which has identified and rewarded FBOs for particularly effective and creative partnerships.

This luncheon symposium will include the formal awards ceremony for the winners of the 2006 Partners in Transformation competition...

[continued at Sagamore Institute]

Clark County chimes in...

2006-04-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

A comment from one of our surfers in Clark County...

"Exciting things are happening in the sleepy little town of Borden in Clark County, Indiana. We are praying for unity among the local congregations and we believe that God is moving more and more people to pray for our community. I am excited to see the Transform Indiana site and want to try to find others in Clark and Washington County that will join in prayer for our part of the state."

State agency initiates network of chaplains

2006-04-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a story we'll want to follow for sure...

[continued at IndyChristian.com]

Say... What time is it in Indiana now?

2006-04-10T03:40:00.000-07:00

After 30 years of wrangling over daylight-saving time and finally jumping aboard world-time, now the only remaining question is... Which counties are in which general time-zone?

Here's the map. Memorize & enjoy.
[And we've added it to the sidebar for your convenience.]

Muncie Alliance... the coffeehouse church

2006-04-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

link to MuncieAlliance.org.

Met Chris Batz at Cedar Rapids.... from Muncie... a friend of Scott Truex, and George Saunders.

Terry White's blog... from Winona Lake

2006-04-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

hat-tip... Gary Austin... whom I met at Cedar Rapids... "City Impact Roundtable".

Terry White is a friend of Gary's... and editor and CEO of the publishing arm of Grace Brethren church...

[continued]

Governor's Conference: "Be The Solution"

2006-03-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

In two weeks, the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, on behalf of Governor Mitch Daniels, will host the 2006 Governor’s Conference on Service and Volunteerism! Join hundreds of other Hoosiers at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown on April 10 & 11 for this special event. Whether you volunteer through your church, a civic organization or a national service program, this conference is for you -- 89 different seminars allow you to customize your conference experience, and come away with the information you need.

Unsure what the law says about interaction between faith-based organizations and government? Professor Robert Tuttle from the George Washington University School of Law will be covering the latest developments, in a format designed for faith-based organizations, not lawyers!

Interested in working with prisoners in Indiana? Join J. David Donahue, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Corrections, and his senior staff as they share their vision for the future of corrections in Indiana, and the role of faith.

Curious what funders look for in a good grant proposal? Join representatives from Indiana foundations (representing total assets of over $700 Million!) for an inside look at how grant makers operate.

The cost of the conference is $125, and includes breakfast and lunch both days. Student discounts are available. To register, or for more information, please visit http://www.ofbci.in.gov/ or call 317-233-4273.

In conjunction with the conference, Jim Towey, Director of the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, will provide the keynote at the Governor's Awards Dinner on Monday evening. Governor Daniels will honor volunteers who have served the state with commitment and excellence in an effort to make Indiana a better place to live. Six individuals will receive the 2006 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Service & Volunteerism. The Governor’s Award is intended to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations that contribute their time, talents, and resources to Indiana communities. Award categories include youth, faith-based, national service, community volunteerism, service learning, and lifetime achievement. Angela Cain of WTHR-Channel 13 will moderate the award presentations, which will take place at 5:30pm at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

Tickets for the Awards Dinner are not included in the conference registration. Tickets are $35 for those also registering for the conference, or $50 for the Awards Dinner only. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ofbci.in.gov/ or from The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, 302 W Washington, Room E012, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

David J. Liebel
Program Officer

Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Indiana Government Center South
302 W. Washington Street, Room E012
Indianapolis, IN 46204
T: 317-233-0902
F: 317-233-5660
E: dliebel@ofbci.IN.gov
http://www.ofbci.in.gov/

Help Indiana stay #1 in prayer coverage.

2006-03-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hello, Tom Walker here from The Indiana National Day of Prayer and the National Governors Prayer Team. As you know the National Day of Prayer will be taking place as always on the 1st Thursday in May (May, 4th 2006). Indiana has been blessed to have NDP event coordinators in all 92 of it counties two years in a row. This has never been accomplished in NDP history before and it has the attention of all the states now. They all are being asked to accomplish this same goal and with Gods help all 50 states will accomplished this assuming it is within Gods will.

Listed below are the 13 counties that we are unaware of prayer events taking place. There is a quick online form that folks can fill out to be Official NDP Task Force prayer event coordinators located HERE. And wouldn't it be great to come and meet with Shirley Dobson during here visit to Indianapolis September 7th as one of the team? There is plenty of helpful information available there to act as a guide to holding many different types of prayer events. There are leadership positions available in every county (city, town & event leaders).

If there are questions I may be reached at 317-286-1117 or tomwalker@ndp-in.org

Benton County (Fowler)
Franklin County (Brookville)
Jennings County (Vernon)
Martin County (Shoals)
Ohio County (Rising Sun)
Owen County (Spencer)
Parke County (Rockville)
Pike County (Petersburg)
Ripley County (Versailles)
Rush County (Rushville)
Starke County (Knox)
Steuben County (Angola)
Union County (Liberty)

Connecting people for Gods Holy purposes,

Rev. Thomas (Tom) C. Walker
President & State Chairman - Indiana National Day of Prayer
Founder & President - Governors Prayer Team
865 Country Walk Court
Brownsburg, Indiana 46112-1770
tomwalker@ndp-in.org
http://www.ndp-in.org/
http://www.governorsprayerteam.org/
http://www.oneaccordministry.org/
317-286-1117

Ken Anderson, filmmaker, dies at 88

2006-03-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

[hat-tip, Barry Bowen, ChristianHeadlines.com]

Here's an article on the passing of a Hoosier who has made a major difference in the world today...

In 1948 Ken Anderson and Bob Pierce (founder of World Vision) visited China and made the documentary China Challenge to encourage Christians to take the Gospel to China. Anderson founded Gospel Films in 1950 and Ken Anderson Films in 1961. During his lifetime, Ken Anderson was involved in the making of more than 200 films. His best known films include Pilgrim's Progress, Hudson Taylor, and Fanny Crosby. Ken Anderson died Sunday at 88 years old. [continued]

Homeschool Bloggers...

2006-03-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Looking for some more great folks to connect with, across the state? Check out HomeschoolBlogger.com's Hoosier connection.

[Thanks Sharra, for the links to IndyChristian & TransformIndiana! We'd welcome ANY of your driven Christian families to add a link to TransformIndiana.com... and their particular county. Help connect the dots.]

Local National Ministry set to appear on Harvest Show

2006-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Local National Ministry - the Governors' Prayer Team will be on the Harvest Show with there appearance set for Monday February 20th 9:00 am EST(also rebroadcast at 9 pm EST). Check here for a local station. Both Governors Prayer Team President Rev. Tom Walker & Executive Director Mr. David Jahnke will appear on the show that is slotted for Monday. "This is a great opportunity to share the GPT vision with world." Said Walker of the interview, "Folks will get a chance to experience fist hand a living breathing network of prayer that consists of independent Prayer Leaders from State to Neighborhood levels and a network of Intercessors that fill every gap in between.".

It seems they are fostering new independent prayer ministries all over the map and networking them with existing independent ministries allowing them to lift up all those in authority (1 Tim 2:2) including the various ministries involved in leadership and the intercessors themselves in on going local, regional and country wide concerts of prayer.

