an evolving mission statement for Christians in 2009

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AN EVOLVING MISSION STATEMENT FOR 2009: Opportunity Message Number One

To members of our world-wide history fellowship – Our 2009 opportunity to reach out now!

Theme: What is it that our Heavenly Father wants us to do in the recovery arena? Are we asking Him in the name of Jesus Christ what He would have us do, what our message should be, how to carry that message, and to whom that message should be carried? With those in mind, are we acting to glorify and serve God and His son Jesus Christ and pointing others to what the Word of God can tell them about our Heavenly Father, His will, Jesus Christ, and the gift of Holy Spirit?

Let’s start with the KJV Bible, just as Dr. Bob did; and here are three sets of important verses:

Ambassadors for Christ: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

Our Gift Ministries: And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Walking together with the love of God in the renewed mind in manifestation: Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, and after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love], I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. . . . And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 12:17-31; 13: 1-3, 13).


The Need and Opportunities in 2009 for Christian outreach in 2009 to those who want to hear: As those who have learned or are learning what Almighty God did for suffering alcoholics in the 1930’s when the pioneers sought him in abstinence, reliance, obedience, fellowship, love, and service, so it is time for all of us now to make that message clear and widely known. Unless we just want to be broken cisterns that hold no water. Very soon, we’ll be changing the history fellowship into an “I want to be a doer of the word, not a hearer only.” There will be specific appeals for your personal effort to reach out to newcomers, Christians, fellowships, churches, counselors, clergy, prisoners, the homeless, the despairing, and the bewildered and let them know exactly what they can do and expect if and when they decide to surrender their obsessions, turn to God for help, and believe for victory wherever they find themselves. “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” (Dr. Bob at page 181, Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., 2001)

More specifics to be suggested as we move forward in 2009 to the Southern California Conference on May 15-16, 2009 at the Mariners Church Community Center, in Irvine.

Gloria Deo

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