"We are weaving a blanket of prayer of the finest thread count but as for today it looks more like a net with some denser weaving in certain places but soon it will be finished to the glory of God." said Walker. If you wish to know more you can go to their websit www.governorsprayerteam.org or to join the team in Indiana click here

Mayors' Report: Prisoner Re-entry

2006-02-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

By the Center on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2005

"Urban mayors face numerous challenges, and one of them is the high number of prisoners that are released into their cities each year. The number typically ranges in the thousands. Without adequate support, many ex-offenders fail to reintegrate into mainstream society. And once they’re back behind bars, the cost to taxpayers is great.

So mayors in several major cities have reached out to the faith community to help. Congregations and faith-based nonprofits are working with prison and parole officials, and mayoral staff, in initiatives to match ex-offenders with supportive mentors, new job training opportunities, and programs to help them reunite with their family members. This 16-page report from the Mayors’ Faith Based Center highlights many creative ways public officials and faith leaders are crafting programs to help ex-offenders succeed."

[continued at FASTEN Network]

National Mentoring Month...

2006-01-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

[continued at MentorYouth.com]

Transforming Indiana... recruiting mentors.

2006-01-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

[Subsequent note... Learn about the new '1,000 Mentors' recruiting initiative growing out of all this.]

************************************************

"American children are more likely to be murdered, poor, pregnant, drug-dependent or incarcerated than the children of any other industrialized country."

[The following are notes taken during Tuesday's meeting of the Transform Indiana ministry networking meeting.]

Today's special speaker, is Dr. Virgil Gulker, Founder of Kids Hope, USA. He comes to us via our Transform Indiana connection in Grant County (Marion)... Jack Brady, a CBMC leader in the city, who also serves on the Advisory Commission for the Governor's Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives.

Some background on how/why we're here today...

Pastor James Carter... outreach director for our host church today, Oasis of Hope Baptist Church... updated everyone regarding our vision to help recruit 1,000 mentors among the various mentoring programs for the inner-city here in Indianapolis.

"Invest now, rather than pay later." The costs of losing these at-risk kids can be as high as $60,000 per year for kids dropping out of school, and almost certainly finding their way into jail."

Chip Neihdigh... also spoke of the early efforts to try to develop a pilot project... develop sustainability... learn lessons... and then scale up. This project is getting a favorable hearing in the IPS school system, which greatly encourages people who care, to get involved in these young lives.

There are lots of existing mentoring programs -- and too few mentors; so we're not out to reinvent the mentoring wheel... but rather, come alongside them and leverage our growing Christian network to FIND people who are willing to invest themselves in the lives of young people.

***************

Jack 'warmed us up' by sharing about Grant County's successful experience with Kids Hope, USA. They are now the first county in the country to tie a church to every single school in the area for the purpose of mentoring young students.

Dr. Gulker provided handouts and a power-point presentation, reviewing many of the key statistics reflecting the need, their solution, and how any church can get involved in this productive ministry.

Here's a well-written Christianity Today article about Kids Hope USA.

Ministries & Other Programs represented today:
Oasis of Hope Baptist Church (host)
Kids Hope, USA
Indiana Christian News
IndyChristian.com
Christian Businessmen of Indiana
Crossroads Bible College
TheHopeTeam
Church Federation
Child Evangelism Fellowship
Indiana Family Institute
Kids Games
Trusted Partners
Prison Fellowship
Indiana Wesleyan University
Choices
Common Ground
New Song Mission
Ken Johnson Ministries
Student Venture
Ministry Support Concepts

"Churches pray, pay and give stuff away -- but too seldom get personally involved to change lives."

We're talking one hour in-school, per week.

Fredrick Douglas quote: "It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

"Bad news is... we have ___ schools waiting on churches. The opportunity for the Church of Jesus Christ right now is at hand."

As you prayerfully consider how your church can get involved... go to the KidsHopeUSA.org site and fill out the contact form, requesting a DVD.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." [Matt 9:36--37)

**************************
Subsequent Note: We're now compiling great Tutor/Mentor Links at WhenYouNeedSomeone.com.

It's getting more official all the 'time'...

2006-01-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

[continued at IndyStar.com]

Clickable State-map Updated...

2006-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

TI meeting Tues noon, Jan.17th at Oasis of Hope

2006-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings

Our first Transform Indiana meeting of the New Year will be next Tuesday, January 17, from 12noon – 2pm at Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, 1701 East 25th Street. Their number is 317-925-6970, if you get lost.

Our focus will be on Mentoring Young People. We’ll bring you up to date on the 1000 Mentors program, and we will have, as our special guest speaker, the Founder of Kids Hope USA, Virgil Gulker. His bio is attached.

This quote is from a businessman who has been a KIDS HOPE USA mentor for 11 years:
“There are lots of people like me, Christians who want to make a difference in the life of a child. Give us a time and a place and we’ll be there.”

Lots and lots of Christian men and women want to love a child but they just don’t know how to make the connection. KIDS HOPE USA provides that connection.

Come next Tuesday to find out how you, or someone you know, can make a difference in the life of a child. Dr Perkins told us the answers to the problems that plague our communities are about the family. “Fix the family, and you fix a whole lot of problems.” Mentoring is one part of the family-fixing process.

As always, it’s BYOL... Bring Your Own Lunch!

Blessings

Eldon

Governors Prayer Team -- Indiana

2006-01-10T04:05:00.000-08:00

[Ed. Note: As the several statewide prayer teams increasingly get involved in the Transform Indiana ministry network of Bible-believing pastors, leaders and other innovative Christians accelerating the Great Commission throughout our state, we'll be featuring them here. Today, we're featuring the Governors Prayer Team for Indiana. The national director for GPT is Tom Walker, also a Hoosier, from Brownsburg Indiana.]

Hello, I am Nita Scoggan the State Prayer Leader for the Governors' Prayer Team. I urge you and look forward to joining together with you in praying for our leaders.
[continued at Governors Prayer Team - Indiana]

Annual 'City Impact Roundtable'... April 3-5, 2006

2005-12-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for April 3rd -- 5th. And start making your plans. We'd like to take a bus to go cash-in on this great opportunity while it's here in the Midwest. [Let us know if you'd like to be included.]

Here are some notes from 2005.

[I attended in NYC, and another one since then -- it's an awesome time of prayer, praise and planning together with other city reaching type pastors & leaders from across the country. Sponsored by Mission America Coalition.]

Study: Faith affects inmate behavior...

2005-12-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

Religion can reduce the incidence of anti-social behavior in prison, an independent study of Mississippi inmates concludes, making faith-based programs an attractive alternative to expensive correctional treatment... [continued at Washington Times]

[See a previous post regarding the Operation Starting Line mentioned in the article.]

TI Meeting... Dec.13th... at UBC

2005-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for Dec. 13th, and stay tuned for more details about the upcoming lunch-time ministry-networking meeting at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central).

Here's an email-excerpt from Eldon Kibbey, our moderator:

Greetings

Our last 2005 Transform Indiana meeting will be next Tuesday, December 13, 12noon - 2:00pm at Unleavened Bread Cafe at 30th & Central. Come join us for one of Elease's home-cooked delights, as we review the past year, and plan our activities for 2006. Much is planned in our community next year, and we want to support those efforts that embody the principles of Transform Indiana, and particularly those things which have been inspired by our efforts.

Blessings,
Eldon

Operation Starting Line...

2005-11-29T04:18:00.000-08:00

Another great element of CCDA for me, was getting to know leaders of other great collaborative initiatives underway elsewhere in the country which could also be applicable here in Indy & Indiana. One such leader was Paul Krueger, Navigators, who is working with Prison Fellowship and many other nationally-known evangelical ministries, toward a very collaborative approach to jail issues.

While our time together was so condensed, at least Paul was able to share a bit about "Operation Starting Line". Of course the name itself got my attention, as it probably would for every "Driven Christian in the Racing Capital of the World". But OPL isn't about the Indy 500, it's about a 'race against crime'... and not unlike the collaborative "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle" efforts we've advocated for, locally. [And word on the street is that the upcoming Governor's Conference on Volunteerism & Service (April 10-11, 2006), which we're participating in, will include a track for jail-related issues.]

Perhaps OPL is a great fit and we need to get involved.... [continued at OperationStartingLine.net]

Transformation Documentary Premiere

2005-11-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

You are invited to a premiere of the new transformation documentary An Unconventional War from our friends at the Sentinel Group. George Otis Jr. has just finished what has been described as one of the most powerful transformation documentaries to date. Here is an overview of the film.

For nearly two decades in Uganda the LRA leader Joseph Kony abducted over 25,000 children and turned them into sex slaves and killing machines. The resulting carnage has displaced 80 percent of the region’s population. This powerful new documentary: An Unconventional War chronicles how fervent prayer and unique church-state collaboration are finally taming one of history’s most brutal insurgencies. Heroes abound with real life scenes reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings.

Date: Friday, November 25, 2005

Time: 7:00pm

Host: New Wineskin Ministries

Location: 4501 West 38th Street (Southwest corner of Lafayette Road and 38th Street) Indianapolis, IN 46254

Cost: No Charge (Free will offering will be taken)

For More Info: Friends of Transformation steven.freeman@att.net or New Wineskin Ministries – Pam Thomas - 317-328-1800

Sentinel Group: http://www.transformnations.com/

Friends of Transformation
TransNet America

TI Meeting... Oct. 11... at OMS

2005-10-10T04:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings

Our October Transform Indiana meeting will be hosted by OMS International, 941 Fry Road, Greenwood (map) 317-881-6751, if you get lost.

Randy Spacht, Latin American Regional Director, for OMS International, will continue our Prison Ministry theme, by sharing about the work his ministry is doing in the prisons of Columbia.

Join with us next Tuesday, October 11th, from 12noon – 2:00pm (bring your own lunch).

Blessings

Eldon

Christian Emergency Networking

2005-09-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned at IndyChristian.com -- currently connecting Christian networks in the Indy/Indiana area, and to national Christian networks involved in emergency relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

"Faith, Hope & Love" coordinating pastor, Merlin Gonzales, can be reached at 372-7222. More information can be seen at Indiana Christian News.com.
The Indiana Office of Faith-based Initiatives is working with 'Hope Crisis Response Network'.
Nationally, Christian coalitions are networking via ChristianEmergencyNetwork.org, which is also closely affiliated with the Salvation Army.
And all the latest Christian news stories can be seen immediately via ChristianHeadlines.com.

Transform Indiana meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 12noon – 2:00pm.

2005-08-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Transform Indiana meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 12noon – 2:00pm.
Crossroads Bible College, 601 North Shortridge Road, 46219, 317-352-8736.

Map

Please join with other pastors & ministry leaders to discuss & to pray together about these issues, which have been placed before the Indianapolis community:

1. How do we fix the family?

2. How do we get churches to come out of their shells and get involved?

3. How do we get parents to step up, to listen to their kids, & not be afraid to set & enforce boundaries?

4. How do we get everyone to do their part to cure this now, not waiting on politicians, police or others?

5. How do we find & develop mentors for our young people, which is clearly part of the solution? Plenty of opportunities. Few volunteer mentors.

6. Jesus Christ is the answer. Prayer is needed. How do we get the faith community praying together to impact our society?

Please plan to attend this meeting, and invite your pastor, or the leader of your ministry!

Community Action: Families & Mentoring

2005-08-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

Transform Indiana has focused its recent meetings on the topic: Breaking out of the Jail Cycle, with a view toward solving the jail overcrowding problem that the Indianapolis Star has been writing about for over 2 years.

A recent "Call To Action" meeting, attended by some 400 from the Indianapolis community, was specifically focused on the recent shooting deaths of 5 teenagers.

Dr. John Perkins, at the July Transform Indiana meeting asked, and answered this question:
“What’s broken in America and we’re not fixing it?”
“Broken relationships with God, and with families, within the community.”

The following Action Items resulted from the discussions at these meetings:

Churches need to come out of their shells and get involved, if they are not already.
Parents need to step up: Listen to your kids. Don't be afraid to set & enforce boundaries.
Everyone... don't wait on politicians, police or others... we can do stuff to cure this now.
'Mentoring' is clearly part of the solution. Plenty of opportunities. Few volunteer mentors.
Jesus Christ is the answer. Prayer is needed.
Re-connect the faith community for impact.

Transform Indiana’s Scope of Ministry is largely directed at the last item:

Re-connect the faith community for impact.

Therefore, we have determined the following Action Steps:

Develop creative ways to facilitate connections between suburban & urban churches, as well as other organizations that are already working in the area of mentoring, such as Big Brothers / Big Sisters and Amachi
Consider a "mixer" at the CCDA Conference to introduce Indianapolis ministry people to each other
Help those to focus on building relationships before talking about specific projects
Develop creative ways to build teams that "take little steps, by faith" – start with community clean-up projects and other one-day activities, before setting up long-term projects
Develop accountability for each other, with each other

We will begin to implement these at the Transform Indiana meeting on Tuesday, September 13, at Crossroads Bible College. Our plan is to seat pastors, church leaders, and ministry leaders at round tables to discuss ways to implement the above-stated solutions. Our purpose is to facilitate connection of churches and other ministries, so that they can begin to build relationships, which will lead to partnerships in meeting needs.

The 2nd implementation will be a “speed dating” session at the CCDA Conference in November. http://ccdaindy.org/This will enable pastors and ministry leaders to meet up to 10 other leaders, in hopes of building lasting relationships which will lead to ministry partnerships.

Please plan to attend the September 13 Transform Indiana meeting, and invite your pastor, or the leader of your ministry!

Aug 9th: "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"

2005-08-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

August 9th, noon-til-2pm...
at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central - map).

We'll be continuing the topic of Christians coming together to make a greater collective impact in the name of Christ, as we seek to positively impact our neighbors & communities... now & forever.

We'll be following up on our previous TI & CCDA meetings, but also especially regarding what we heard at the "Call To Action" meeting called Aug.4th, by Christian leaders Olgen Williams, Mel Jackson and many others. [Here's a link to some of the reports from that great community meeting attended by more than 400 community pastors, leaders, the mayor, U.S. congresswoman, city council, etc.]

Come be with us for the 3rd jailbreak attempt.

Notes from "Perkins Jail-break"

2005-07-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"

Notes from Dr. John Perkins – 7/19/05 Transform Indiana meeting

The answer is – The Family!

Transform Indiana focused on "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle" for the second month, with Dr. John Perkins speaking on the subject.

He got straight to the point, by first, asking, and then answering the question, “What’s broken in America and we’re not fixing it?”

His answer: “Broken relationships with God, with the family, within the community.”

He emphasized the problems associated with no father in the home (some of these are detailed, below.)

Most of the men in prison come from fatherless homes. (85% of youths in prison grew up in fatherless homes.)

Dr. Perkins’ conclusion about solving the overall prison problem is that any solution that doesn’t fix the family won’t fix the problem.

The second issue that he addressed, was, “How do we solve the problem for the current 2.5 million people in prison?”

He assured us that all but 1-2% of those people would come back into society, so we need to deal with the issues of re-entry to society, and reduce recidivism.

He suggested a program with 10 people from a church visiting the same group of prisoners, say 25, on a weekly basis. The church should have a half-way house, operated by the same 10 people, which would house the released prisoners, provide them jobs, and assimilate them into their church,. He emphasized the importance of helping them to learn how to make decisions, in order for them to re-enter society

It is important for people coming out of prison to return to a neighborhood similar to the one where they grew up. This means that suburban churches will not be able to have the half-way house close to their church, so he suggested a partnership with an inner-city church, with, perhaps, 10 people from each church being involved. The suburban church could provide the funding for the half-way house located near the inner-city church.

The August 9 meeting of Transform Indiana will discuss ways of implementing these suggestions.

Eldon Kibbey
Moderator
Transform Indiana

The following information was copied from: http://www.fathersforlife.org/

It's Official: The Experiment Has Failed
For the best part of thirty years we have been conducting a vast experiment with the family, and now the results are in: the decline of the two-parent, married-couple family has resulted in poverty, ill-health, educational failure, unhappiness, anti-social behaviour, isolation and social exclusion for thousands of women, men and children.
From Experiments in Living: The Fatherless Family
By Rebecca O'Neill; Sept. 2002, CIVITAS
• 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.
[U. S. D.H.H.S. Bureau of the Census]
• 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.
• 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes.
[Center for Disease Control]
• 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes.
[Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 14 p. 403-26]
• 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes.
[National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools]
• 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes
[U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept., 1988]
• 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home.
[Fulton County Georgia Jail Populations and Texas Dept. of Corrections, 1992]
• Nearly 2 of every 5 children in America do not live with their fathers.
[US News and World Report, February 27, 1995, p.39]

What does this mean? Children from fatherless homes are:
• 4.6 times more likely to commit suicide,
• 6.6 times to become teenaged mothers (if they are girls, of course),
• 24.3 times more likely to run away,
• 15.3 times more likely to have behavioral disorders,
• 6.3 times more likely to be in a state-operated institutions,
• 10.8 times more likely to commit rape,
• 6.6 times more likely to drop out of school,
• 15.3 times more likely to end up in prison while a teenager.
(The calculation of the relative risks shown in the preceding list is based on 27% of children being in the care of single mothers.)
and — compared to children who are in the care of two biological, married parents — children who are in the care of single mothers are:
• 33 times more likely to be seriously abused (so that they will require medical attention), and
• 73 times more likely to be killed.
["Marriage: The Safest Place for Women and Children", by Patrick F. Fagan and Kirk A. Johnson, Ph.D. Backgrounder #1535.]

'Faith, Hope & Love' Week starts TODAY...

2005-07-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

'Faith, Hope & Love'... is a week long period starting today, July 24... helping neighbors in our community, followed by a festival to celebrate this annual event. [continue -- see how you can get involved]

Epiphany

2005-07-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

Epiphany
By
Pastor Becki Jenkins
Director
Missionary Connection
Founder of “C….. Mobile” Church on the move.

At some point in every life there is a pivotal moment that defines the next direction. We can either ignore it or do some hard searching with our L-rd to make a wise choice at the fork in the road we call a life altering epiphany. Something that can change our direction sharply leaving everything we have worked for in futility and in vanity to follow the real purpose for our lives. This can happen even if we are already serving the L-rd with all our hearts and all of our strength we may find ourselves in a life/service epiphany where our L-rd reserves the right to alter or change our direction in Him according to His will and purpose. This can be a very confusing or frustrating time as the L-rd reveals His new direction for us but rest assured it is His plan, His purpose and we do not always have to understand or see where it is all going but trust and obey with full confidence He knows exactly what He is doing with each soul that dares to just say yes. See http://mcconnect.blogspot.com/ for the complete article

Indiana Network of Prison Ministries?

2005-07-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

This directory-site seems like a fine idea. Thoughts anyone?

*************************
Or how about this?

July 19 -- Dr. Perkins... on "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"

2005-07-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dr. John Perkins, the founder and president emeritus of CCDA will be joining us as we enter the last few weeks before the national gathering here in Indy.

John M. Perkins is a sharecropper's son who grew up in Mississippi amidst dire poverty. Perkins fled to California when he was 17 and vowed never to return after his older brother's murder at the hands of a town marshal. However, in 1960, after his conversion to Christianity, he returned to his boyhood home to share the gospel of Christ.

His outspoken nature and support and leadership in civil rights demonstrations resulted in repeated harassment, imprisonment and beatings.

Despite dropping out of school in the third grade, Dr. Perkins has now received recognition for his work with seven honorary doctorates from Wheaton College, Gordon, Huntington, Geneva, Spring Arbor, North Park and Belhaven colleges. He is an international speaker and teacher on racial reconciliation, leadership and community development.

Dr. Perkins will be speaking on our continuing topic of "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle" at the noon-time Transform Indiana ministry networking meeting, rotating to the InterChurch Center, 1100 W. 42nd Street (map)... 2nd floor, Krannert Room. [And don't forget to stop by McD's on the way... BYOL.]

[Note: Earlier that day, Dr. Perkins will be speaking at the 'Community Faith Forum'... rotating to East 91st Street Christian Church (map). Everyone is also welcome to come (8am) to hear more about the Christian Community Development movement and how Indianapolis is being impacted! For further information, visit our CCDA Blog. ]

Our Secret? "B.Y.O.L."

2005-07-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Our regular Transform Indiana ministry networking lunch-time meetings are typically free, as we warmly welcome pastors, leaders and other Christ-followers who are anxious to make an impact in their city, community or neighborhood here in Indiana.

We create value through our network of relationships... despite having no operating budget. How can we do that, you ask? Our secret is carefully hidden in the acronym...

B.Y.O.L... Bring Your Own Lunch.

This is a 'serious working-lunch bunch'. **smile**

So stop by McD's or somewhere on the way, bring your lunch... and we'll eat, mingle, listen and work... making the most of our time together.

The monthly dates are announced here at the TransformIndiana.com site, as well as the location... as we intentionally try to rotate the meeting throughout the Indianapolis metro area... and even sometimes to nearby cities.

We look forward to meeting you and working together in the name of Christ.

Today's national CityReaching telecon...

2005-07-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

I took some (great, if I say so myself, LOL) notes during today's Mission America national teleconference call among veteran city-reachers around the country.

Got some terrific ideas from some of these vets...

[continued at CityReaching Blog]

First Jail-break Attempt...

2005-06-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

50 pastors & ministry leaders convened at Crossroads Bible College for the first of a series of discussions and planning sessions aimed at "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle".

Eldon Kibbey, Transform Indiana moderator, noted that from the outset, the TI ministry networking effort has noted and prayed about impacting our community's jail-overcrowding issue... and related community impact issues. Yesterday's meeting was the first step toward bringing the collective network of concerned ministries together to chart a path toward practical ways of impacting the issues... together in the name of Christ.

Dr. Morris Jones welcomed everyone on behalf of the college, whose unique mission is notably to "Train Christian leaders to reach a multi-ethnic urban world for Christ". Dr. Jones introduced a number of staff & faculty, including Dr. John Crabtree, director of the new accelerated degree program specifically aimed at helping pastors and ministry administrators finish their college degree as quickly as possible. Hosea Baxter, the Academic Dean participated on the panel, notably to collect feedback as to how to best equip the college's 300 students to help meet urban problems related to the topic at hand. Many of the college's 'students' are already involved in area churches & ministries as seasoned pastors & leaders, now pursuing an accredited college degree.

A special panel of professionals was assembled for yesterday's meeting, including pastors, educators, jail ministry experts, community leaders, former inmates, and an official from the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Admittedly a complex issue, yesterday's focus was to provide an overture of the many facets of this issue at hand.

A recurrent message heard from pastors & former-inmates alike... "Only changed hearts can really make a real, lasting impact... and Jesus Christ is in the heart-changing business."

Doris Woodruff-Filbey from the Department of Corrections gave an overview of the situation, and discussing how pastors, churches and community leaders could get involved, citing a number of programs or resources listed at the DOC's website. She said right now the ratio of offenders-to-chaplains was appx 600:1. She also cited a number of other metrics used by the department to chart progress.

Don Hopper, Olgen Williams, Rev. Mel Jackson and Pastor William Bumphus rounded out the panel, giving their various perspectives on the issues, then answered questions from the audience, many of them also ministry leaders or former offenders.

Rev. Jackson cited the need to keep 'men' involved in their homes -- "It takes a man and a woman to properly raise a child. Once the man is out of the home, the child is more likely to get involved in gangs."

Mr. Williams went on to say, "By age 13 or 14, youth who have joined gangs have effectively conceded that they will spend a life in and out of prison. Our job is catch them before they fall prey to gangs... and eventually, hardcore prisoners. Young people think they know killers, but when they get to prison, suddenly they find the real hardcore killers have been locked up... and waiting on them."

The local prosecutor's office encouraged pastors and churches to get involved, but to also be aware of the con-games offenders play even as they go to trial... such as bringing sympathic well-meaning Christians to court knowing it will intensify pressure on victims, often young victims, who then have to testify in front of a packed courtroom.

Another point of concensus was that Christians involved in jail ministries should seek out training to help prepare them to be most effective in their various jail-related ministries.

Bottom Line:

"Most of the people I meet in prison, are
searching for someone to love them."

"And Jesus Christ is the answer you can take them,
and model for them."

Next Month, Tuesday, July 19th... Dr. John Perkins, founder of CCDA, himself a prisoner during the civil rights era of the 60's, will be in Indianapolis to be with us, and address the topic.

June 14: "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"

2005-06-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Distinguished panel addresses breaking the cycle of jail and prison overcrowding

Indianapolis – Former Montgomery County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Don Hopper, will lead a panel of distinguished guests in a discussion of overgrown inmate populations,

When: Tuesday, June 14
12 noon – 2 p.m., BYOLunch

Where: Crossroads Bible College
601 N. Shortridge Road

This Transform Indiana meeting hopes to identify opportunities and strategies for city government leaders and a variety of ministries working with inmates to break the cycle of ever increasing inmate populations and thereby improve the prospects for all of our lives. A question and answer session among all in attendance will follow the panel discussion.

The panelists are:

Mr. Hosea Baxter, V.P. of Academic Affairs
Crossroads Bible College

Pastor William Bumphus, Founder
Jesus Inside Prison Ministry

Reverend Melvin Jackson, Pres./CEO
Westside Community Ministries, Inc.

Mr. Olgen Williams, Exec.Director
Christamore House

Reverend Doris Woodruff-Filbey,
Acting Director of Religious Services & Community Involvement
Indiana Department of Corrections

Don Hopper is a former welfare caseworker, probation officer, criminal justice planner, practicing attorney and pastor. He is currently founder and president of Oasis Leadership Services. He has been involved in prison ministry for over 25 years.

Is your child really safe?

2005-05-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Missionary Connection
Becki Jenkins
Director/President
www.http://mcconnect.blogspot.com/

Thousands of children are missing each year. Out of 70,000 children missing last year less than 2,000 were located using the Amber alert system. While the Amber alert system is very good,everyone knows that time is of the essence when trying to recover a lost child or loved one. Introducing a new companion to the Amber Alert system called Pre Amber Alert! While Pre Amber Alert is not affiliated with the oragnizational structure of Amber Alert it is celebrated as a very useful tool in conjunction with Amber Alert. please go to : www.preamberalert.com/4indiana for more information on this time honored and critical child/family protection program. Your childs life may depend on it!

Does your child know what a good touch is vs. a bad touch? DO you know how to talk to your children about such things? Thousands of children are molested in this country between the ages of 5-16 and 98% are molested by people they trust and know. It is time we educated our little ones and we need to know what is going on too. A blind eye protects no one! Molestation leaves scars that last a life time. Isn't it time we stopped it before it starts?

Having survived this type of abuse and living with the scars it created, i wish this program existed when it was happeneing to me. G-ds word tells us that His people die for lack of knowledge. Some of us do not want thier children exposed to things that might elude to sex or sex education. Beleive me I understand. But parents, if we don't teach them someone will and they may not teach G-ds view. It is up to us to protect our little ones and it is up to us to give them the tools to do so. This means we have to learn first and then take control of our little ones education from academics to sexuality and everything that may come with. If you would like more information or would like a presentation at your church or school, please contact Becki Jenkins at : becki5789@msn.com. There is no time like the present.

2005-05-17T11:10:00.000-07:00

Time Out to Just Hang Out!

Becki Jenkins

Director/President

Missionary Connection

Busy,Busy,Busy…..doing for the L-rd because He is and we love Him so much!
Anyone ever feel like you are a run away train with no breaks!? Sometimes in ministry it can feel like that. Especially, when you have a clear vision of where G-d is taking you. Sometimes you can get so engrossed and driven that there is no time for anything else even time with our precious L-rd…..

see the rest of the story at: www.http://mcconnect.blogspot.com/

Next TI Admin meeting... Tues, Apr.26, 3pm

2005-04-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Our next TI Leaders meeting is THIS Tues, April 26, 3:00-4:30pm... at Eldon's place.

Call for further info if needed... 871-4098.

Looking forward to praying and planning together.

The gift of giving...

2005-04-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

By
Becki Jenkins
President/Director
Missionary Connection

The lost art of giving for the sake of it has been lost. How can we get it back in a society that is stuck on me…me….me. As Christians we are taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, so why is it hard for us to grasp Jesus words when he said, “ Sell all your goods, give it to the poor and follow me…” Again in Acts 2: 45 it speaks of the followers of Christ selling all and giving it to any in need but what of the disciple of today?

view the rest of the article at : http://mcconnect.blogspot.com

National Day of Prayer & Global Day of Prayer

2005-04-14T04:44:00.000-07:00

National Day of Prayer, May 5th....

Indiana link... http://NDP-IN.org

And Global Day of Prayer, May 15th...

Indiana link... http://globaldayofprayerin.blogspot.com

Tom? What else should we know?

Blogging the National City Impact Roundtable...

2005-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

What a great opportunity, to come be with 115 city representatives from around the country & globe. It's too awesome to blog... but we're trying... at CityReaching.org -- now hosting the new NATIONAL city reaching blogsite, by Mission America Coalition.

Guess where?

[Click pic to continue the day-to-day blogging during the national roundtable.]

Meeting Moves To Lafayette... May 5th

2005-04-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Our May (5th) meeting of Transform Indiana ministry network is for the first time moving our monthly gathering out of the Greater Indianapolis area, to another city-clusters of driven Christians. In this case, we'll be meeting with the Lafayette pastors/leaders there, on May 5th, after the National Day of Prayer Breakfast in Lafayette that morning.

Stay tuned for further details. Or contact Eldon Kibbey, Moderator.

Missionary Connection

2005-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Missionary Connection

Exciting Events

!New Worship Workshops! Right here in Indy! Check out the link below for more information...fantasic!

http://www.ipwc.org/registration_donation/registration.htm

Missionary Connection

2005-04-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Missionary Connection

Lap Tops for Missionaries

Need New or Used Pentium III or better Lap Tops for missionaries that travel ans need to stay connected. If you or someone you know can help.please Contact Pastor Becki Jenkins at 317-627-5813 or becki5789@msn.com

Noel Castellanos... Christianity Today article

2005-04-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Remember Noel Castellanos being here in Indy in February for our CCDA/TransformIndiana meeting? This week he showed up in Christianity Today in an article that will rock the way we do church. Definitely cool. Recall, Noel will be among other great city impacters coming in November for CCDA Indy 2005. [check out their CCDA Blog]

[excerpted from Christianity Today's featured articles this month]

In Divided by Faith: Evangelicals and the Problem of Race in America (2000), sociologists Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith argued that much of the racial dysfunction in the American church today is the result of an individualized theological worldview that blinds white evangelicals to certain societal injustices. The book's shocking assertion stirred debate and became a paradigm-shifting read for many evangelical leaders

[continued at ChristianityToday.com]

[hat-tip, Rudy Carrasco... UrbanOnramps.com]

[This particular issue of CT is a 'must-read' for all city impacters. And IMHO it will become a classic, as it's definitely thought-provoking, and may even offend our traditional experience of 'doing church'. While it has long been a core part of the culture & training at Crossroads Bible College, when you have major (white) players like Bill Hybels questioning his first 25 years of ministry, you know God is working in unbelievable ways to pull the Church together. ...Neil]

Two Opportunties To See Tibbels... April 5th

2005-03-31T04:23:00.000-08:00

Photo, U.S. News & World Report

"Brick by Brick, He Fights the Inner-city Blues"

The Tibbels are coming to Indy for the 'Faith Community Forum' and 'Transform Indiana'.

Don't miss them... In fact, please feel free to attend both of these events:

* "Faith Community Forum" [continue for details] RSVP Required by April 1st.

* Our Transform Indiana lunchtime meeting at the Unleavened Bread Cafe, 11:30 til 2pm. No reservation needed.

Yesterday's National City-Reaching Call...

2005-03-18T04:56:00.000-08:00

One of the great ideas that we could easily use in several of the metro areas here in Indiana, was... [continued at CityReaching.org]

MAC's City-Reaching Call... Tomorrow...

2005-03-16T05:09:00.000-08:00

Just a heads-up for any of you 'city reachers' around the state: Tomorrow's the regular monthly national call hosted by Mission America Coalition's 'City-Reaching' division. We've even helped start a blog for City-Reaching to accelerate the conversation and community-building among city-minded folks around the country. Tomorrow's topic is "Engaging Radio in City-Reaching" and will feature nationally-known Christian radio personalities... [Continue reading at CityReaching.org]

Btw, there are 3 other special calls each month -- check 'em out and see if you qualify and would like to participate. It's a tremendous (and free) opportunity.

April 5th... Allan & Susan Tibbels...

2005-03-12T05:18:00.000-08:00

Photo, U.S. News & World Report

"Brick by Brick, He Fights the Inner-city Blues"

The Tibbels are coming to Indy for the 'Faith Community Forum' and will also be with us for our 'Transform Indiana' meeting.

Don't miss them...

* for "Faith Community Forum" [continue for details]

* for our Transform Indiana lunchtime meeting at the Unleavened Bread Cafe, 11:30 til 2pm.

Connecting the Puzzle Pieces

2005-03-12T01:36:00.000-08:00

By Becki Jenkins, President/Director, Missionary Connection

Over the years, working in various ministry capacities, I have wondered why Churches, ministries, faith groups and outreach initiatives do not unite. As a whole, we as the collective body of Christ tend to do our own things in our own buildings in our own little spaces and claimed geographical territories with little connection with our brothers and sisters locally, nationally or internationally. It seems that every new Church, ministry or faith based group that pops up recreates the wheel, by duplicating outreach initiatives and resources, all acting as if there are none of these resources already available in their communities and that their particular ministry is didactically unique and singular in relation to the outside world.

[continue at Missionary Connection]

Tomorrow... March 8... Jimmy Dorrell...

2005-03-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

[Subsequent Note: See an updated report from this seminar & meeting at CCDA Indy Blog.]

Don't forget: The March 8th meeting of Transform Indiana will again coincide with the "Community Faith Forum" series. [continue]

City Reaching Telecon Calls Each Month...

2005-03-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

Just got off one of the national teleconference calls among city-reachers throughout the U.S.

[continued at "City Reaching Blog"]

Urbanizing - National Day Prayer TF/ Focus On The Family

2005-03-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

[subsequent note by IndyChristian, Editor]
***The brunch has been moved to the Indiana State Library, Authors Room.***

Submitted by: Tom Walker State Chair - Indiana National Day of Prayer

I am pleased to announce that Jim Weidmann will be coming to Indianapolis Indiana Monday, March 21 for a 10 a.m. brunch to be held at the conference room of the Governor’s Official residence. As State Chair of the Indiana National Day of Prayer, one of my key focuses has been on urbanizing the National Day of Prayer Task Force and Focus On the Family. A tall order you say? No not really. I just get out of the way and let God just do it.

I have been working on this project with my dear friend Hosea Baxter, Vice president of Academic affairs at Crossroads Bible College in cooperation with Dr Ware. Hosea is a powerhouse of a believer and a kindred spirit that I look forward to working with for many years to come. Together we are inviting urban pastors to come and meet with Jim Weidmann who has served as Vice Chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task force since 1997. In addition to his work with NDP, he is a Focus on the Family Executive Cabinet member and the host of The Family Night Guy, a radio feature with a weekly reach of over one million listeners. Jim has co-authored more than 15 books to teach parents how to pass their faith to their children, including his most popular series, the Family Night Tool Chest.

Jim has a sincere spirit for the inner city of America and abroad. His love for family runs deep and really appeals to those of this complicated world know as the family in urban America today. This, Jim's first official meeting in this capacity, (that I know of ) is deliberately geared for urban America and on this trip specifically its pastors. I look forward to having Jim Weidmann and our dear friends Shirley and James Dobson come and visit Indianapolis again very soon.

Know this. A deliberate change is coming. More and more people are getting out of the way and letting God work through them instead of around them. God is pouring out His Spirit in a double portion for those willing to receive it. Do I see a few hands lifted up and hear a faint “Me, me, pick me!”? I’m sure I do. Be richly blessed.

For information regarding this gathering call Crossroads bible Collage at 317 352 8736

March 8th... Jimmy Dorrell, Mission Waco...

2005-02-27T06:08:00.000-08:00

The March 8th meeting of Transform Indiana will again coincide with the "Community Faith Forum" series. This time, the special guest speaker will be Jimmy Dorrell, from Mission Waco. He'll speak in the morning for the forum (open to the public), and then will join us for our lunchtime meeting of Transform Indiana (from noon til 2pm).

[Here's his bio -- it's incredible what all he's doing and who's boards he serves on. It's great to having him coming to Indy!]

The meeting rotates to Neighborhood Fellowship on east 10th street, where Outreach Indiana is co-located. It should be yet another great meeting. [Thanks Scott & everyone involved with CCDA Indy 2005, for collaborating like this, to impact lives & communities in the ONE name of Christ!]

See you all on the 8th.

Tippecanoe Community Impact Workshop

2005-02-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

An Action Item at the Midwest City Impact Roundtable in October 2004 was to set up regional meetings around the State of Indiana, in order to connect people involved with transformation ministry.

The first of these meetings, called Community Impact Workshops, has been scheduled in Lafayette, IN, on Wed, March 30, 2005. It will serve Tippecanoe and the surrounding 7 counties (Fountain, Warren, Benton, White, Carroll, Clinton, and Montgomery.)

The invitations are not restricted to these counties, so all of you are welcome, but the Panel members, and other speakers will focus on regional matters.

Please forward this email to anyone on your list who would be interested in coming, or would be interested in a Community Impact Workshop in their area. This is the only way that this information will be disseminated, because I do not have an extensive statewide mailing list. Part of the idea of these meetings is to develop the network of Transform Indiana.

I look forward to seeing you at a Community Impact Workshop in your area.

Blessings

Eldon
http://www.transformindiana.com/

Eldon E. Kibbey
Director
CBMC Indiana
P.O. Box 68208
Indianapolis IN 46268-0208
317-871-4098
http://www.cbmcindiana.com/

Tentative Schedule

Tippecanoe Community Impact Workshop
Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005

Lafayette, IN

Location – City Center Holiday Inn Select
Downtown Lafayette, IN
Scope: Tippecanoe & 7 surrounding counties
Purpose: Invite mayors & other city officials, church leaders, business & professional leaders, educators, and any others who are interested in discovering faith-based solutions to community problems
Schedule
11:30-12:30pm Lunch – either provided or on own
12:30pm Opening Prayer
Introductions
1:00pm Panel discussion presenting community issues
Mayor of Lafayette
IN Legislature member
US Rep Steve Buyer?
3 Clergymen
` 2:00pm Roundtable discussion, brainstorm solutions
3:00pm Feedback – consider actions
3:30pm Break – snacks
4:00pm Roundtable – focus on specific tasks
5:00pm Feedback – develop action plans
5:30pm Assign responsibilities – set teams & accountability
5:45pm Closing Prayer
Cost – to be determined

Boler Concepts is Blogging Finally

2005-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Thank's Neil

I am ready to start. Now that I be Blogging my ministry can take flight with the prayers and support of the great people that are now part of TI.

TI Planning Meeting... Tues, Feb.22...

2005-02-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder: Those who are actively involved in reaching our cities throughout the state, and who can spare a couple of hours Tuesday afternoon, to pray & plan together... you're welcome to join us at 3:00pm. [...at Eldon's conference room, here in Indy near 86th on Georgetown. Call him at 317-871-4098 for directions or further info.]

Had to laugh when I got his note, and attached agenda. Eldon is proposing that we start our agenda with a "Moment of Silence" ...silencing our cell phones, that is. **LOL**

Speaking of phones... we may also be discussing starting a statewide teleconference call each month, for the sake of communications with city-reachers throughout Indiana. Some of us participate nationally in such a teleconference call, and it works great! Helps get everyone on the same page, so to speak. Usually we have a guest speaker on the call... and lots of Q&A. In fact, lately people have enjoyed it so much they've been calling in early, just to chat beforehand, and get to know one another a little better. And we've moved to WEEKLY teleconference calls, with differing subject-areas.

So those of you throughout the state that would be interested in hooking up once a month, let us know. Or if you'd like to also participate in the national calls, you'd be welcome. [Be at the meeting Tuesday and we'll talk.]

Today's National Teleconference Call

2005-02-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Today was the regular monthly teleconference call among city-reachers, hosted by Mission America Coalition's city-reaching unit. The special topic was "Women Involved In City-reaching", and featured 3 notable Christian women... one of which visited Indianapolis recently... [continue at CityReaching.org]

10 Bills Rekindle Abortion Debate

2005-02-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

[continue article at Indianapolis Star]

Stay in touch daily, with Christian news & comment coming out of Indianapolis, at IndyChristian.com.

More Counties Now Online...

2005-02-10T05:59:00.000-08:00

Miami County
Montgomery County (Crawfordsville area).
Clark-Washington Counties (Southern Indiana)
Vigo County (Terre Haute area)
Allen County (Ft. Wayne area)

See links in the RH nav-bar.

Hope all of you will alert your key contacts in those areas to email us and specifically ask to be listed as city-reaching contacts in their particular cities, communities or neighborhoods. As well, they may also become authorized bloggers at their county site in order to accelerate collaborative conversation toward better reaching their county/city for Christ... together.

[And hopefully, these county sites will become great connectors to key contacts who share the passion for greater prayer, care & share... community by community, and neighborhood by neighborhood.]

[As well, we'll list their info on the growing contact list at CrossroadsConnection.com in order to make it easy for others to contact/collaborate with them.]

Indiana Home Educators Events...

2005-02-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

Heads-up: There are some great events this month for Indiana's home educators... especially their 20th Annual Convention Feb. 25-26 in Indianapolis.

Noel Castellanos... Featured at the Next Meeting... Feb.15th...

2005-02-04T03:51:00.000-08:00

Noel Castellanos heads the Latino Leadership Foundation (Chicago).

"We believe that building the leadership capacity of emerging Latino leaders in the barrios of our nation is the key to more effective and dynamic ministry that will change lives and transform communities!"

"Our vision is to ignite a passion in the Body of Christ for reaching and transforming the barrios of our nation with the Gospel."

Noel is also integrally involved in CCDA... and will be coming to Indianapolis for the February 15th "Community Faith Forum"... and the Transform Indiana networking lunch.

Mark your calendars. Detailed information regarding the "Community Faith Forum" event is found at Leadership Foundation of Indianapolis. Location... currently both events are planned for Vida Nueva Church and Family Center 2801 West Washington Street (Southwest corner of Washington and Warman, map).

Please join us as we listen and discuss what the Lord is doing in the Latino community!

Community Faith Forum:
8:00 8:20 Coffee and Doughnuts
8:20 8:30 Welcome /Introductions and Prayer
8:30 9:30 Guest Speaker
9:30 9:45 Coffee Break
9:45 11:00 Panel Discussion Applications for Indy
11:00- 11:15 Announcements & Closing Prayer

Transform Indiana:
Luncheon meeting will follow at noon (til 2pm)! [BYOL -- Bring Your Own Lunch.]

Reminder: Tonight, Feb.3rd... City-focused Prayer Meeting...

2005-02-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

[Continue at IndyChristian.com]

St. Joseph - Elkhart Counties... Online...

2005-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

The South Bend / Elkhart area is now online. For those of our partners who have key pastor/leader type contacts in this area, please advise them we'd gladly send them official authorizations to post at this collaborative site... to facilitate 'connecting' for greater prayer, care, share in their cities.

Please advise me who to send such authorizations to. [I'll need their email addresses, as well as their names/contact info.]

One City, One Book? "City Impact"...

2005-01-31T04:23:00.000-08:00

Considering that our ministry coalition leaders are now a few years into the concept of city-reaching, and considering the many pastors & leaders we've talked with, conferences attended, books read... if you rolled them all up together into book form... it couldn't come out as great as "City Impact", by Daniel Bernard, Executive Director of Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. ($12)

At Transform Indiana meetings, we can hope to impact a few pastors & leaders for an hour or two. But imagine the 'city impact' if we get this book out into the hands of many folks around Indianapolis, for several hours of quiet reading and careful consideration!
Sure, buy a copy online or at a nearby Christian bookstore -- it's new, so if they don't have it, ask them to order it for you -- but then also recommend it for your favorite pastor [or better yet, buy 'em a copy]. Who knows just what God might do as a result of your actions?

"Tippecanoe... And Online Too"...

2005-01-28T04:30:00.000-08:00

A number of "Community Impact Workshops" are being set up over the next few months, for regions around the state. And one form of helping pastors & leaders connect within those regions will be to proliferate county blogsites to connect and expedite the growing conversation among such community-reachers.

Tippecanoe County is the first such site. The objective of course is to help our county friends there to get authorized online to maintain the site, and to promote 'community-reaching' in their area, for the cause of Christ.

Your comments would be welcome... especially if you'd like to help expedite the launching of yet more county sites throughout our state.

YBIC,
Neil

Transformation Includes Saving Lives...

2005-01-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

"From the beginning, God told Adam & Eve to be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth... and Christ redemptively reiterated our command to be spiritually fruitful... "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you"... which included... "I have come that you may have LIFE and have it to the full". As a result, we easily recognize that true transformation inherently includes the protection of those who can little protect themselves... including the elderly... the disabled... and all children... including unborn children." [continued at LovingChange.com]

Missionary Connection

2005-01-25T01:26:00.000-08:00

Missionary Connection

Accepting Donations

Missionary Connection is now accepting donations for computers,software,hardware,cell phones,medical supplies,cars,trucks,semis,buses,VCR's and monitors to be shipped over seas and to be used here in the USA for missionary needs in the USA and abroad. Financial donations are also being accepted for shipping cost and direct donation to missionaries in need. For a comprehensive list of the needs and the missionaries that financial support will be going to,please contact Becki Jenkins,director at 317-471-0156 or becki5789@msn.com. When e-mailing please identify in the subject: Missionary needs. Thank you and may G-ds peace be upon you!

Missionary Connection

2005-01-25T01:15:00.000-08:00

Missionary Connection

Go to this site link. Intercession News! Come join in brotherly love,one with another on one accord!

The Externally-Focused Church...

2005-01-20T04:30:00.000-08:00

Eric Swanson

"If your church pulled out of your community, would your community weep? Would anybody even notice? Would anybody even care? Questions like those are why pastors and congregational leaders around the nation are who are thinking differently about church. They have a growing awareness that effectiveness is not measured by what happens inside the church but by the impact the people in their church are having on their city or community. These are the externally focused churches. "

"The Externally-focused Church", January 28-29 -- featuring Eric Swanson.

"If we want to be the salt and light that we as the church were created to be, we have to do something different… we have to be something different."

Eric is known around Indiana for his articles, like this one... "10 Paradigm Shifts for Community Transformation", which are considered as foundational to the Transform Indiana ministry coalition.

Interested in transformation? Come meet for breakfast with Eric and some of the Transform Indiana team... Saturday morning, Jan.29, at the Unleavened Bread Cafe.... at 7:00am.

Missionary Connection

2005-01-14T02:03:00.000-08:00

Missionary Connection

School building needed

Please contact Darwin Burks, International Praise and Worship Center,at dburks@ipwc.org or 1-317-201-5773 if you have any information on a school building available in Indianapolis or surrounding areas. This is an international ministry that wiuld like to open a school for all ages. If you have questions about this ministry please contact Darwin Burks, minsitry leader.

Imagining Christ's Church In The City

2005-01-13T07:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a good article I thought everyone would benefit from.

Imagining Christ's Church In The City

Prayer Gathering! Feb.3rd...

2005-01-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

2005 promises to be another exciting year in Indianapolis and Central Indiana as we continue to seek God's transforming presence in our communities!

Please join us Thursday evening, February 3rd to seek the Lord's favor for our city. We will be gathering at the Marriott Downtown, 350 West Maryland (by the RCA Dome) at 6:00pm to begin praying together for Indianapolis! Meet us in the Florida Room for two hours of fellowship & prayer.

Gordon Murphy and Cheryl Cornelius will be joining us from the Chicago CCDA office as we prepare for hosting this annual gathering of ministries this November. We will be using this prayer gathering as a kick-off event for CCDA Indy!

[Submitted by Scott Truex, Leadership Foundation of Indianapolis]

[Remember: All citywide meetings & events for Christians are listed at... IndyChristian.com/events.htm .]

January 11th Meeting -- High Adventure !!!

2005-01-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

Our January meeting of Transform Indiana strategically collides with CCDA/LeadershipFoundation's "Faith Leadership Series". which will specially feature Eric Alexander.... world-class skier, climber, mountaineer... achieving his goals while playing an instrumental role in helping others to achieve their own. In May 2001, he defied all odds and scaled Mt. Everest with his blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer, for the first ever blind ascent of Mt Everest. [continued]

Blog Quiz for Pastors & Others...

2005-01-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

Take this short quiz to see if you qualify for the upcoming January 17th "Innovation Forum" on blogging & RSS feeds.

Net proceeds from the special forum on MLK holiday will specially benefit urban technology. What you take home that day may start benefitting your ministry for years to come.

Websites of Clay...

2005-01-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

A Call To Emergency Web Action...

"Websites of Clay"... post at LovingChange.com.

Christian Resource List re Disaster Relief...

2005-01-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.gospelcom.net/content/disaster/

[Also stay up to date via Tsunami Help blog.]

[hat-tip, Bill Bean Blog]

Visit http://www.somebodycares.org/tsumani.htm for a number of U.S. city-focused mercy ministries also reaching out to cities around the world.

Also see a call to emergency web action... at LovingChange.com .